These past days the cross country team has been practicing in harsh weather. They’ve been going to the beach to run in the sand, which according to Amabel C., the girl’s team captain, helps them build up their calf muscles and stamina. Despite the not-so-amicable weather, their hard work payed off in their race on Tuesday October 4, 2016. Nervous but ready, the Cross Country boys’ and girls’ teams faced Wildwood in their race. They were definitely ready because they practiced everyday. The girls pushed themselves and were short only a mere point for the game to count as a win. Overall, the girls’ team came in second place. The boys’ hard work especially paid off, as they came in first place.

The boys’ team beat Wildwood by exactly 27 points; which means that the HMSA runners passed 27 people in front of them. In the final lap, they raced with all their energy and effort to pass the runner racing in front, behind, or next to them. They ran so fast that you could feel the gust of wind as they passed you. Dylan H. came in second place with a time of 16:51, followed by Eddie G., Braulio G. , Marcus C. and Adam R. It was exciting to see each and every one of the runners finish off at full speed, with most of them passing another runner before reaching the finish line. 

Xochitl Arquieta

The girls also finished off with impressive scores and a near win. Alejandra M. came in first place for the HMSA team and sixth place overall, followed by Luisa M. and Brooklyn J. The girls’ Wildwood team finished off with 27 points while the girls’ HMSA team got 28 points (golf scores: the lower the score, the better). They were 1 point shy of a win; meaning that if one person from HMSA’s team would’ve passed another from Wildwood’s team, they would’ve won. Junior Luisa M. mentioned that they were closer than that: “The girl racing next to me took a longer step than I and she got the point.” Overall the Aviators are proud of their achievements and know that their hard work is paying off. Freshman Adam R. said that he feels proud and happy to have joined the cross country team: “I feel so motivated by my team, they’re the fuel to my car. They always cheer me up.” He also said that their effort is vital: ” Hard work pays off. The sky’s the limit and space is the place.” With all their work and determination, the Cross Country team went back home celebrating their achievements during the bus ride. Keeping up the team spirit, the Cross Country team is getting ready for their next race on October 25, for their final league.