By Liran Hashalom
BOYS The Dana Hills boys cross country team has had a busy and inspiring fall, showcasing steady improvement through major competitions including the Dana Hills Invitational, Clovis Invitational, and Orange County Championships. Most recently at the Orange County Championships, held October 17–18 at Oak Canyon Park in Irvine, the boys varsity placed 14th overall with 333 points behind another standout performance from Hunter, who clocked a team-leading 14:12.5. The team then traveled to the prestigious Clovis Invitational at Woodward Park in Fresno, a challenging and hilly 5k where Oliver finished 14th overall in a loaded field that featured a historic course record by Herriman High’s Jackson Spencer at 14:16.9. The season kicked off on the home course at the fast and flat Dana Hills Invitational, where senior Oliver Hunter led the Dolphins with a 6th-place finish in 10:15.5. Seniors have played a crucial role in leading the Dolphins this season. Senior Jonathan Desormiers called Clovis his toughest race due to the long, punishing terrain, but he also delivered a huge breakthrough at Woodbridge, dropping his time from 16:40 to just under 16 minutes despite running without a watch. He says he is eager for league finals and still remembers his favorite cross country memory—when the varsity boys all earned medals during his freshman year. Fellow senior Zachary Williams, who currently holds a personal best of 15:33 in the three-mile, hopes to break 15:30 at league and summed up this season in one word: “Final,” acknowledging the meaning of his last year representing Dana Hills. With league finals ahead and CIF state qualification within reach, the boys are determined to keep the momentum going—running not only for fast times and postseason success, but for each other. GIRLS The Dana Hills girls cross country team has put together a season defined by resilience, youth, and a growing competitive edge under second-year head coach Amber Spina. The team continued its varsity development through the challenging 5k course at the Clovis Invitational and then delivered its strongest performance of the year at the Orange County Championships on October 17–18, where they celebrated their highest placement and the most PRs of any meet this season. The season opened on a home meet at the Dana Hills Invitational, where Noelle Banuelos led the Dolphins with a 41st-place finish in 18:37.2 to help the team secure 12th overall. Spina says the young group made mostly of freshmen and sophomores, along with one junior, has already exceeded expectations. “The season is going well,” she said. “Considering how young they are, they’ve performed better than expected.” Seniors Tina Quilantan and Camilla Rodriguez credit the supportive, family-like environment for the program’s progress, noting that every runner is encouraged and valued as they enter league goals in sight.