Congratulations to the Viewpoint Boys Varsity Cross Country Team for winning the Southern Section Division 5 CIF Champions title for the third straight year, and qualifying for the State Finals for the sixth consecutive time. The race was held at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut on Saturday, November 23. The Girls Varsity Cross Country team won third place, and qualified for the fourth year in a row.  Both teams are gearing up to compete in the CIF State Finals on November 30, with the support of their Head Coach Justin Hackitt, and Assistant Coaches Alison Corneau and Patrick Neville. 

The boys team won their third CIF southern section title with an impressive 60 points, winning by over 40 points. Results included:

• Olly O'Connor ’26: 15:02
• Mitchell Majors ’28: 16:23
• Andrew Neville ’26: 16:26
• Jack Richter ’27: 16:30 (16th)
• Noah Bamsey ’28: 17:08 (32nd)
• Derek Kessler ’28: 17:30 (50th)
• Grant Kaltman ’28: 18:04 (73rd)

“After losing some top Senior runners from last year, our boys team knew they had to work hard to continue their CIF championship streak,” said Justin Hackitt, Head Coach. “Every single one of them, including three new Freshmen and a Sophomore transfer, rose to the occasion. This has been one of the most dedicated group of athletes I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. From early morning summer runs, to high altitude training at Mammoth, and grueling after school workouts in the heat, they never wavered. Every single one of them showed up day after day to give their best, not only for their own personal goals but for their team. That is what has made this team and this season so special. They have truly become a team that enjoys each other and makes sacrifices for each other. When they lined up on the starting line there wasn’t a doubt in my mind regarding the outcome of the race. They will push through any amount of pain for the sake of the team.”

For the fourth consecutive year, our Girls team secured a spot in the State competition. Zooey Jeong ’25 placed 8th to earn All-CIFSS honors, winning her fastest time in the Mt. Sac course (19:47). Coming in 17th place, Ella Katz ’25 ran her fastest time this season on the Mt. SAC course, crossing the finish line in 20:30. Strong performances from seniors Micah Gutman ’25, and Alexa Jeong ’25, Annie Yang ’26 and Lola Bamsey ’28 helped bring the girls team success. A standout performance from Jade Brun ’28 helped secure the girls spot at the state meet. Improving her time by over two minutes from the week before. Jade crossed the finish line in 22:31 as our #5 runner.

“The girls’ team, made up of four Seniors, one Junior, and two Freshmen really came together this season,” said Hackitt. “Our four Seniors have been racing together for four years and have been through a lot. Their culminating season was about leaving behind their legacy, especially to our younger runners. It has been so special seeing the seven of them laughing at practice, encouraging one another, and pushing each other in challenging workouts. Prior to 202, the girls had only competed at the state championship in 2011 and 2017. Since their Freshmen year, these four seniors helped bring the team to state four years in a row. They’ve truly left a legacy.”

The CIF State Cross Country Championships will take place this Saturday, November 30 at Woodward Park in Fresno. Girls race at 11:30 a.m. and boys race at 1:00 p.m. On this day, Viewpoint's Girls and Boys Cross Country Teams will compete against 24 other top schools from across the state. Congratulations once again to both teams, and best of luck in the upcoming championships!