Viewpoint Cross Country finished the season strong as both the boys and girls teams won CIF Southern Section Division 5 Championships on Saturday, November 22, at Mt. SAC. One week later, senior Olly O’Connor ’26 added to the program’s momentum by winning the CIF State Division 5 Individual Championship in Fresno.

The girls team earned the second CIF title in school history with an all-underclassmen roster. Freshmen and sophomores Marek Monn ’29, Romy Richter ’29, Alyssa Go ’29, Jade Brun ’28, Grace Fuller ’29, and Lola Bamsey ’28 delivered solid races and helped secure the championship.

“What these girls have accomplished in their season is nothing short of amazing. They have committed so much energy, time, understanding, and skill to take Gold Coast League Champions, CIFSS Champions, and 18th Place at CIF State,” shared Coach Alison Corneau. “They have been competing with teams that have seasoned runners, yet their teamwork and support of one another is unmatched, and their bond has given them a deeper connection to each other as teammates.”

On the boys side, the VPXC team secured its fourth consecutive CIFSS Division 5 Championship, continuing a remarkable streak of excellence. Olly O’Connor ’26 and Jack Richter ’27 led the way, while Noah Bamsey ’28, Derek Kessler ’26, Grant Kaltman ’28, and Colin Brun ’26 posted major personal records to secure the win. Rinya Dilg ’29 also delivered a strong performance, stepping in as the team’s seventh runner at the last minute. 

The boys program has now qualified for the State Meet seven years in a row. Viewpoint also celebrated several All-CIF individual honors:

• Olly O’Connor ’26 - CIFSS Division 5 Champion (14:18)
• Jack Richter ’27 - 3rd place (14:39)
• Noah Bamsey ’28 - 13th place (15:13)
• Derek Kessler ’26 - 14th place (15:21)

"It's remarkable what this group has accomplished in four years. Four straight CIF Southern Section titles is one away from the all-time record of five, and we'll go after that next year,” shared Coach Patrick Neville. “It's a direct result of the trials of miles and dedication of this group."

The momentum carried into the CIF State Meet on November 29 at Woodward Park in Fresno, where O’Connor ’26, who has committed to UCLA, captured the CIF State Division 5 individual title with an impressive time of 14:52.7.

O’Connor’s performance headlined an extraordinary day for Viewpoint. The boys finished third overall in Division 5, with Richter ’27 placing fifth (15:23.8) and earning first team all state honors. The girls finished 18th, rounding out a strong season in their fifth consecutive year qualifying for state championships.

“I could not be more proud of both our teams and their unwavering commitment, not only to achieving their goals but to each other,” said Coach Justin Hackitt. “Our young girls team gained valuable experience racing on the state course that will serve them well in the years ahead. The boys continue to amaze me with the lengths they will go to compete for one another and carry forward legacy that has been passed on to them. Trophies may fade, but their heart, grit, and discipline will last long after they move on from Viewpoint.”

Congratulations to our girls and boys teams, and to State Champion Olly O’Connor ’26, on an extraordinary season!