The cross country team prepared for its first meet Sept. 8 by focusing on both physical and mental workouts in Big Bear during the team’s annual retreat.
“Big bear is always a great bonding experience,” captain Jonah Ring ’18 said. “I think it not only helped bring the team closer together, but the altitude and intense training provided an opportunity to increase everyone’s physical and mental fitness going into the season.”
Traditionally, the varsity team goes to Big Bear for six days each year before the season starts.
Runners value the trip, saying that it allows them both to connect with older team members and to bond with the new members joining the squad.
“The squad lost depth after graduating multiple key runners, including varsity scorers and the team captains,” Keon Mazdisnian ’19. “However, the team intends on increasing workouts and changing locations to prepare for the season and for meets against powerhouses such as Loyola”
Additionally, the team plans to continue to uphold its long-established culture and values, Lila Cardillo ’18 said.
“Last year’s graduating class had a huge positive presence on our team,” Cardillo said. “This year, the team, as a whole, will definitely work to keep up their traditions and channel their enthusiasm and drive for the sport.”
The squad lost many runners but was stocked again with new freshman.
The girls’ team hopes that they can win the Mission League title once again and quality for both CIF-SS and state finals.
“I think that it will be a great season to focus on making sure everyone is working their hardest in aspiring to be a scoring varsity member,” Cardillo said.
While the girls’ team captured the Mission League title last year, the boys’ team fell just short, coming in second place in the Mission League.
The boys placed fourth at Division IV CIF-SS and ninth place at the state level.
“I want to see both the boys’ and girls’ teams running in the California State Meet and ranking highly,” Cardillo said. “Most of all, though, I want everyone to have a season that they’re proud of.”
The boys previously took the Division IV CIF-SS title in 2015, and are looking to win another CIF title this season.
“As a team, we have the same goals we have every year – we’re always trying to get the league victory, win CIF and the State meet,” Andrew Shibuya ’19 said. “I want to do everything I can to help us reach the goals that we’ve set as a team.”
