With their final race behind them, the Cerritos cross country team concluded its season with individual growth and team devotion. Since the start of August, 78 dedicated athletes have been practicing for their events, completing 11 outstanding races throughout the season.

Despite being an individual sport, the team’s hard work paid off when they qualified for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) competition. Freshman Lucas Vasquez said, “Running for CIF was fun with the team, it was truly unforgettable.” Senior Dani Romero added, “CIF was an amazing experience; the opportunity to participate for four years and share the final competition with the team made me feel truly fulfilled.” Beyond CIF, many runners saw personal improvement from their previous times by more than four minutes throughout the season.

Partnership and commitment are the foundation of the cross country program; athletes often honor their coaches for their support, stating that cross country coaches are the “best in the whole school” and act “more like family than just coaches.” The bond formed by training and competing in the same races builds tight-knit friendships that last beyond the finish line.
As the season concluded, Romero said, “Cross country not only taught more than running, it taught me leadership and opportunities; the encouragement and motivation from the team makes it all worth it. I’m glad I joined cross country and was able to make endless memories throughout.”

With a combination of fun, encouragement, and dedication, the Ohana family will continue to ensure success and community for years to come.