Anaheim High School Cross Country Season Preview

The Anaheim High School Cross Country team is gearing up for another season, and Coach Casey Lang is excited about the potential of the team. With a strong returning core and promising new additions, the goals for this season include winning a fifth back-to-back league championship, moving up in the CIF standings, and building up the team by increasing its numbers. When looking at the top returning players from last season, Coach Lang highlights the team's five seniors as the standouts. Anayeli Labra-Martinez, who is in her second cross-country season, leads the team with her dedication and love for the sport. Itzel Cordova, also in her third season, shows promise to break the 20-minute threshold. The next three girls, Taylor Falt, Ximena Gonzalez, and Mia Hernandez, have been 4-year participants and bring determination and grit to the team. But the team is not just relying on experienced athletes. Coach Lang also sees potential in newcomer Cruz Olivares from 11th grade and 10th grader Renee Candela to round out the team and make an impact this season. When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Lang looks for individuals who can inspire the team to push through the tough days, organize team bonding, and bring everyone together. This season's captains, Anayeli Labra-Martinez and Taylor Falt, have shown to be strong leaders who create a competitive and supportive team dynamic. To foster strong team chemistry and camaraderie, the girls embarked on a team trip to Big Bear for a cross-country camp. This experience allowed the girls to bond, push themselves on challenging runs, and create unforgettable memories. Coach Lang believes that this trip will bring the team closer and remind them of the true meaning of being a team. Motivating players to push themselves to their full potential is all about having a growth mindset according to Coach Lang. The team celebrates personal records after every race and encourages each other to keep working hard. Despite challenges like heat acclimation and getting out of the concrete jungle to run on trails, the girls are determined to do their best and achieve their goals. The schedule for this season includes tough competition from schools like Western HS, Santa Ana Valley HS, and Century HS. The team is also looking forward to the Woodbridge Invitational and competing in CIF. Coach Lang also notes the importance of taking care of mental health and well-being, both for herself as a coach and for her team.