Guardian Cross Country Embraces New Season
After a canceled race season in 2021, the Guardian Cross Country team burst into the 2022 season with fresh energy and focus. During each of their races, YISS runners showed determination and a passion for the sport. Their positivity and enthusiasm throughout the season earned them the 2022 KAIAC Cross Country Team Sportsmanship Award.
On the girls’ team, returning captain Sylvia L. was joined by newcomers Ashley S. (11), Claire L. (10), Lydia R. (10), Zoe Ch. (10), Veronica Y. (9), Brooke L. (9), Emma S. (9), and Hanna C. (9). Together the girls' team ran their way to an overall KAIAC season record of 23-5. Their 3rd place result in the KAIAC conference is the highest that Guardian XC has placed since 2014. Individual accolades from the season include All-Conference honors for Sylvia L., Claire L., and Lydia R. All-Tournament honors were given to Claire L. (5th place) and Lydia R. (11th place). During the Asia Pacific Invitational in Guam, Claire L. was recognized as an All-Island runner with her 9th place finish. Team award winners for the girls include Sylvia L. (Spirit Award), Claire L. (MVP), Ashley S. (Coach’s Award), and Lydia R. (Guardian Award).
On the boys’ team, senior captains David L. and Nathan C. led the way along with fellow seniors Nathan K. and Brian K. Other new members of the team included Souhoon L. (11), Nadav T. (10), Seokjun Y. (10), Sean L. (10), Edward P. (10), Jinyoung C. (10), Joshua K. (9), Albert N. (9) and Jeremiah R. (9). With 11 members new to the team, the Guardian XC boys took advantage of each practice and race as an opportunity to improve. This mindset resulted in every team member habitually reducing their personal best times and advancing individual and team scores. Their diligence paid off with a 5th place finish amongst a fast field of KAIAC teams. David L. and Nathan C. earned All-Conference honors for their consistent top times throughout the season. Both finished out their YISS XC careers with All-Tournament honors in the KAIAC Championship meet, with Nathan C. placing 6th and David L. placing 9th overall. Team award winners for the boys include Nathan C. (MVP), David L. (Spirit Award), Nathan K. (Coach’s Award), and Joshua K. (Guardian Award).
