Benson Elbert

The Cross Country Boy’s team prays minutes before the start of their race.

As Fresno’s infamous summer heat slowly rises, the cross country team runs into a new season on the heels of last season’s success. Unlike most sports, cross-country training starts two weeks after the Track & Field season ends (around the end of May). 

Even though the first cross-country races are almost three months from the start of the season, cross country athletes work to build up their endurance to enter the new season fully prepared.

Head Coach James Garcia and Assistant Coach Shawn Young lead the ‘24-‘25 cross country Team. This will be Garcia’s 4th season coaching the team, since starting it back up again in 2021. 

Garcia has a new race strategy for the season.

“This year we’re racing quality over quantity, which means bigger races, better teams,” Garcia said.

FC’s Cross Country team ran their unofficial first race on Saturday, Aug 10th. The Fleet Feet’s Summer Sizzle has been the season opener for the Cross Country team for the past few years. But due to a new Central Interscholastic Federation rule, cross-country teams around the Central Valley aren’t allowed to race officially until September. This new rule prompts Garcia and Young to enter the runners as unattached individuals.

Young encouraged the runners to take this race easy and urged FC runners to embrace his famous quote, “Running is fun.” Despite this, some incredible early season times were accomplished in the two-mile race. 

Boys 

 Blake Bay 5th place Personal Record (9:19.7) 

Jeremiah Valorosi 56th PR (10:18.5) 

Ian Palsgaard 82nd (10:46.8) 

Ben Shepard 120th (13:34.9) 

Girls 

Hailey Higton (12:43.5)

Lacy Smith (12:53.3) 

Madison Siebert (14:11.8)

Laina Penland 72nd (15:42)

Sophomore Blake Bay puts his faith at the forefront of his athletics.

“I’m looking forward to having an amazing season and the opportunity to glorify God,” Bay said. “I’m also excited to see the team make it to State and run well.” 

Sophomore Hailey Higton, ‘27, is looking forward to the freshman class. 

“We have two stud freshman girls who I know will do great this year,” Higton said.“I’m hoping our team can run well together and place exceptionally at our league meet.” 

The Cross Country team will have their first official race on Saturday, Sept. 7. The Dennis Dewitt Invitational is a 3000 meter race held at Madera South High School. They will compete against 19 other teams in the Central Section area. 

Come and support the team 8:15-11:00 am September 7 at Madera South High School.