Written by Avnir Sachdev ’30
Edited by Aarav Desai ’29
It has been some time since the start of the cross-country season, and Bellarmine is yet again back to fighting for number one in the West Catholic Athletics League. For example, the Baylands Invitational that occurred in early September found Bellarmine claiming first place in the Senior race, while placing second in all the other races by slim margins. At Golden Gate Park for the Lowell Invitational however, Bellarmine revealed the prowess that makes it such a feared name in Cross Country. Bellarmine won the Freshmen and the Sophomore race. Meanwhile, the JV and Varsity teams faced tougher opposition, with JV getting second to Saugus High, and Varsity 1 placing third to Hillsdale and Encinal. The other Varsity team, Varsity 2 also got third, but to Clovis High and Mountain View. Since then, the team won all four races at the WCAL 1 League meet, and went on to win the Varsity 2 race at the Westmoor Ram invite in Daly City. The Varsity 1 team got second, JV third, Sophomore second, and Freshman fourth.
It is fair to say that Bellarmine will continue adapting like always to face any challenge that comes up. Ever since the formation of the West Catholic Athletic League (or WCAL), Bellarmine has won thirty two league titles. Last year they claimed their sixth straight title for the Varsity team, after Saint Francis broke a 10 year streak in 2017. When asked about this streak of wins, Coach McCrystle said, “Yes absolutely, winning WCAL on all four levels(Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior) this season is absolutely a goal for us.” Joseph Phan, Class of 2027, who ran in the JV race said “I see this season as a return to form for me”, adding, “My goal for this season is really for me to be the best teammate I can be.” After years of sustained excellence, Bellarmine seems to be back on the path to a great season, that might just clinch them yet another championship.