Christopher Caudillo, a senior at Clovis High and the reigning California state champion in the 1,600 meters, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss competing Sept. 16 in the boys sweepstakes race at 9:54 p.m. PDT at the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic Presented by ASICS at Great Park in Irvine. Caudillo examines how California male athletes have won all 18 sweepstakes titles since the races were added to the schedule in 2003, and the challenges he will face from Rendon Kuykendall of Hope Christian in New Mexico, along with Utah standouts Tayson Echohawk of Orem and Liam Heninger of Mountain View, as well as teammates Tyrone Gorze and Josiah Tostenson from Crater High in Oregon. He reflects on securing sixth place last year in 14:09.3 on the 3-mile layout at SilverLakes Sports Complex and the potential to become the first competitor at Great Park to eclipse the 14-minute barrier, joining 10 other athletes in meet history who have achieved the feat at other venues. Caudillo revisits his 9:07.7 effort Aug. 13 at the Fleet Feet Summer Sizzle on the 2-mile layout at Woodward Park in Fresno, an improvement of more than 20 seconds from last year and the fastest performance ever by a prep athlete on the course. He explains how meaningful it would be to become the first Central Section athlete since Bakersfield Stockdale's Blake Haney in 2013, as well as the first competitor from the Clovis area since Buchanan's CJ Albertson in 2011 to secure victory in the Woodbridge sweepstakes race. Caudillo reminisces about capturing the state 1,600 title May 28 in 4:10.72 at Buchanan High's Veterans Memorial Stadium in Clovis, and the emotional challenges that came with competing in June at New Balance Nationals Outdoor at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. He expresses gratitude for being able to train consistently during the summer after overcoming several nagging injuries last year, as well as appreciating the support of coach Eloy Quintana and his teammates. Caudillo also analyzes the landscape in California, with Newbury Park moving back to Division 2, and his potential path to a Division 1 state cross country title Nov. 26 at Woodward Park, along with competing Dec. 3 at a national final.

WATCH LIVE WEBCAST OF WOODBRIDGE CROSS COUNTRY CLASSIC PRESENTED BY ASICS SEPT. 15-16