A CIF Individual

Raul Burris becomes the first Boys CIF individual for cross country in years

November 22, 2019

In CIF for cross country, only the fastest runners can get make it. In order to be in CIF for cross country as a team, you need to come in the top 3 with the top 5 individuals scoring points, however, it is much tougher to go to CIF as an individual. Sophomore at San Dimas High School, Raul Burris, not only became one of the top in the league, making it onto the top 12 podium and receiving that award, but he came in 4th place overall, and got himself a spot in CIF competing all by himself in one of the fastest races ever.

Raul Burris said about the race on Saturday, the 16th of November, “I was excited because it was a big thing for our school, because it has been a while since someone has been to CIF, so I was kind of excited to be there.” Burris spent most of his time outside of academics preparing for the race, however he said, “I think I could have pushed myself a little more and practiced a little harder going into the week before the race, and have eaten a little better, but other than that, I felt fine”. Over all this season Burris said, “I could have practiced a little harder, but overall I believe that I did awesome.”

At the start Burris was one of two individuals going racing, and lined up against 20 other teams. When the gun shot, and everyone took off, Burris quickly took the lead with a great stride and confidence. For the first mile he looked great, and still had a fabulous amount of energy left for the race, and  maintained the lead ahead of the second runner. Burris went onto the second mile with the same confident attitude and pace as well, still keeping his lead in first place.

The course in Riverside was not too forgiving that day however, around the second mile strong winds picked up blowing a hazardous amount of dust everywhere, and even picking up tents. The entire race had slowed down and all the runners came in coughing with lungs full of dust.

Even though the conditions for the race had progressively worsened as the runners went on, Burris still kept an amazing amount of speed and a strong mindset throughout the whole race, Burris finished in one of the top places as well. Even though he did not qualify individually for the next CIF round, Burris still did an amazing job at the 2019 Cross Country CIF prelims, and he looks forward to seeing how great he can be on the track.

 

Saint Scroll • Copyright 2024 • FLEX WordPress Theme by SNOLog in