On Wednesday, Sep. 4, Ripon High’s Cross Country team competed in their first TVL race of the season. This year the TVL was held in our very town, at Mavis Stouffer Park. Our athletes were prepared and ready to show up the competition! It’s also been an interesting first TVL due to the fact that the team has new coaches, Robert Mayfield and Isaac Lopez. The team has had to adapt to the new coaching styles and workouts, and use what they’ve learned to the best of their ability. Overall, our athletes did amazing, whether they were new or returning to the team.
Sophomore Milan Chun, has been running on the cross country team for two years and has been doing an amazing job! In the recent TVL meet, Chun came in first place for the JV boys in the two-mile race. Chun ended up passing the finish line with a time of 12:47, while maintaining at least a 10 second distance between the competitors behind him.
Chun explains, “I was really nervous for the TVL, especially since I had sustained an injury the previous meet.”
The pressure really seems to be on for the athletes this season, especially with the new course being in our team’s hometown.
“Having the race in Ripon made me also feel obligated to do well as an individual.” Chun states.
Senior Malia Locarnini, has been on the cross country team since her freshman year, but unfortunately sustained an injury early in her career. She continued to join and support the team each year to the best of her abilities. This year, Locarnini has been cleared to finally competein meets! She finished in ninth place for Varsity girls in the 5k, with a time of 23:17.
Locarnini explains, “it was very nerve racking running for the first time since freshman year, especially since the TVL meets are now at home.”
It can be hard adapting to a new course, especially when it’s in your home town. However, our athletes had a slight advantage since they train on that course for their practices and workouts.
The team is going strong this season, thanks to their new coaches, Robert Mayfield and Isaac Lopez, both familiar faces here at Ripon High! They have brought a new coaching style to the team, and have been doing a great job!
Chun states, “It’s definitely different. There’s a lot of dedication and effort within the coaching.”
Coaches at RHS, no matter the sport, want to help improve their team and their athlete’s skill to the max. These coaches are doing just that. The improvement can be seen within scores, times, and even overall attitude.
Locarnini expresses, “It’s definitely a learning experience and a different environment for everyone. We’re all learning together on what works and what doesn’t work for us as a team.”
These coaches and athletes have been working their hardest to improve and succeed as individuals and as a team. They’ve all put in the hard work and dedication within the sport. Way to go RHS Cross Country!
