Tigers’ cross country executes a smooth start to the season

By Jung Su Park

Staff Writer

South Pasadena’s Cross Country teams tasted success in their first league meet at Lacy Park this Thursday as boys’ and girls’ varsity placed second behind San Marino and La Cañada, respectively. In addition, boys’ frosh and girls’ JV teams scored a commanding first place in running the three mile course.

With regard to the performance of boys’ varsity, the team’s runners reflected on the meet with mixed feelings.

“Beating La Cañada was a great team accomplishment,” Captain Cullen Irvine said. “However, we are not looking to stay content with second place especially behind San Marino by pushing ourselves outside the comfort zone.”

Junior Kyle Oda also input his reaction to the meet by describing the team’s new approach in heading towards future competitions.

“We didn’t expect such a strong performance from San Mario as our major concerns were in La Cañada,” Oda said. “This meet taught us not to rely on results from previous races to judge how fast other teams are.”

Two out of runners seven of the girls’ varsity team, freshman Bailey Wu and sophomore Melina Chavez headed into the meet with conditions disturbed by health problems including asthma and leg injuries. However, the runners expressed pride and confidence in the team’s ability to place second place despite unfavorable circumstances.

“Our persistence that produced such results even in difficult situations means a lot to the team,” Junior Maaike Wielenga said. “If all runners are healthy and recovered from injuries, there shouldn’t be any problem in winning most of our meets.”

The Tigers’ next league meet is scheduled on Thursday, October 16 at Hahamongna Park in La Cañada.