The 2014 YLHS cross country season has begun!

This past summer, the cross country teams practiced diligently for three hours a day, six days a week under extreme temperatures; there was no qualifying camp for them, only tireless practice. During the summer, beginning on July 7th, each cross country runner ran 30 to 40 miles every week to be physically prepared to race by the time school starts. Additionally, the top twenty selected runners were taken to the Big Bear Camp in August for high altitude and leadership training, as well as team bonding activities. Their dedication and hard work during the summer prove how fully prepared they are for the 2014 cross country season. “Both the boys’ and the girls’ varsity teams are the two strongest teams ever for our school,” said Dave Miller, the head coach for cross country, “The kids have been getting faster every race and the potential is unlimited due, in part, to a work ethic that is unparalleled.”

Both cross country boys’ and girls’ teams have established very high goals for this season. To maintain last year’s streak, both teams are looking forward to finishing in the top two in the Century Conference and advancing to the CIF Preliminary Race. The teams also want to be one of the top 16 teams from this race in order to advance to the CIF Division 3 Finals Meet. Furthermore, both have qualified for, and are participating in the State Cross Country Championships as their ultimate goal this year. One of the most outstanding upperclassmen runners, Sarah Cushnie (11) comments, “The team is doing the best it’s ever done. I am very excited for the season.”

In support of this claim, for the first time in school history, both the boys’ and girls’ teams are ranked in the CIF Division 3 cross country polls, with the boys’ team ranking 8th and girls’ team ranking 7th out of 200 schools. In addition to this incredible achievement, both teams have also won the Sweepstakes Award for the best all-around boys’ and girls’ teams of the meet.

Finally, all the preparation and hard work the cross country team has put in is coming to culmination as cross country season begins next week at League Preview. From there, the varsity teams will travel to Clovis, CA for an important race against the best teams in the state. After, the varsity teams will participate in the Mt. Sac Invitational and finally the League Finals Meet. If all goes as planned, the varsity teams then begin the post-season CIF meets in November and then compete in the State Championship meet Thanksgiving weekend in Clovis, CA.

The YLHS cross country program is looking forward to having another successful season. Go Mustangs!