FALL SPORTS PREVIEW: BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY

The boys’ cross country team ran at Lake Casitas Recreation Area in Ojai on Sept. 15 as their first meet of the season. The meet consisted of many teams that Peninsula has little to no experience running against.

“This is the strongest team [we have] had in years,” senior Lucas Ding said. “Being a senior has really given me new perspective. I remember when I used to look up at the seniors. [It is] just interesting to be that person in a social aspect.”

Cross Country coach Chris Foster plans to help the team improve this year by increasing weight training and by having the top runners run more mileage. Despite many of the team’s fastest runners graduating this past year, Foster believes that this year’s team has significant potential.

“Since we no longer have a clear front runner, the front pack will be tighter than before,” Foster said. “The faster runners will be more motivated to push themselves and others to new heights.”

Foster emphasizes the importance of unity and support to the success of any group and wants to establish cross country at Peninsula as a culture instead of just a sport.

“[The coaches] want the young [members] to learn to be a part of the tradition,” Foster said. “The older [members] need to set [the image].”