Behind sophomore Kelsey Santisteban, the California women's cross country team placed first in the season-opening USF Invitational on Saturday at Golden Gate Park. The Golden Bear men placed second in the meet.

The California men's and women's cross country teams open the 2012 season on Saturday, Sept. 1 at the USF Invitational at Golden Gate Park. The women's 5K race begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by the men's 8K event at 10:15 a.m.

Shayla Houlihan, one of the top steeplechasers in the United States, has joined the California track & field staff where she will assist with cross country and distance runners, Golden Bear director of track & field Tony Sandoval announced Wednesday.

Schedule | California's 10-meet cross country schedule for the fall 2012 season includes trips to Virginia and Wisconsin, plus an appearance on the Pac-12 Networks at the conference championships.

With points from Deborah Maier's third-place finish in the 10,000 meters at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships combined with top-20 team results at the NCAA cross country and indoor track & field meets, California placed 11th in the Terry Cra...