HUNTINGTON BEACH- The starting gun cracked and one hundred eighty Patriots hit the black cement pavement at the Central Park Invitational in Huntington Beach on Saturday, October 6. The Patriots were up against fierce competition: Fountain Valley High School, University High School, and Orange Lutheran High School, rival schools in the same division.

With a first place Boys’ Junior Varsity trophy, a second place Girls’ Junior Varsity team trophy, and a Boys Frosh/Soph team overall second place tucked neatly under their belts, they performed well as a team, bringing pride to the Beckman Patriots. Additionally, four individual first place finishes, one second place, and one third place finish highlighted individual prestige and excellence at the meet.

Jorge Martinez (16:56) stole first place in the Boys JV race, as did Elijah Wells (16:57) in the Boys Frosh race, and Aaron Perry, with the fastest time this week, (16:43) in the Boys Sophomore race. Samantha Midigaspe (19:29) led the team to a second place finish and first place individual triumph in the Girls JV team.

Mitchell Krause, sophomore, commented that “all of these athletes worked hard in their races, and I respect them all for hard work, determination, and drive to better themselves.”

The biggest challenge for the Patriots was “The Hill,” daunting terrain that loomed over the Patriots like an ill omen. The Patriots took one look up towards the top, feeling discouraged, and began their long ascent upwards. The journey was arduous, and to stop running was tempting, but the Patriots persisted, focusing on their mental mindset rather than the seemingly physical impossibilities of “The Hill.” Elijah Wells said that he “thought about stopping. My legs were like lead, but I didn’t want to stop until the end. The hill, even though they’re really hard, puts space between me and the person behind me. So I look forward to the hills. I just kept thinking, the faster you run, the faster you’re done.” Joseph Kim, sophomore, recounted his thoughts “Oh yes, I’m finally done. I feel good.” Taka Shirasawa, sophomore added, “Going up that hill, honestly, I only thought of one thing: water.”

The Patriots continue to strive to improve, working on tempo and stamina. The Patriots will be challenged to step up in order for the team to reach their goal of making it to CIF Championships this year. Ms. Kissing, cross country coach, commented, “We’re second in our Pacific Coast League, right next to Corona del Mar. It’s going to be close. It’s going to be competitive.”