By Ellie Gilbert
Last Saturday, September 11th, Redwood cross country traveled to Morro Bay for their first meet of the season. Both boys and girls had mixed results.
Zoe Matlock, ‘23 placed 17th, with a time of 20:36.8. Natalie McDonnell, ‘23 placed 18th, with a time of 20:37.4. McDonnell says, “During our race, it was low tide so the sand was super soft and hard to run on which made our legs burn like crazy.”
Matlock and McDonnell placed the highest for Redwood women’s cross country. In 40th place came Faith Pacillas, ‘23, with a time of 21:51.6.
James Richardson, ‘22 placed 54th, with a time of 17:55.4. Pedro Mendez ‘23 placed 61st, with a time of 18:05.9.
Mendez says, “Running on sand affected my performance negatively because it is something I am not used to.”
With a time of 18:17.3 came Sam Suggs, ‘22, in 66th place.
It’s been some time since the cross country team has had a meet. McDonnell says, “I ran a lot better than I thought I would and was super happy with my performance.” McDonnell was pleased with herself, and was more than excited to finally get back on the course after such a static period during the pandemic.
Matlock says, “I felt alive for the first time since freshman year.” Due to injury, Matlock didn’t race much in her sophomore year, and the result of that led to this moment in Morro Bay.
Cross Country has an upcoming race on Friday, September 17th at Ridgeview Middle School. It will be Redwood’s first hosted invitational of the season.
Mendez says, “I have high expectations for this upcoming race because it’s at my old school and I already know the course.” This gives Mendez a slight step in front of runners from surrounding schools because he knows what is coming.
“Morro Bay helped to find around the pace that I should be doing through my race so this upcoming one I have a clearer idea of my racing strategy,” says Matlock, ready to run on Friday and see pleasing results.
Redwood has an exciting environment, and being part of this kind of environment is a great feeling for the team.
“I love wearing that jersey and knowing that I’m representing all of Redwood. The amazing teammates and seeing results from my training also make it all worth it,” says McDonnell.
Ellie Gilbert
Ellie Gilbert '24 is currently a second year Sports Journalist for the Redwood Gigantea. Ellie is also part of the Varsity Soccer team.
Email: ellis.gi4412@vusd.us
Tags: crosscountry, rangers, redwood cross country, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, redwood sports