New Season New Captains, Boys and Girls Cross Country

By: Cody Abney and Chance Jasso

With the new cross country season underway there are four new captains across both the boys and girls teams. On the boys cross country team, Hunter Skoglund ‘25, and Pedro Mendez ‘23, are this year’s captains. Jizelle Loza ‘23, along with Zoë Matlock ‘23, are this year’s captains for the girls. 

Skoglund ‘25 says, “To me it means creating a strong team culture and ensuring that everybody is on task”. Skoglund has hopes to be EYL champions and stay competitive in all valley races and championships.

Skoglund has taken responsibility for everything that revolves around the team and hopes to succeed with the rest of the team.

Loza ‘23, has been running for Redwood for all four of her high school years. “There are so many benefits you gain from being a captain, but it’s truly a learning experience along the way too.” Loza also wants to win the EYL for girls cross country.

Loza has demonstrated being a team captain by always staying positive and leading by example for underclassmen.

Mendez ‘23 has been running since his 7th grade year. He has a PR (Personal Record) of a 4:54 1600 meter. “Being the team captain means I’m responsible for my team and that I need to make sure they do what they’re supposed to.

Mendez wants to make a better run for valley this year after nearly winning last year.

Matlock ‘23 is also in her 4th year of Redwood Cross Country. “Before a race, my Mindset is set to prepare me to be in pain and be okay with it and reminding myself to run with heart no matter what.”

Matlock wants the team to strive to be the best they possibly can to win in the new league, EYL.

Tags: cross country, Redwood, sports