Homeschool student Ephraim Stites, pictured with coach Ray Cantu as Ephraim prepares to compete in the California Middle School Cross Country Championships, is a gifted runner.
The 8th grader started running at age 8 and subsequently ran three 5Ks. He also has run in two 10-mile races, placing 1st for his age division in 2017 and 2nd in 2018.