Clovis North High School Cross Country Season Preview

As the fall season approaches, excitement is building for the Clovis North High School cross country team. With strong players returning from last season and a number of newcomers joining the team, this promises to be a competitive and exciting year for the Broncos. I had the opportunity to talk to Coach Jason Lienau about the team's expectations, strengths, and strategies for the upcoming season. Top Returning Players: The boys' team has their sights set on a top 2-3 finish in their league, which is known as one of the toughest in the state, and a top 6 finish in the state championships. Their top returner, junior Conor Lott, is one of the fastest runners in the state of California. On the girls' side, their goal is to secure a top 2 spot in league and section championships and maintain their streak of finishing in the top 10 at the state meet, which they have achieved for the past three years. Seniors Keira Quigley and Aubrey Pacheco, along with sophomore Giselle Renney, make up the team's top three runners and are known for running closely together in races, pushing each other to the front of the pack. New Impact Players: Freshman Jake Leath is a standout newcomer on the boys' team, showing incredible determination and grit in his performances. On the girls' side, senior Emilia Lev is quickly rising to the top and striving to join the top three runners. These new players will add to the team's depth and contribute to their success this season. Qualities of Team Captains: The captains this year for the boys' team are Evan Silva, Gurdave Pandher, and Manvir Dhillon, while Keira Quigley and Aubrey Pacheco lead the girls' team. Coach Lienau looks for leaders who are inclusive, communicate well with their team and coaches, are honest, and can set a good example for the rest of the team. Captains also play a vital role in setting the team's overall tone and culture. Team Chemistry: Maintaining strong team chemistry and camaraderie is crucial for the success of any team. Coach Lienau expects his captains to promote inclusivity and open communication within the team. By creating a supportive and positive environment, the team remains focused on their common goal and works together to achieve it.