On Friday Aug. 23, 2024, Our Ripon High Cross Country team traveled to Lodi. They participated in the Flame invitational. All levels including Frosh/Soph, Junior Varsity, and Varsity ran in Friday’s race. Varsity ran a 5k meanwhile all other levels ran two miles. 

All levels did great and there are a lot of amazing runners at Ripon Highs School. Ethan Sadler, is entering his senior year and his third year of cross country. Salder became a part of the team during his sophomore year and chose to stick with it. 

When asked how he felt before running his first varsity race of the season Salder says “Once I started I wasn’t super nervous, I kind of just focused on finishing.” 

Another very talented varsity runner, Mallory Govia, a senior, was involved in this race as well. When asked what motivates Govia most when running, she responded with “I thought of our old coach that we had, and her being there just pushed me to finish the race” Govia has been a part of the team since her freshman year. 

The cross country team at Ripon High has so much potential and everyone on the team puts in their part to make the team great. Running is a very intense activity and especially one to stick with. It takes a lot of time and a lot of effort. It’s amazing to see all the people who go out there and show their skill.

This season of cross country is going to be eventful due to the changes with the program. However all these talented and dedicated student-athletes are getting adjusted and are getting a fiery start to the new season. It is going to be amazing watching the team grow this year at Ripon High!