Cross Country Strides For League Title This Season

Cross country is off to a great start this year. The team placed first in its league at both Kingsburg and Hanford meets, which is setting them up for success. Also, several runners have mentioned that their skills have improved since last season.

Just like any other sport, cross country is based off of a point system. The first place runner receives one point, the second place runner receives two points, and so on. So unlike most sports, the lowest score wins. 

Endurance and stamina are especially important when it comes to long distance running. The team builds strength at practices by doing both distance and speed work. They work on their three-mile run and 300s.

However, Chris Rosas, the senior captain, mentions that their practices have become easier to complete.

“Our practices are kind of easy for us, so we need harder practices,” stated Rosas.

All of the runners want to work on improving their times over the course of the season.

“My goal is trying to get my personal record from my freshman year to my senior year and compare them to see if I’ve improved or not,” explained senior Mari Vasquez.

However, faster times aren’t the only thing they aim to work on.

“A goal that I have set for myself is to have a better mindset when it comes to my patience and character,” said senior Carlos Avendano. “I also want to improve my mentality and passion in running.”

They all want to give it their best during practice and meets.

“I plan on having a bigger commitment to the team this year because last year I wasn’t as committed,” explained sophomore Mya Rosas.

They all have a unifying goal to win league this year, which will take place at Woodward Park on November 8th. 

“Last year it was a close battle between us and Dinuba winning league,” said Rosas. 

This year they hope to bring home the winning title.

Several of the runners plan on running after high school as well. Rosas plans on running for a college somewhere in California or Kansas and Mari Vasquez hopes to run for Fresno State in the coming years.

All runners in cross country are striving to get their own best times but also work together to get a good team score.

Avendano, as well as the others, only want what’s best for the team.

“I want to see all my teammates grow and improve so they can see what they have accomplished, which then makes them happy and also makes me happy,” said Avendano.