Cross Country Succeeds at CIF, State, Nationals

By Lexi Cotcamp

They pushed through the pain, the sweat, the tears. They practiced—rain or shine. They suffered through the end of the race. They endured. They vowed to perform better in the face of narrow defeat. They triumphed in sweet victory when their long hours of practice paid off. They ran with their hearts. They are Dolphins.

Boys

On Dec. 4, the boys competed in Portland, Oregon in the Nike Cross Country Team Nationals, placing sixth. The top seven boys, which included junior Ricardo Campuzano, junior Connor Kaddatz, senior Blake Ahrold, senior Jesus Molina, senior Sam Van de Velde, junior Trevor Lynn, and senior Derrick Lloyd, ran in the Nationals against 21 other teams. Campuzano placed 51 overall with a time of 15:53. Kaddatz remained close on his heels, placing 55 with a time of 15:59. Ranked sixth in the nation before the race by the prestigious Harrier Magazine, the boys stayed consistent with the prediction. Out of all the California teams, the Dolphins ranked the highest, proving that the results from the recent State Finals were no fluke. Coach Tim Butler commented proudly, “This team could arguably have been the best team we’ve ever had.” Only one week before the Nike Team Nationals, the boys’ team ran in the Division I State Championship at Woodward Park on Nov. 28. Scoring 104 points, nine less than rival Royal of Simi Valley, the Dolphins captured its third consecutive state title. “They showed tremendous solidarity. They ran for each other so it was a real team thing,” remarked Butler. While the boys were declared slight favorites going into the state meet, there was some speculation amongst critics that results from the recent CIF Finals were a fluke. The CIF Southern Section Finals, which fell on Sat., Nov. 1 prior to the state meet, placed the Dolphins against the number one ranked team in the nation: Royal High School. Although they were ranked second in their section, the Dolphins went into the race as the underdog. Nonetheless, the Dolphins beat Royal, taking advantage of the nationally ranked team’s untimely injuries to snatch their “three-peat” CIF win. “That race was really characterized by the last 400 meters. The boys really pushed through the pain. It was the difference between a win and a loss,” affirmed Butler.

Girls

After qualifying in the Western Regionals at Mt. Sac, junior Alaina Alvarez competed in the Footlocker Nationals on Dec. 13. Though the last-minute decision to run in the Footlocker Nationals instead of the Nike Team nationals left her less prepared than normal, Alvarez finished a respectable place of 30 overall. “This was Alaina’s 15th race of the season. Some of the teams from the East and South only race about eight times per season, so they had two to three weeks to get ready for this one [Footlocker Nationals],” explained Coach Rex Hall. Prior to the Footlocker Nationals, the girls’ team contended with the best teams in the state for title of CIF State Champions. Finishing fifth overall in Division I, the team ran well as a whole despite multiple injuries and illnesses. “Fifth wasn’t bad, but we felt all season that we were a top three team. It just didn’t happen for us,” admitted Hall. On a more positive note, Alvarez gave a stellar performance, placing third in the state meet—the highest finish ever from a Dana Hills female runner. On Nov. 21, the varsity girls competed in CIF Finals but again faced disappointment. The girls were at first declared second overall, but a recount of the points bumped the girls to third place. However, the unfortunate recount was overshadowed by another stunning victory for Alvarez. With a time of 17:09, Alvarez simultaneously won the CIF Finals race and set a school record. “That [winning CIF Finals] was my goal throughout the entire season,” commented junior Alaina Alvarez,” It was so relieving and rewarding.” Said Hall contentedly, “Tenth straight league championship, second in OC Champs, third in the South CA section, and fifth in the entire state. Pretty darn good season.”