One often finds our Marymount Sailors running along Sunset, UCLA, and even sprinting up and down the stairs of Butler any day throughout the week. Whether it is Monday afternoon or Friday morning, these Marymount cross county athletes work hard to reach their common goal of winning league finals. Most practices consist of very difficult exercises, but that does not mean the team doesn’t have fun together. Junior Paula Mendoza recalls a break from an intense practice, “Lasan let us play games – we had a piggy-back race and we all fell and ended up rolling around the grass in laughter. And of course, Lasan had his camera out the entire time, documenting our silliness.” Our amazing athletes work hard, but their tremendous work is well rewarded!

On Thursday, October 10, the cross-country team celebrated their final home meet at Rancho Park for seniors Cathy Balfe, Sommer Denison, Kaleigh Homstad, Dani Horton, Juilette Luini, Katja McKiernan, and Kate Pregler, while facing their biggest competition, the Marlborough Mustangs. In this very intense meet, the Sailors defeated the Mustangs 25-34! Senior Katja McKiernan states, “It was the first time we have ever beaten Marlborough throughout my four years on the team! Beating Marlborough is the most memorable accomplishment for me because they are not only our biggest rivals, but it was also the seniors’ last home race! Defeating our rivals just made it all the more special!” Everyone on the team helped make the seniors’ final home race unforgettable by making personal posters for them; after the race, all the seniors gathered together with Lasan for a final memory. Paula Mendoza recounts Senior Night as “a bittersweet moment for them and the rest of the team. They have all been amazing throughout the season and we are going to miss them so much!”

Although the sailors completed their last home meet, the season is not over yet. Heading into Sunshine League Finals ranked second, the Sailors compete in the finals on Monday, November 4, and must beat Immaculate Heart High School to become league champions. Extra cheer and support are always appreciated! Show your Sailor spirit and support our amazing runners to help them reach their goal of winning league. Good luck Sailors!