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By Adilene Quintana

The motivating words that kept the Grizzly cross country team going this season were “run faster than the one behind you.” On Thursday, Nov. 11, at the CIF Cross Country Valley Championship Meet the top 29 schools faced-off in Fresno at Woodward Park.

“It was a nice course; however, I expected it to be more challenging.” said by junior Brain Rand.

Ready to proceed, Coach Kay gave the boys some encouraging words that motivated them for a successful run.

Chris Ross, the coach of cross country team who has been preparing the boys since the summer, was unable to attend the Valley Meet due to schedule changes.

“I was real discouraged; I wasn’t able to attend due to a family emergency,” said Ross.

As the race came to a close, the Grizzlies were able to climb their way to in at sixth place team finish out of twenty-nine teams.

“As a freshman, I felt honored to run with a successful team,” said freshmen Jose Gonzales.

The Grizzlies completed a 5K (about 3.1 miles) race around Woodward Park.

“I felt everyone did really well,” said Miguel Solis

This year was a stride in the right direction for all members of the team; they came together as a family towards the end. They had times were they fell short and their sprints didn’t succeed; however, each member of the team learned from their mistakes to achieve.

Earlier at the EYL Champioships, Granite’s cross country team came in at third behind Tulare Western and Tulare Union.

“I won’t forget the feeling of beating those schools that have more guys than us,”said Oscar Campos.

The highlight of the season was beating cross-town rivals Monache and Porterville High School.

“I will never forget those funny boys always ready to work,” said Ross.

The Grizzlies will not proceed to the California State Cross Country Championships. Only the top two of the twenty-nine school from the Valley move to State.

“I’m really proud that are team made it this far and accomplished all our goals this season,” said assistant coach Kay.

Cross Country team strking a pose.(Photo by Julissa Hernandez.)