Joshua Bell, a senior at Templeton High and a two-time California Division 3 state cross country champion along with a 19th-place finisher last year at the CHAMPS Sports Cross Country Championships at Balboa Park's Morley Field in San Diego, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss competing Sept. 16 in the Doug Speck boys sweepstakes race at the 42nd Woodbridge Cross Country Classic presented by ASICS America at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, Calif. Bell placed 40th in last year's sweepstakes race, covering the 3-mile layout in 14:34.7 at Great Park. He reflects on winning his season opener Sept. 9 at the Morro Bay Invitational and clocking 13:22.2 on a layout that Bell measured at 2.7 miles, but was reported as 2.5 miles. Bell also revisits competing last season at Woodbridge and analyzes his improvement since then, as he looks to join the group of 17 male athletes who have produced sub-14 performances on any of the 3-mile courses in meet history. He examines the offseason change in coaching staff at Templeton and the increased focus on team success this fall, with the Eagles pursuing a berth at the Division 3 state final for the first time in program history. Bell looks forward to the opportunity to compete against reigning Division 3 state champion Evan Noonan of Dana Hills High, as well as fellow all-state competitor Josh Chu of Ponderosa High in the Woodbridge boys sweepstakes race and knows the event will provide a valuable learning experience in preparation for the Nov. 25 state final at Woodward Park in Fresno. He also explains how several California male athletes will have more opportunities to compete in the spotlight this season following the significant losses to graduation experienced last year by Newbury Park High. Bell explains his motivation to eclipse the 15-minute barrier at Woodward Park, as well as being the top male athlete in the Central Section, regardless of division, in addition to capturing the Division 3 state title and earning All-America honors at a national championship meet in December. He also shares how significant it was to experience racing at a national level as a junior in an effort to construct his workouts in an effort to peak during the postseason.

WATCH LIVE WEBCAST SEPT. 15-16 OF 42ND WOODBRIDGE CROSS COUNTRY CLASSIC PRESENTED BY ASICS AMERICA