On Oct. 29, Los Banos High’s cross country team ran their last meet against Buhach Colony. Before the meet, the senior runners celebrated their senior night with family, friends and their teammates.
Each senior was given the chance to write a speech that was read aloud at the ceremony by Coach Michael Salaz. Players explained the ceremony was emotional as they were honored for their years of dedication to the sport and the friendships they built along the way.
Senior runner Yacqueline Aguirre (12) said, “Before my senior night, I felt emotional but also excited because it was finally time for me and my friends to be celebrated as seniors after years.”
The speeches reflected on each senior’s journey and their future plans after high school. They created an exciting and emotional environment for not only those graduating, but for their supporters, too.
The final meet brought players to the realization that it would be their last race representing Los Banos High. The school played against five other schools in the Cross County Conference league. They ran against the Atwater, Buhach Colony, El Capitan, Golden Valley and Merced high schools.
Although the team didn’t place as a group, runners still took pride in their personal growth throughout the season. Many of the athletes reflected how their hard work had paid off and their newest personal records.
Aguirre said, “My teammates and I ran our races with dedication even if we didn’t always get the results we wanted. Through the season there were lots of PRs, and it felt great to know I was capable of running those times.”
While the regular season has officially ended, the Tigers looked ahead to subsections. The event took place on Nov. 8 at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds in Angels Camp with the sophomore boys and girls teams advancing to official sections.
Subsections decided which runners would qualify for the official sections, with about 70 athletes advancing. The official sections took place on Nov. 15 at Folsom High, with the sophomore team coming to fall and not placing.
As the cross country season comes to an end, emotions run high but pride and teamwork remain most important. For the seniors, this closing chapter not only marks the end of a season, but also the end of a journey filled with hard work, friendships and lasting memories.
