Pahrump Valley's cross country team, bolstered by 13 freshmen and led by three-time Nevada Class 3-A champion McKenzie Dean, opens its 2008 season Saturday in the Labor Day Classic at Palo Verde High School.

The first of several grade-level 2.5-mile races starts at 8 a.m. on campus.

Coach Andy Andersen's team will compete for Sunset Region Southwest Division Class 4-A laurels this fall.

The 13 freshmen are Mason John, Micah Nauck, Nathaniel Jacobi, Andrew White, Josh Wohltman, Justin Gent, Jerry Dillon, Angel Contreras, Brent Meads, Audrey Rader, Katie Visconti, Amy Velosco and Katie Canino.

Sophomores are Nick Stearns, Elliott Owens, Ben Rencher, Brittani Harris and Concheta Koller. Juniors are David Jacobi, David Binderim, Chris Herring and Angelica Encinas.

The seniors are Dean (state champion in 2005, 2006 and 2007), Stephanie Andros, Katie Anderson, Ashlee Wolf, Josh Armendariz, Dylan Dance, Daniel Spradlin and Connor Chenevert.