Cross Country Conquers CIF

Jarrett Meza-Torne • January 15, 2025

For the first time in 27 years, both the boys and girls cross country teams qualified for CIF Finals, one of the most prestigious competitions for the sport. From that race, three individuals advanced to CIF State for their performances: senior Jadeyn Skefich, senior Luke D’Elia and junior Alexandra Himebauch. Running in CIF Finals on Nov. 23, during the week of Thanksgiving break, D’Elia pulled off a 15:36 time for a distance of five kilometers — the standard distance for a meet. Skefich and Himebauch ran an 18:24 and 18:21 for the same distance, earning them a spot in the next championship.

Competing at CIF Finals and qualifying for CIF State were the result of many months and even years of work for some of the athletes. To dominate the competition, the team learned specific methods to control their breathing and practiced optimum stride lengths on Peninsula’s home turf. Not only was the team intently focused on strength training by frequently utilizing the weight room, but they also worked on building mental willpower necessary for their success. Recovery was important, too: the team constantly used foam rollers to stretch out sore or pulled muscles and took ice baths to recover from rigorous running sessions. Though senior cross country runner Natalie Tom is satisfied with the team’s accomplishments, she mainly treasures the time they were able to spend with each other and the bonding they achieved through training.

“We are all very excited to race at finals. We've been working really hard since the summer to train for this race,” Tom said. “Going to State would be amazing for the girls team, especially because we've been so close for the past three years, but we are all just very grateful to be able to race one last time together before the seniors graduate.”

Family support also played a huge role in their success — many parents cheered them on at the races and held up signs, reading “Proud of You,” “Great Job Alex!” and “Great Job Jadeyn!” As a result of the positive feedback received from their parents and coaches, the athletes have felt changes in themselves, feeling more confident and relaxed before these meets even start. The encouragement from loved ones was a large part of fostering the talent that all of these individuals show on and off the course. Junior Kiyan Khaleeli, one of the captains of the boys cross country team, reflects on the importance of a runners’ positive mental state before racing.

“The difference between a good runner and a great runner is not only talent, but the strength to push through the pain and the will to keep going,” Khaleeli said. “The team has made many changes to their mindset over the past couple of years. Next year may be even better than the last — the team might make it to 1st place in the next CIF finals in 2026. Hard work and determination is what this team has displayed over these years of obstacles and challenges, sprinting toward the finish line.”