By Chloe Law

Staff Writer

  Gabrielino High School’s cross country teams had a successful season. Boys varsity placed third in the Mission Valley League Finals while girls varsity placed fourth, both qualifying for the CIF Preliminaries at the Riverside City Cross Country Course.

  “It’s my fourth and final year running cross country and I don’t think I would have it end any other way,” stated senior Kaylie Zhou. “I’m proud of this team and what we’ve accomplished.”

  The team saw changes in leadership this season as returning coach, Ryan Kammerman, was joined by first-year coach Edith Gonzalez, a current Gabrielino physical education teacher. Captain roles were also established for the first time in four years with seniors Skyler Hudson, Cassidy Liu, Crystal Lok, and Carlos Pondevida stepping forward to guide the team.

  “The great thing about cross country is not necessarily the sport sometimes. It’s your teammates– sometimes you feel as if you’re a part of a big family,” stated Hudson.