The Aliso Niguel Boys Cross Country squad is under a lot of pressure going into the 2025–26 season with lots of talent and hardship. Throughout the season they are expected to do very well this season competing against many top schools as well as competing in the top division.
The Boys Cross Country team is led by Head Coach John Walsh and Assistant Coach Erik Silberman. The coaches and the team are able to show the dedication and expectations that these coaches have for the boys running this season.
Given past seasons, they have performed extremely well and this season they are not planning to change that, possibly even improving this year. Based on a past performance this year at the Woodbridge Invitational, they have been performing outstandingly well and plan to do so for their upcoming meet at the Laguna Hills Invitational, where they are planning to get a high place finish throughout their team and runners.
Cross Country isn’t just about running and how well you place at different events; it also challenges yourself making it a mental challenge with personal benefits.
Emiliano Abarca (9) on the Cross Country’s Boys team, says that, “Running is more challenging on your mind than your legs”.
This shows how Cross Country isn’t just about running, its a test of mental toughness and how the real race happens in your mind where the runners overcome self-doubt and push through exhaustion to cross the finish line.
Cross country can also help with many different things in life, such as staying fit and being able to withstand physical and mental demands.
Teamwork is a very important asset on every sports team. It isn’t just about friendship and being able to hang out with friends; it’s about the people who help you and challenge you to do better every day, every training and every meet.
“There’s no better team bonding than dying on a three mile course,” says Abarca.
Though it might be challenging for the team, it will always be worth it due to bonding with teammates who help motivate and push one to do better even at your lowest. The knowledge of not running alone pushes runners to accomplish their best.
As the Boys Cross Country Season begins to move along, we will always see the hardship, expectations, and teamwork throughout every runner on the team. That is what helps them stay together and helps them do great on every challenge and meet they have to go through to be able to finish at the top and constantly get good placements all throughout the season.
