Makena Nakaji
Staff Writer
Mira Costa’s cross country team competed at the Mt. Sac meet at Mt. Sac college, on Saturday. Top performers included seniors Melia Chittenden and Caleb Llorin. Boys placed twelfth in the National Champions division with 1:19:49, when resting the varsity top runners in the group meet, and used younger runners to take their spots. Girls collectively placed second in the individual sweepstakes, with 1:35:12.
Llorin, the overall 4th finisher, and had a remarkable time of 15:09 in the individual division, breaking the Mt. Sac record for a Mira Costa boy. The previous record was held in 2007, which was 15:15, standing unchallenged for eight years. Chittenden placed twelfth in the individual sweepstakes, with the time 18:13.
“Giving exposure to elite races is important in the development of an elite program. On some occasions, it is wise to rest some of your starters and give exposure to the upcoming rising stars.” said coach Roberto Calderon.” We are a very deep program which gives us a luxury to give others an opportunity.”
Costa’s next race is at Redondo, against the other teams in Bay League. According to assistant coach Jeff Atkinson, the remaining meets are the highlight of the year, and are the reason cross country trains so hard.
“Our cross country story is an ongoing journey. We are making strives to become the best team in Costa history,” Calderon said.” Only time will tell how great this team will become, but our future looks great.”
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