This season, the varsity cross country team has been largely successful. On November 15, the team headed up to Tallahassee to compete in their final race at the state championships in Apalachee Regional Park. Coming off of a top 10 finish at the state championships, they have successfully ended their season on a high. But for the athletes, and especially the seniors, running the last race of the season meant more than just another achievement.
“Running my last States with the team was honestly such a great experience,” senior Lucia Castillo-Rios said. “I’m so proud of this team for pushing throughout the season to get where it is today. I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with any other team.”
Before heading to states, the team won first place overall at the district championships, led by sophomore Alessandra Perez who was awarded district champion. Another win on their list of accomplishments this season was runner-up, or second overall, at the 3A Regional 4 Championship. Through the wins and losses this season, the team has so much appreciation for their coaches and the hard work that each athlete has contributed to their individual and team success.
Not only was the season successful on the courses they ran, but the team also felt very bonded through their traditions and the time they spent together. The unique traditions like the state championship ribbons and the matching team pijamas make potentially stressful experiences like state championship races special for them.
“My favorite memory from this season has been our New World race in Jacksonville where everyone did so well and either set a personal record or got a season’s best,” junior Kylie Fernandez said. “We were so happy seeing our coaches’ proud faces and it’s definitely a memory I won’t forget.”
The coaches themselves have expressed their pride for this year’s team and their perseverance through the highs and lows that the season brought them. For the seniors, the season proved to be even more emotional and challenging as they prepared to experience what is their last high school Cross Country season.
“Crossing that finish line and being with my team after pushing through the race makes all the efforts worth it,” senior Cristy Sanchez said.
