Cross Country Strives for Top Spot in League

JIMMY TANG
Copy Editor

The Almont League final on Nov. 3 at Legg Lake will mark the conclusion of the varsity cross country team’s competitive season. This race will serve as the team’s final effort toward securing a top spot in the league.
Based on their previous results, the varsity boys are ranked third in league, while the varsity girls are ranked fifth. Because this race serves as their final opportunity to improve their scores, the team is stressing the importance of performing consistently in order to outlast their competitors.
“I feel the team’s progress is where it should be [based on] the way we practiced. Everyone is improving slowly and is on pace for their fastest race which will be at league finals,” varsity Co-Captain Andrew Torres said.
Despite the changes, including the addition of their new coach, Sandra Rodriguez, the team has the benefit of having dedicated runners who are willing to listen to and learn from the advice they are given from their mentors and teammates. It is because of this positive relationship between the runners and their coach that the team has been able to bring in strong scores for a majority of their season.
“We all communicate and argue with each other but that’s the whole point of our team. We shout to give our runners the strength to keep going,” varsity Co-Captain Joanne Tan said.
The team is hoping to leave an impression on their competitors at the league finals in order to demonstrate the countless hours of practice they have dedicated toward the sport. Although neither varsity nor JV were able to gain a first-place ranking in the Almont League this year, the improvements they have made in regards to their mental and physical capabilities show not only a promising future for the runners who will be returning next year, but also an exemplary story that proves that success comes to those who work hard toward their goals.