March 28, 2024

Cross Country places second and fifth in CIF Finals

Makena Nakaji

Staff Writer

Mira Costa’s boys and girls cross country team raced into the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF)  Finals on the Riverside Golf course.

Costa’s boys and girls cross country team both placed second and fifth at the CIF Finals, on Saturday. The girls team finished the team division with an average of 18:05, placing fifth behind Ventura. While the boys team finished with an average time of 15:18, placing second behind Ventura.

“We gave it our all, and we were able to leave it all on the field,” boys cross country coach Roberto Calderon said. “The boys raced hard, and stayed strong throughout the meet.”

The top performers were seniors Caleb Llorin and Melia Chittenden. Chittenden placed first out of 169 runners, with 16:49, a personal record. Llorin raced 14:52 and placed third out of 171 runners in their heat.

“I feel that the team did really well,” said Calderon.” We focused on doing hills, and our tempo, so we’re running at a progressive run, so we ready for this meet.”

Girls cross country coach Renee Smith said the strategy for the girls was for Chittenden to break off early.

The girls have been working really hard,” Smith said.  “The girls performed really well, and it gave them confidence to know they can perform well.”

The boys strategy was to use their top performers in order to get the best result.  The lineup included seniors Caleb Llorin, Michael Yaskowitz, Matt Arruda, Scott Healy, juniors Xavier Court, Quinn Satow, and sophomore Cy Chittenden.

“Loyola, West Ranch, and Claremont’s records are almost identical to ours, and it all came down to who wanted it more.” Calderon said.

Both the boys and girls cross country team will advance to the CIF State Finals, on Nov. 26, in Fresno.

“We’re still going to be training really hard,” Smith said. “I don’t believe in a big taper, so to train for State, we won’t be training any easier.”

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