The 2025 Cross Country season was one to remember as it was filled with hard work, extensive goals, and many Personal Records (PRs). With Coach Menendez and Coach Solomon leading the way, the team not only showed strong performances but also significant growth, both on and off the trail.
This season was filled with progress, with numerous athletes hitting PRs and excelling at maintaining their health throughout the season. As Coach Solomon noted, “This has definitely been a successful season. We’ve seen a lot of PRs, fewer injuries, and the training has really clicked for the team. The competition at each meet has pushed everyone to give their best effort.”
One of the best things about this season was the arrival of new faces on the team, like freshman Sophie Pettus. Pettus, who was new to cross country but already loved running, quickly fell in love with the team environment. “I joined mainly because my friends were doing it, but I ended up loving it. The team is so encouraging. Everyone cheers each other on, and it feels like we’re all in it together,” she said with a smile. For Pettus, the season was about more than just racing — it was about doing her best and enjoying the ride. “My goal was to just have fun and do my best,” she said. “I definitely did that! I had such a great time this year, and I can’t wait for next season.” Even though it was her first year, Pettus quickly became part of the team’s close-knit culture. “The encouragement was amazing,” she added. “I can’t believe how much we all pushed each other — not just at races, but at practice too.”
One of the season’s highlights was not just crossing the finish line; it was how the team supported each other all year long. From shouting words of encouragement during tough workouts to celebrating each person’s PR, the bond between teammates grew stronger with every race. As the State Meet approached — the final race of the season in which the top seven runners got to compete — nerves were high, as all the runners were itching to achieve new PRs and finish the season strong. As senior Roy Graham stated, “I was nervous going into the state meet because I really wanted to PR,” he admitted. “But once the race started, all those nerves turned into motivation. It was my last chance to push myself, and I did.”
For senior Roy Graham, the season was a culmination of years of hard work. “I didn’t really fall in love with running until my junior year, so this year I had some pretty big goals,” he said. His goal was to run the 5K in the low 17-minute range, which he thought might be out of reach when the season started. However, by the State Meet, he did just that, crossing the finish line with a personal best of 17:08 that earned him a spot among the top finishers. Graham’s journey was not just about personal success; it was also about leadership. “I think I grew a lot as a leader this season,” he reflected. “I was able to help motivate my teammates, give them tips, and be someone they could look up to. It was really rewarding to see them improve, too.”
The CCS cross-country teams had an impressive showing at the state meet, with the women’s team finishing 13th and the men’s team securing 9th place. These results mark a significant achievement for CCS, as both teams outperformed several of our rival schools. This strong performance reflects the continued growth and success of the cross-country program, showcasing the dedication and hard work of our athletes. Looking forward, after a season of personal growth and team unity, the future looks bright. As the team celebrates their achievements this year, they’re already looking forward to next season, ready to set new goals and make even more memories together. This season, they didn’t just race; they built lasting friendships, found their limits, and discovered what it really means to be a part of something bigger than themselves. With Coach Menendez and Coach Solomon continuing to guide them and a strong, motivated team returning, there’s no telling how far they’ll go next season. As Solomon noted, “Cross country is about more than just running—it’s about learning how to push yourself, working together, and growing as a person. That’s what I love about coaching this team. I get to watch them not only become better athletes but better individuals.”
