Santa Cruz High School Cross Country Season Preview

With a strong core of returning runners and an offseason dedicated to endurance and strength, Santa Cruz High School Cross Country is gearing up for what could be one of its best seasons yet. Offseason Focus: Building Strength and Speed The offseason for cross country is split into two phases: the period between cross country and track, and then the months following track until the next cross country season begins. During this time, Santa Cruz runners focus on: Distance training to build aerobic endurance Tempo runs to improve pacing and racing strategy Hill repeats once a week late in the offseason to enhance strength and finishing speed These training elements ensure the team maintains fitness and develops the strength needed to compete at a high level. Special Offseason Events: High-Altitude Camp One of the highlights of the offseason has been the team’s annual altitude camp, which has drawn 10-12 runners each season. Training at altitude helps improve endurance and team bonding, setting up the athletes for success when they return to sea level competition. Key Runners to Watch in 2025 Despite graduating an outstanding senior class, the Cardinals have a talented group ready to step up: Caelan Harris (Sophomore) – Just ran 4:42 in his first season of track, despite never competing in cross country before. Ander Laurber (Freshman) – Posted a strong 4:43, showing immense potential for distance running. Nico Van Der Meer (Sophomore) – Ran an impressive 4:39, just a day after winning two events in a swim meet, showcasing his versatility and endurance. Deep talent pool – At least five other runners are expected to break the 5-minute barrier in the 1600m by the end of the track season. With this young, fast-developing roster, Santa Cruz could be even stronger than last year. Training and Team Development: A Year-Round Approach Santa Cruz runners have the advantage of additional training opportunities through the Santa Cruz Track Club, which offers workouts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. This allows athletes to refine their fitness throughout the offseason in an open, supportive environment. Coaching Strategy: Motivation and Consistency Coach Gregory Brock and his staff are focused on keeping runners engaged through the summer. The goal is to: Keep athletes motivated to train consistently Provide structured but flexible opportunities to improve Develop a strong foundation leading into the fall season Fan Engagement & Community Involvement The team stays connected with its fanbase and supporters through: Social media platforms to highlight performances and training updates A dedicated team website to provide information and updates By keeping fans engaged, Santa Cruz aims to build a supportive community around its cross-country program. Biggest Challenge: Replacing a Talented Senior Class While the team loses key seniors, the exciting part is that the younger athletes might push the team to an even higher level. The challenge will be: Developing race experience for younger athletes Ensuring offseason training translates into fall success Keeping the team motivated and focused on long-term goals Season Outlook: A Bright Future With a rising group of talented runners and a strong offseason plan, Santa Cruz Cross Country is poised for success in 2025. If the younger athletes continue improving at their current rate, this could be one of the fastest and most competitive teams in recent history. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting season for Santa Cruz Cross Country!