The Venice High cross country team is kicking off the season with fresh energy and a focus on rebuilding.

After graduating a large group of seniors last year, Head Coach Gomez said that this fall is about starting over and developing new talent.

“We lost a lot of seniors, so it’s one of those seasons where we’re just hoping to get new runners and start again,” Gomez said.

While the boys side of the roster has grown, the team is seeing fewer girls competing compared to past year

This year’s team captains are Noga Amit and Avitansh Arora, for the girls and boys team. They both describe cross country as more than just a sport. 

“It’s a really big honor,” Amit said. “This team is like my family”.

The two captains play a key role in organizing practices, motivating runners, and helping with fundraisers, such as this past Grease Night.

With the help of captains Amit and Arora, They organize workouts during the weekends, as well as school breaks to keep athletes strong- throughout the season and beyond.

One rising runner has already made quite the impression: Sophomore Whitney Derby.

“She’s a 10th grader that’s running in the 18 minute range now,” said Gomez. Derby is quickly becoming one of Venice’s top performers.

Taking the time to put in effort is the key to success in cross country. 

“We’ve seen big changes with runners actually doing the work this summer and showing great improvement,” Gomez said.

This year’s league course will be a lot different than other seasons, so Gomez has changed his training to prepare the team for their new courses that now prioritizes speed over strength.

“For this season we have to prepare for speed, said Gomez. “Pretty much just making sure our runners are staying competitive on the flat surfaces, and being fast rather than strong when we have more hills.”

Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), one of the more rigorous invitationals, has seen changes within the past year.

“The course as of last year, or two years ago, got changed,” said Gomez.

This Cross Country season may have brought unfamiliar terrain, but it has also brought new opportunities.

“I’m excited to see how far we can get the season,” said Amit. I feel like we really grew as a team.”