By Todd Hoffman
The Scotts Valley High School boys and girls cross country team just wrapped up another great season on Nov. 26 at the CIF State Cross Country Meet in Fresno. We lost 19 seniors at the end of last year and at that time there was some doubt how this team would respond.
Coach Todd Hoffman and team captains
At the beginning of summer, our captains Rafie Putnam, Jack Brownfield, Aiden Boothby and Amber Boothby sat down with others on the team and set goals. They welcomed new runners in and the team instantly became a family. They worked hard over the summer and came into the season ready to go.
The boys’ team started the season with a 2nd place finish at the Monterey Bay Invitational, which gave confidence to the team. They followed that with wins at Jackie Henderson Memorial Invitational and Artichoke Invitational, and a 4th place finish at the Clovis Invitational. They were undefeated in the dual meets and won league titles at the SCCAL league championship in JV and varsity. Boys’ varsity went to the CCS championship and repeated as section champions and qualified for the CIF state Cross Country meet where they finished in 7th place.
The girls’ team started the season strong with win at Jackie Henderson Memorial Invitational and a 3rd place finish at the Clovis Invitational. The girls also were undefeated in league dual meets and won league titles in both JV and varsity. Girls’ varsity also repeated as CCS champions and qualified for the CIF State Cross Country Meet, where they finished 6th as a team (best placing in school history).
Our team bonded very early and we became a family. Coming to practice, our athletes knew it was a supportive safe place to come and be yourself. Everyone truly cared for each other and knew that they were important. Team rankings didn’t matter, you, the individual mattered.
When we hosted a meet or went to a meet, our family cheered and supported everyone there. We treated everyone like family and made sure it was fun. Yes, we wanted to win, but our team wants to show kindness and sportsmanship and try to bond with other teams.
At dual meets, our team does a tunnel for the last few racers and cheer them to the finish. This is a tough sport, but we try to make it fun. I could talk about individuals on the team, but we are a family and everyone on our team is so important to our success.
The Scotts Valley High School Cross Country teams at SCCAL finals
Some see we had a successful season by winning Invitationals, league and section titles and doing well at state.
It is important to us, but more important is coming together as a family, reaching out to other teams and showing support, kindness and sportsmanship and having fun while working hard. By doing all of those things, we know our family/team has made a difference and we are champions.
Top Photo: The Scotts Valley High School Cross Country teams at CIF Championship.
