By Ching Yuen, staff writer
In a highly anticipated matchup, the Cross Country team took on Lowell and Washington, on Wednesday Nov. 2, 2022, matching up the 3 schools that had won all of their respective meets prior to the race. Unfortunately, the boys varsity team fell short, taking second place with a final score of 31 against Lowell’s 24 and Washington’s 81. Meanwhile, the girls varsity team placed last with a final score of 61 against Lowell’s 27 and Washington’s 42. In cross country, the top five runners from each team count towards the point total (1st place = 1 point) and the lowest scoring team wins.
Despite the loss, the team produced numerous breakout performances; most notably, junior Noelle K. broke the school record for the 5K (3.11 miles) with a time of 19:36; senior Mathias C, the league fastest runner for the boys this season, also set a new personal record (PR) of 17:02.
Coach Braund was delighted with the performances, “Today was amazing. Our 1 to 10 guys were the fastest all season and Noelle ran a school record. This was absolutely amazing and everyone did well. We only lost by a couple points which is good going into All City.”
While the team was unable to pull off the upset, the runners remained uplifted and spirited. Noelle K. says, “I felt really good because…my focus was higher and mindful of my pace. I was able to keep my cool and stayed relaxed. I felt more determined [during the race]. I remember last year that was also my goal to break it. I am more happy about my time and improvement. [However,] running is more than your time. It is about strengthening my mentality and appreciating the support from my teammates.”
Junior Niki L. finished the race with a time of 22:57, beating her personal record by 1:05, “The weather made it easier and there are lots of fast people so it’s easier to go faster,” Niki also credits her teammate, “I ran with Sofie (PR 23:23) a lot so she led me to run a good time.” Sophomore Sofie G. suggests, “I do better running with Lowell and Washington because it is more competitive.”
Sophomore Shepard P. also set a new PR with a time of 17:42 and remains hopeful, “I think if we all try we can pull off a miracle and put an end to Lowell’s win streak.” Sophomore Selah T. (25:54) shares the same feeling, “I felt like it was exhausting but it was worth it. It doesn’t really feel bad because in the end the only opponent is yourself.”
After two months of training and hard fought competitions, the cross country season is coming to an end soon. With only one more league meet against Burton and Wallenberg on Tuesday Nov. 8, 2022, the Lions are making one last push to prepare for the All-City championship on Wednesday Nov. 16.
View full results on Athletic.net: athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/215432/results
