Cross Country Team is Sanguine for Almont League Season

ANHAYTE GUAJARDO
Staff Writer

As the hot weather progresses, the cross country team continues to practice and work hard for this upcoming fall season. Last year, the varsity boys placed fourth and the varsity placed third, advancing to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

“This year our goal is for [both varsity boys and girls] to win Almont League and for everyone to reach their personal best,” captain Luz Badillo said.

The team practices five days a week starting at 3:15 pm and ending around 5:30. Every day, the team either works on endurance or speed and according to the returning, athletes, the workouts have increased in difficulty.

“[I am] increasing the mileage for varsity this year, from three to five miles to this year’s five to six miles, in order for them to lower their time [in races],” Head Coach Sandra Rodriguez said.

The team began their first preseason race on Sept. 7 at the Bosco Tech Invitational located at the Santa Fe Dam, and came home with three medals. The last four races were canceled due to athletes from other teams becoming dehydrated and being taken to the hospital.

“Despite the heat everyone who ran looked strong, [and a] lot of new people got the experience they needed to go out and do [well],” junior David Hernandez said.

As the date for the first league race gets closer, Rodriguez and the team are very hopeful to beat their longtime rivals, the Schurr Spartans. According to Rodriguez, the team lost many seniors last year that were vital to the team. However, this year, they have gained new talent that will help aid them in battling Schurr and advancement to CIF.

“Being part of the team for the first time this year, I see a lot of unity and a lot of dedicated runners that will help bring this team to victory,” freshman Yaneli Guajardo said.