By Lilly Fabian
Staff Writer
The cross country team ran its way into CIF after a competitive season.
Both the boys and girls teams qualified for the CIF Finals. The boys were missing a few key runners and finished in last place, but the girls placed 5th, allowing them to advance to the State Meet, where they finished in fifth place again.
At the State Meet in Woodward Park, the girls beat Arroyo Grande High School and Serrano High School on Nov. 30.
“I am incredibly proud of every runner,” senior captain Abby Hong said.
Hong finished first for Costa and fifth overall with a time of 17:15.
“I was so proud to finish in fifth place individually,” Hong said. “Every single girl on our team stepped up that day.”
The CIF Preliminary races took place at Mount San Antonio College on Nov. 16. Both teams had to place in the top four to advance. Girls varsity placed second with a first place finish by Hong, boasting a time of 17:31. The boys came in fourth place, securing their spot to compete in the finals.
Cross country also competed in the South Bay Cup on Oct. 2. Both the girls and the boys teams came in first, winning the Cup Challenge. Senior Nikko Pappas finished first for Costa and third place overall with a time of 13:04. Hong finished first overall for the girls, winning individually with a time of 14:45.
Leading up to CIF, the girls placed first in Bay League, while the boys placed fourth.
“Seeing how well we raced really put our abilities into perspective,” senior Kellie Jeong said. “It was really great to be invited to compete against Division I and II teams.”
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