This season, San Gabriel High School’s cross country team started a journey that tested their limits, pushed their endurance, and showcased their spirit. Early mornings were filled with the sound of their feet, while afternoons turned into grueling training sessions fueled by sweat. Going to CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) showcases their hard work and hours of dedication. With every mile, these athletes proved that success isn’t just about crossing the finish line—it’s about the friendships forged and the resilience built along the way.
For Senior, Hope Tran, one of the team’s leaders, the journey to CIF was not just about the physical challenge but about creating an environment where everyone felt included and motivated. “I brought the vibes, chat! Fire music every day after practice, personalized cards at our last league race—anything to lift the mood,” Hope said. Hope’s energy and dedication weren’t just about keeping the morale high but about ensuring that every member felt like they belonged. “I truly tried to make sure each person on the team felt like they belonged,” Hope said, clearly invested in the bond her team shares.
This sense of unity was the key to the team’s success, especially as they faced physically demanding workouts required for CIF qualifications. Senior Conner Lei, another captain, emphasizes how critical the behind-the-scenes support was to the team’s strong performance. “A good team comes from bonding outside of practice,” Conner said, “I try to spend time with the team, whether it’s grabbing drinks or food. It helps strengthen our connection, which translates to better attendance and more enjoyable practices.”
This team’s strong performance this year was no accident. Coach Juan Caudillo credits the team’s success to the hard work and commitment of both the athletes and the coaching staff. “This year has been very special due to the respect, trust, and bonding these athletes had with each other,” Coach Juan said, “They motivated and picked each other up when times got rough.” Under the guidance of Coach Juan and his staff, including Coach Stone, who ran with the athletes every day to ensure they knew they were not alone on this journey. “Coach Stone contributed the most to our performance this year,” Conner said, “He was always there, running every single run with us, pushing us to our limits.”
For Sophomore Khiem Ly, qualifying for CIF was a personal victory, one that he once thought was impossible. “I felt extremely excited and proud because it seemed impossible at first, but now we’ve finally achieved it,” Khiem said. This achievement was the result of overcoming personal challenges, including balancing a rigorous schedule. “I had to adapt and persevere, and the team’s support helped me push through,” Khiem said.
The road to CIF wasn’t an easy one, but it was a rewarding experience. As the team prepared for the CIF Prelims at the Mount Sac course, Coach Juan emphasized the importance of pushing through the pain and embracing the challenge. “They had nothing to lose but everything to gain,” Coach Juan said, “They came out of the race with new personal bests. That’s the kind of dedication and resilience that got them here.”
The Team’s success were results not only achieved on race day– it’s about the lessons they learned along the way. Conner Lei, who was influenced by his senior teammates in his first year, hopes to pass on that same sense of inspiration to his underclassmen. “I want to be someone my underclassmen can look up to, just like I looked up to my seniors,” Conner said.
Looking ahead, the team remains motivated to continue striving for greatness. Coach Juan’s ultimate goal was to instill his athletes with the belief that anything is possible with hard work and commitment. “I hope they take away the lesson that nothing is impossible if we put in the effort and believe in ourselves,” Coach Juan said, “I’m confident we can achieve bigger goals and, hopefully, bring a championship to San Gabriel High one day.”
This season, San Gabriel High School’s cross country team didn’t just qualify for CIF– they embodied the spirit of a Matador. As they reflect on their accomplishments, they know that the relationships they’ve built and personal growth they’ve achieved will last far beyond the finish line.