Bonsall runners compete in Cross Country CIF San Diego Sectionals

Heather Holdo & Sara Barclay

Writer/Interns

Bonsall High School’s cross country team competed at Morley Field in San Diego for the CIF San Diego Sectionals on Nov. 17. Led by team captain Austin Alanis, the boys placed eighth and the girls placed sixth overall for Division 5. Unfortunately, this was not a high enough placement to send the team back to the CIF State Finals this year. Officially ending their cross country season, the students on the team had only positive things to say about the progress they’ve made and their hopes for the future.

Isabella Ford of the girls’ team said, “We all did our best and finished strong, leaving nothing on the course except sweat and footprints.” Alanis added, “We did the best we could. We did not do as good as last year, and that’s for a variety of reasons, one being that we had a few inexperienced members on the varsity team this year. We also lost some members of the varsity team throughout the season. Overall, though, I’m very proud and very happy with how we did. The ones who made it were the most dedicated, most committed team members I’ve been able to run and train with. And as captain, to see them grow and improve throughout the season made me feel honored, fulfilled, and made my heart palpitate.”

The team hopes to perform even better next year with the addition of new runners to the ever-expanding school. “I recommend everybody who wants to join a sport, but isn’t ready for the commitment of cross country, to join track in the spring. It teaches discipline, resolve, and loyalty, as well as mental and physical strength,” continued Alanis, in an effort to explain the benefits of the sport for those in search of an athletic outlet.

Not only does cross country serve to improve one’s physical and mental state, but it also brings students together and helps them form friendships. Boys’ runner Hunter Robillard elaborated, “I would say we are close. Sharing a commitment, practicing every day, doing the same routines and messing around, and then going to meets brings us together because we are all supporting each other. Everyone on the team considers it to be a second family. People joke around and have fun and we all care about each other. Also, just like a family, after meets, we all go get dinner.”

Practices after school allowed the team to improve upon their stamina for such long-distance runs, as well as work on their pacing. In spending so much time together running under the heat of the sun, the team has formed strong bonds, encouraging each other to push themselves and never give up. It’s this kind of attitude that ensures Bonsall High students that one way or another, the team will ultimately find its way to state, earning the honor of the prestigious award that is well-deserved.