Makena Nakaji
Staff Writer
A new Mustang record, a sprained ankle, and the defeat of Redondo all led up to Costa’s victory at Palos Verdes.
Mira Costa’s boys and girls cross country teams placed first and second respectively in its first Bay League meet at Palos Verdes on Thursday. The boys team took first with 1:24:56, while girls took second after Palos Verdes in the team division, with 1:41:28.
“I was very satisfied with the team performance,” Calderon said.” Our best time last season was raced during League Finals, so for the team to come close to that time, so early was really good.”
The top performers in this meet were seniors Melia Chittenden and Caleb Llorin. Chittenden placed first in the individual girls division, with 19:07. Llorin raced 16:29 and placed second, after Redondo. Llorin also broke Costa’s PV Course record, which was previously 16:32.
“We had stellar performances,” Calderon said,” our guys ran really smart, and strategically and it payed off and we won the varsity level.”
An injured Michael Yaskowitz took eighth place, with 17:09. In the beginning of the meet, Yaskowitz twisted his ankle, but he persevered and finished the meet.
“Michael put in a gutsy performance, and for that I admire,” Calderon said.” His persistence shows me his commitment and desire to run.”
Assistant coach Jeff Atkinson said time doesn’t matter in comparison to flatter courses because the course runs 90 seconds slower than a flat course. He also said the strategy for Costa runners was to run the first two miles at the same pace, until the last mile, and then start making moves.
“This course favors the tough,” Atkinson said.” The team needs to be willing to go deep when they have to.”
Palos Verdes is known for their tough hilly terrain, making it one of the more difficult courses Mustangs have faced. One challenge runners faced during the Palos Verdes meet was Agony Hill. It is the third hill at the Palos Verdes High School Cross Country Course, and is the steepest of all three.
“Agony hill is always treacherous, but we were prepared mentally and physically,” Calderon said,” It’s always good to work on our speed, and hills.”
The Mustangs’ next meet is the Mt. Sac meet, taking place at Mt. Sac, on Oct. 22. Costa will be competing against teams such as Loyola, Great Oak, Dana Hills, and West Ranch. Mt. Sac’s 3 mile is one of the most well-known courses in the world. “Valley Loop”, “Switchbacks”, “Poop Out Hill” and “Reservoir Hill” are the names of parts of the course runners will be facing.
“Mt. Sac is very similar to Palos Verdes,” Calderon said.” The hills aren’t as intense, so the team will be ready.”
Leave a Reply