Photo Courtesy of SC Jaguars
THE METTLE TO MEDAL—Jeff Salinas finished on the podium at the Coach Downey classic in 23:23.1.
By Zeke Watson
A chilled sky was a dull gray as raindrops splattered on the pavement. Cross-country runners expected an afternoon of sloshing through puddles and caking their running shoes with mud. Coach Lynette Zeckua had different plans—a session of strength training.
It was a well-deserved break for the cross-country athletes coming off a demanding season. The teams achieved collective success, set individual records and formed strong bonds that extended beyond running.
First-year runner Rasilia Thomas was an inspiring leader for her teammates, setting personal records and motivating them with her determination and resilience.
“Quitting’s not an option,” she said. “Earlier in the season, I got a leg cramp and was stung by a bee, and I set a personal record that week. I had a car accident but pushed through and almost matched my (personal record) race. There are always setbacks, but my comeback is twice as good as those setbacks.”
Thomas expressed her gratitude for her teammates’ hard work during a tough season which saw the team finish fourth in the conference.
“They gave it their best and that’s all that matters,” she said. “Just having those people there who started with you (is gratifying). We held strong no matter if someone was having a moment. United we stand, divided we fall.”
Zeckua commended her athletes for their determination, dedication and hard work coming together as a team and making the improvements needed to close out the season strong. Special recognition went to Sofia Fajardo.
“Sophia is always consistent,” she said. “I don’t have any complaints about her. Well, the only complaint is that she’s not going to run track in the spring, but it is great that we are going to have her again in cross country next year. She’s not going to run but fly.”
After receiving a shower of positive feedback from her coach, Fajardo admitted to doubting herself at times.
“I get shy when people compliment me,” she said. “Hearing that feels good and is nice. I feel like a part of that consistency has been there throughout my life. So, it’s easier for me to keep consistent with the things I love.”
Jeffery Salinas and Valencio Coco also had notable accomplishments.
Salinas won a medal at the Coach Downey Classic, placing sixth out of 51 runners at 23:23.1. At the So Cal Regionals he set a new personal record, 22:32.3.
Coco, a first-year runner, was the sole member of the program to qualify for state after a time of 21:49.8 in the SoCal Regionals.
“I was injured a lot this season, but my goal was to perform well,” he said. “I trained with a good team, ran with a good team, and even made it to regionals with a good team.”
