The cross country team looks to be off to a great start following several fast finishes at recent meets. Coming fresh off a second-place boys and fourth place girls finish at the First to the Finish Invitational featuring some of the top teams in the state, the team is in good shape to place once again at state.

Along with a new season came a fresh set of new faces. Sophomore Rithika Patnam, who joined the team this year, says although the practices can be quite difficult, the meets are fun. She decided to join cross country not just to get faster, but also for the “mental push” that she never had experienced before through sports. 

“You have to be very disciplined and strong,” she said, noting that although the practices can be hard, she is getting used to them.

In addition to new recruits, several subbies who ran last year continued this year. Freshman Daniel Song, who ran as a subbie last year, said while transitioning from two-mile to three-mile races was difficult at first, he said he’s “getting used to it after running it more often.”

With all the new runners, the team has found several ways to bond. Both the boys and girls high school teams have held several pasta parties so far. Held the night before a Saturday meet, these pasta parties are a great way to bond for both newcomers and team veterans.

Additionally, the boys and girls teams began coordinating dress-up days this year. The dress-up days are meant to raise awareness of meets and encompass a variety of extravagant themes, ranging from Sorority Girl Day to Suburban Dad Day.  

Along with team spirit, the team is looking for excellent results this season.

“We had a lot of high expectations going in, especially because we did really well last year,” said Junior Allie Kim, noting that the team “saw a lot of improvement, especially at the bigger meets we went to.”

She is hopeful that both the girls and boys teams make it to state, adding, “If we get some top finishes that would be really awesome too.” 

Junior Aryan Lalwani concurred, saying they “hope to place first or second in the state” this year.

With all the talent, dedication, and hard work, the cross country team seems set to perform extremely well this season. Best of luck at the upcoming sectionals and state!