ACHIEVEMENT: Poly’s varsity boys’ cross country team accomplishes its goal of winning league.
By Franklin Racobs, Staff Writer
The boys’ cross country team had one goal in mind at the start of the season: to become solo league champions in the Inland Valley League for the first time. With hard work and dedication, the team was able to accomplish this goal. This was the cross country team’s third season competing in the Inland Valley League. After the boys’ team tied for first place in league in 2012 and then placed third in 2013, the boys knew what their coach expected of them in 2014.
During preseason practices, Coach Alfonso Ibarra was aware that the boys needed to work harder in order to achieve success in the upcoming regular season meets. According to runner Ryan Finazzo (12), “this year was definitely the most gruesome when it came down to workouts.”
The boys’ team started the season out on a high note, winning the first league meet of the season. The 2014 varsity boys’ team was not lacking skill, as it was predominately made up of well-experienced juniors and seniors. With that racing background, the boys knew what was required in order to win the league title. The team had a strategy and a plan going into finals. A large portion of the first three mile of the course at Andulka Park is an uphill bike trail. According to Captain Kyle MacKechnie (11), part of the teams’ strategy was “to surge right ahead” of the other runners “at the top of the hill.” MacKechnie also mentioned that Coach Ibarra used signs at different points in the race that represented the points they were supposed to speed up at. By following Coach Ibarra’s instructions and applying teamwork, the team was able to win the league championship.
From hard work during practices and planning out their league meets, the boys’ varsity cross country team was able to achieve their goal and take the solo title of league champions.