What's Happening?
The Menlo-Atherton (M-A) boys' cross country team delivered an outstanding performance at the third Peninsula Athletic League (PAL) meet held at Bedwell Bayfront Park. The team achieved a perfect score of 15 points, a first in the history of M-A's boys' cross country.
Seniors Cason Mitchell and Aidan Sharp led the team, tying for first place with a time of 16:53. Junior Grant Bennitt followed closely, securing third place with a time of 16:58. The team's depth was further demonstrated by senior Brady Phan and junior Benjamin Salceda, who finished fourth and fifth, respectively. Additional strong performances came from junior Calvin Blanford and senior Kentaro Wurtele, who placed ninth and twelfth. The girls' team also performed well, finishing second with a score of 44 points, led by sophomore Caroline Pflaum's second-place finish.
Why It's Important?
This achievement highlights the strength and depth of the M-A boys' cross country team, setting a new benchmark for the program. A perfect score in cross country is rare and signifies a dominant performance, which can boost the team's morale and reputation. The success of both the boys' and girls' teams underscores the effectiveness of their training programs and the support from coaches and the community. Such performances can enhance the school's athletic prestige and inspire younger athletes to participate in cross country, potentially leading to sustained success in future competitions.
What's Next?
The M-A cross country teams are set to compete in the Crystal Springs PAL championships on November 1. This upcoming event will provide another opportunity for the teams to showcase their skills and potentially secure more victories. The teams will likely continue their rigorous training to maintain their competitive edge. The results of the upcoming championships could influence their seeding and confidence going into future regional and state-level competitions.
