Story by Isaiah Salgado
Staff Writer
Despite all their hard work, the Boy’s Varsity Cross Country team failed to qualify for CIF finals after placing 10th in their heat last Saturday at Mt. San Antonio College.
Although the boys didn’t make CIF Finals, Coach Dan Lodolo said doesn’t see the season as a disappointment.
“We were invited to compete in the sweepstakes at the largest cross country invitational in the country and placed in the middle of the packs,” said Coach Lodolo. “So, the season was a success from that aspect and it shouldn’t be devalued because the guys didn’t get to CIF Finals.”
The runners had different explanations of why they didn’t make CIF Finals, many taking the blame.
“I didn’t run to my full potential,” said senior Patrick Tarango. “I was having knee problems and died down during the first mile. I could have done better and I am disappointed with myself.”
Others blamed the disappointing finish on the team’s preparation.
“We should have practiced more as a team,” said Sophomore Christian Hernandez, who finished as the lead runner for the Lancers. “We weren’t prepared.”
Coach Lodolo said while the boys finished strong, they didn’t start the summer training season off that way.
“Why we didn’t get to CIF is pretty simple, we didn’t have a very good summer of work,” said Coach Lodolo. “We had a lot of athletes missing a lot of practice and we couldn’t get in the appropriate amount of miles.”
Overall, the Lancers Cross Country team showed improvement, said Coach Lodolo.
“All of our runners really improved from summer,” said Coach Lodolo. “It’s a young group and I think they realize at a very high level how important having a good summer is now. We will plan on having a summer that averages 80 miles per week and still have some travel and fun.”
For the runners, the end of cross country means the start of track and field.
“Now that cross country is over I will probably take a couple of days off then start training for the track season,” said Tarango.
