A season ago, the cross-country program at Dinuba High School appeared to be on the verge of demise as fewer students came out for the team each year. Some of them only last a practice or two. Nonetheless, the team stood firm because of the students who stuck it out. Even with low numbers, they were able to create a strong boys’ team; however, the girls’ team lacked runners. The coaches felt that, ever since the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, the program had significantly declined, but they were unable to explain why. Reminiscing back on the times when the team was at its prime in the years of 2015 to 2016, winning back-to-back Central Section Championships. Coaches are holding on to the hope that the team will flourish once again. 

The 2025 Cross Country team initially started with a small group of students, but gradually, more students joined. The team experienced a 43% increase in membership compared to the previous year. Students who never even thought about running came out and stayed. The coaches felt like their prayers had been heard, and the chance of restoration was just a step away. They mention they couldn’t have done it without the help of students who went out and recruited. 

The growth of the team led to increased team bonding, motivation, and discipline from everyone. The more members in a team, especially in an individualistic sport like running, increases the competitive environment amongst members. This has led to new PR’s from many runners in the team. The support for everyone is the team’s strongest suit. In recent races, Dinuba voices are louder than ever in support of their fellow teammates. 

This has caused the team to compete in more races because the bigger the team, the more opportunities are presented. Furthermore, there is more funding from every team member. The more the team has fun, the stronger the bonding becomes between everyone. Also, it makes painful races like Woodward more enjoyable. 

Many of our runners have shone out this year with incredible improvements from prior seasons. At each meet, they get faster than before, which demonstrates the significant amount of work they’ve all put in. Even newcomers are finding their place as they progress through the season. 

Coach Lichtenwaldt, the head coach of cross country and track & field, shares that he believes the team’s growth was mainly due to having great athletes around who recruited, as well as a great environment. To him, the development of the team means that they are positively affecting the lives of students. In his own words, “It’s the fairest sport we have here, the more work you put into it, the more results you’re going to see.” 

For the remainder of the season, the coach’s goal is to help each athlete improve individually. If everyone is individually improving, the whole team will improve collectively. It’s more than improving in running; it’s about enhancing spiritually and mentally as well. 

The new runners express their reasons for joining; some simply want to condition for their other sports, while others just want to do something after school. In the end, they found a place in the team and found love in the sport. 

As one runner put it, “Cross country has really helped me in my conditioning, and it just makes me far happier.” 

This season so far, the runners have competed in tough and competitive races, with one of them being the highlight of their season. The race that is anticipated all year long, one of the largest races of the nation, is the annual Woodbridge Classic. About 400 high schools, 15,000 athletes all around the country, come to compete in this 3-mile race in Irvine, California. Dinuba was one of those 400 schools that had the opportunity to come out and give it their all. This race is known for giving athletes amazing PRs. Our Dinuba athletes showed this to be true as they performed amazingly and got new PR’s. The varsity boys team competed in the white senior boys section, and the girls competed in the red senior/junior section. Jordan Harp, Marcus Carrillo, Santiago Aguilar, and Dominic Villanueva obtained a medal by placing in the top 100. For the girls, Gisele Durate also obtained a medal by placing in the top 100. After the race, the varsity team had the chance to have fun at Disneyland for a whole day, where they all shared forever memories with each other.

The team’s growth has completely shifted its direction. In one moment, the team felt that it was almost at its demise, and then the next 30 people were at practice, excited to run. The revival of the team was a sign to the coaches that it’s not over yet and won’t be for a long time, with new runners who have so much potential to be great and create such a strong team. The only move now is to use that potential and to expand the team further. As the team continues to grow, more people come to appreciate the beauty of cross-country. 

 Improvement Stats: 

• Jordan Harp had previously set a time of 17.37 for 3 miles, but now holds 16.09 this season, making him the top eight in the record books for Dinuba. 
• Luciano Rodriguez used to run a time of 25.56 for the 5k, but now runs 23.22. Cutting a whole 2 minutes down.
• Jocelyne Gutierrez, who joined the team just last season, ran a time of 28.40 for the 5k; she now runs a 25.52—cutting a full 3 minutes from her previous time.
• Jennifer Antonio, who also joined last season, had a time of 27.45 for the 5k, but she now runs a 23.35—cutting nearly 4 minutes off her previous time.

Overall, all the runners have improved in all distances as they continue to give it their all before the season comes to a close.