After almost a full year without racing on real cross-country courses, the boys and girls Cross Country team are back to a “normal” season. In their previous season, the Saints had to race on the SMHS track. Going back to cross country courses, mostly dirt and road-based courses, has been a relief to the team.

The Saints began their season with a rough start in a big race. The 2021 Morro Bay XC Invite included over 30 schools. The race hosted local schools such as Pioneer Valley and Righetti, but also high schools from Fresno and Bakersfield.

Then, on September 15th, the Saints traveled to Cambria for a duel against Coast Union High School. It’s fair to say that the Saints obliterated Coast Union with both the boys and girls team finishing ahead of the hosts.

For the boys team, Arquime DeJesus led the team followed by Edwin Alfaro, Aram Ramirez, and Gerardo Vasquez. In the girls team, Yadira Tello led the lady saints followed by Itadenhui Olea, Annais Vega, Vanessa Juarez.

Juarez said, “My favorite race was the Coast Union one. I felt really good on that one.” DeJesus also mentioned that one of his goals for this season is to achieve a new PR (personal record) for 3 miles.

At their most recent race last Saturday, the Saints competed in the Waller Park Goose Chase Invitational. The boys and girls varsity teams both finished 4th out of 17 and 10 schools, respectively.

The Saints continue to work hard and train every day to get back up on their feet after losing one of their most memorable coaches, Brian Wallace.