The cross country team finished their season at the section finals meet at Folsom High School on November 10th. This followed a long and tough season that entailed many hours of training and hard work. The girls varsity, boys varsity, and boys freshman-sophomore teams ran in the section finals in attempt to place for state, but ultimately each failed to do so.

“Throughout the season, there were times of difficulty and frustration for coaching staff and athletes as well,” says coach Calkins, elaborating on the pretense of such stated difficult season, “However, by the end of the season the team pulled together and was working as a team and ran very well.”

A lot rode on the girls’ varsity team, after placing 2nd in league, which gave them the best shot at making the top two for state finals at the course in Sacramento. After giving it their all, however, the team placed fourth. El Dorado and Placer qualified for state this year.

“The girls didn’t pack as well as we would have hoped but overall their performance was solid and we are very proud of the season they had,” says Coach Calkins.

This season sees the last of many returning runners, who will graduate this spring, leaving both varsity teams in the hands of underclassmen.

Senior Harrison Jackson, a four-year varsity runner, recollects, “Cross country has had its ups and downs, but overall it’s a really good experience.”

“I’ve learned that in the end, hard work always pays  off.” Jackson finishes.