On Nov. 5, the Gabrielino High School cross-country team competed in the League Finals at Bonelli Park, competing against other schools as the season concluded. Many seniors, completing their final race, were hit by waves of emotions as their cross-country journey marked its end.
The League Finals began at 1:45 p.m. and ended at 4 p.m., pushing the Gabrielino team to their limits. A few students broke their personal goals, though the Gabrielino varsity team scored in the preliminaries. The boys’ cross-country team finished in third place, while the girls’ cross-country team finished in fourth place.
During the race, Gabrielino’s cross-country team celebrated the accomplishment under a tree in a quiet area in Bonelli Park. Senior night was celebrated with food, personalized posters, and bonding time for the team.
“I am very proud of our team; they have climbed very far both as individual runners and as a team. I definitely think our Gabrielino runners are capable of much more than what they give themselves credit for,” Coach Nguyen said.
“I hope they know that I always believed in them. The team is still growing, and future runners have yet to reach their full potential, but I hope they believe in themselves just as much as I believe in them.”
For senior Danny Yu, cross-country’s senior night felt memorable. “Vanessa Ramirez’s parents came out and barbequed burgers and hot dogs for the cross-country team, senior Daniel Nagata made the seniors’ personalized sashes, and sophomore Venita Ye made the seniors their own posters,” Yu said.
“It was really fun. You couldn’t really pinpoint it; the whole night was memorable,” he said.
The event was emotional for many. Senior Katie Ho reminisced and shared her emotions. “I felt sentimental during my last race. I remember crying a lot because the underclassmen gave us many gifts like leis, crowns, and personalized posters,” Ho said.
“It was really bittersweet, to be honest,” she said.
Senior Phan agreed. “I felt emotional during the event since it was many of my classmates’ final races, and it was my senior night. I witnessed senior night over the years with previous teammates, so it was really sweet to finally experience it for myself,” Phan said.
Some seniors also felt joyful during the celebration, appreciating and cherishing time spent with teammates. “It felt really nice being with my friends on senior night. Just seeing the faces of everybody, it felt very bittersweet since it was our last time together,” Ramirez said.
As senior night came to a close, the seniors wanted to share their final words and advice to their underclassmen and friends.
“Do not compare yourself to other people. There is always going to be someone faster. It is personal—try to be your best self,” Yu said.
“Numbers should not define you, just like how grades do not define you. The fact that you are in the sport of running more than a mile, which PE students may consider difficult, is impressive enough,” Ho said.
“Keep on going. Cross-country is a very challenging and mentally demanding sport. There is so much to accomplish, and I cannot wait to see your journey flourish even more,” Ramirez said.
“You will not see your efforts instantly; it will take time to progress. Keep working and you will eventually see it,” Phan said.
Before sending off the cross-country seniors, Coach Nguyen wanted to share his last message with them.
“Keep doing what you are doing, work hard, and never give up. Chase progress, not the finish line. Remember, in cross-country, our sport is other sports’ punishment,” Coach Nguyen said. “We are built tough! You are tough! Now be like eagles and fly!”
As cross-country comes to a close, the seniors are off into a new chapter in their lives. Although they will take separate roads, they will always remember Gabrielino and the cross-country team for the unforgettable experiences and lessons.
