Five OVS runners set personal records on Friday as the boys team had a great showing at the CIF Cross Country prelims.
The boys finished ninth out of 13 teams in their heat — and 33rd of 51 overall in Division 5 — led once again by senior Kai Ishikawa who ran the fastest three-mile race in OVS history with a time of 16:36.
Other PRs were run by seniors Vincent Bell and Finn Marx, junior Leo Li, and freshman Cash Vera.
Notably, Vincent shaved more than a minute off his previous best to run 18:05 on the rainy course at Mt. San Antonio College. He was the second-fastest OVS runner on Friday.
“CIF prelims are incredibly competitive,” Coach Fred Alvarez said. “Of the 95 runners in our heat only the top six advance to finals.”
Friday’s race capped a strong season during which the boys team won its fifth-straight Omega League title.
In addition to the boys defending their league title, the OVS girls cross country team also secured back-to-back league championships at the Omega League championship, which was held Oct. 29 at Soule County Park.
At the league final, senior captain Kai Ishikawa defended his individual Omega League title, winning the boys varsity race by more than a minute.
That set the stage for Friday’s race at Mt. SAC, where Kai ran the best race of his life despite the stormy conditions.
“In addition to Kai setting an OVS record, it was the best showing ever by an OVS Cross Country team at CIF,” said Mr. Alvarez, noting that there were nearly 400 Division 5 runners overall who took to the course on Friday. “I’m incredibly proud of the commitment our runners made on Friday and all season long.”
