3 minute read
Cross Country: Champions!, By Todd Hoffman
LOCAL SPORTS
Cross Country: Champions!
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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.
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). This was a very successful season, but that’s just a part of the story. Second Harvest Holiday Food & Fund Drive 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 The Scotts Valley High School Cross Country teams at SCCAL finals everyone there. We treated everyone like Coach Todd Hoffman and team captains 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.
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. n
Kickoff Rally
Mix, mingle, and hear guest speakers explain the importance and urgency of providing nourishing food for our neighbors in need. Thursday, November 10 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Aptos Village Green, next to New Leaf Market 10 / December 2022 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Holiday Food & Fund Drive 100% of all funds raised during the Holiday Food & Fund Drive secure food that is distributed to our Santa Cruz County neighbors in need. Together we can provide 4 healthy meals for $1!
Scan for more RSVP required to attend. information or Scan QR Code or visit
to donate. thefoodbank.org/kickoff22
Together we can provide
Look for our blue barrels! 100% of all funds raised during the Holiday Food & Fund Drive secure food that is distributed to our 4 healthy meals for $1! Look for our blue barrels! Santa Cruz County neighbors in need. Together we can provide 4 healthy meals for $1!
