Spartan Scroll

Boys varsity cross country begins their second league meet which they lead throughout the race. PC: Isaac Ngan

by LIZBETH ZAMBRANO

Cross country members will stride into their final race of the season at the Apache Invitational on Nov. 1 at Arcadia County Park and then they compete in their last league race on Nov. 5 at Whittier Narrows and . 

On Wednesday, Oct. 16, the harriers’ competed in their second league meet; varsity girls cross country took second place, and the rest of the teams all took first place. 

“I’ve been motivating the kids by letting them know what the previous years have accomplished,” said head coach, Manuel Quintero. “It’s helpful that the kids have always been good about supporting each other because they’ve grown to be a close-knit family.” 

The top three varsity teams that come in at League Finals are assured a spot to race at CIF. Both boys and girls varsity need to finish in at least third place at league finals to assure a spot at CIF, and both need to place first in order to win the Almont League championship. 

On Oct. 12, the harriers participated in the Bell Gardens Invitational at Cerritos Regional Park. Boys cross country placed 20th overall and girls placed 9th overall. 

“What keeps me motivated is the seniors and juniors telling me I can do better, they’re always telling me to push myself. Also, Coach Q tells me I can do better,” said freshman Steven Palacios. “When we didn’t win the first league meet, Coach Q was disappointed in us and that motivated us to do better. It’s been a tradition to win league finals and I want to keep it going.”