As the 2024 cross country (XC) season comes to a close, Let’s acknowledge the runners who endured the heat and hills that Pierce College has to offer. It was a long rough season for the Pumas but they were able to persevere.
The fall season kicked off with high expectations, as returning runners and up-and-coming talents prepared to put all their efforts out on the course. The competition was fierce, with each team and individual athlete fighting for the top spot. They demonstrated teamwork throughout the season, helping one another push on the second lap and even cheer one another to the finish line.
A standout moment would be both boys and girls XC teams making it to League finals where the boys placed 3rd in their division and girls placed 4th. Some individual shout-outs would be to senior Manuel Gonzalez, who had the fastest time of 17:39 out of the boy’s team and Ella Dias who had the fastest time of 24:00 on the girls team.
As well as a congrats to Christian Aghasi, Taj Baldwin, Anthony Gonzalez, Jessi Jones, Carlos Linadres, Andrew Moore, Gurgen Paruyryan, Jonathan Peralta, Marco Peralta, David Ramirez, Sofia Agurcia- Alvarez, Hellen Bonia Rios, Hailey Casteneda, Maya Derobles, Ella Dias, Tina Dira Marian, Destinee Duartee, Esmerelda Miguel, Jessica Mrad, Ashley Ramirez, Emily Zendejas who stayed consistent and showed their best performance till the end of the cross country season, supporting their teammates who have advanced to bigger races. They all pushed past their limits at City Prelims, but Manuel Gonzalez took the 4th place spot, giving him a chance to represent NAHS at City Finals on November 23rd. He swept his competition placing 11th at the City Finals out of 66 runners. Though nerves did kick in before the race, he ran an impressive race, representing NAHS and showcasing for our principal. Although he did not get a spot for state he had a successful cross country season.
Overall, the 2024 season was a thrilling experience from start to finish. From the team rivalries to the individual talent on display, this season had it all. As the winter sports are coming to a start and all the runners celebrate their victories, the NAHS cross country team is looking ahead to their next season, knowing that it will be just as exciting and full of surprises.