Hawthorne Math and Science Academy Cross Country, Track and Field Season Preview

The Hawthorne Math and Science Academy Cross Country team is on a mission to reach new heights this season. Coming off a successful year where they finished 3rd place in the Southern Section CIF Finals, the team is determined to improve upon their accomplishments and achieve their ultimate goal of winning the Division 5 Southern Section CIF Finals. To learn more about the team and their upcoming season, we sat down with their coach, Daniel Highducheck. Top Returning Players: Heading into this season, the team will be relying on the expertise and skills of four returning varsity runners from last year's team - Mateo Duran, Kevin Garcia, Bryan Lezama, and Francisco Robles. These individuals are not only talented athletes, but they also possess a deep passion for the sport of cross country. Whether they compete in track and field or solely focus on cross country, they all share one common goal - to improve and win. New Players: Coach Highducheck also has his eye on three sophomores who he believes will make an immediate impact on the team - Paolo Rivas, Diego Duran, and Alvin Emordi. These young athletes have shown tremendous progress in their training and have a promising future ahead. Paolo and Diego have already proven their dedication to the sport by excelling in track and field, and the addition of Alvin, who did not compete in cross country last year, will add depth to the team. Team Captains: When asked about the qualities he looks for in potential team captains, Coach Highducheck emphasized the importance of a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. He believes that a team captain should not only lead by example but also motivate and encourage their teammates. This year, Kevin Garcia has been chosen as one of the team captains due to his unwavering dedication to the sport and his teammates. Team Chemistry: To foster a sense of camaraderie and unity, Coach Highducheck has created a competitive yet fun environment for the team. While each runner has their individual goals, they all share the common goal of pushing each other to improve and achieve their best. This culture of competition has been instrumental in the team's success over the years. Motivating Players: Motivation is an integral part of the team's culture, and Coach Highducheck believes that competition is the cornerstone of the program. By setting daily, weekly, and season-long goals, he keeps the team focused and motivated to push themselves to their full potential.