Crean Lutheran Cross Country Makes Headlines

2020-21 – Season Wrap Article

Crean Lutheran boys cross country runners ‘doing the right things’

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  2 Timothy 4:7

Crean Lutheran High School’s boys cross country runners and coaches set some goals for the season, which was delayed until February because of COVID-19. Crean Lutheran hosted its first on-campus meet Saturday, February 6.

“This year’s boys cross country team has been all about growth, culture development and consistency in the midst of an uncertain season of life,” said Coach Robby Cherry. “Since August of 2020 our boys cross country team has been training consistently and developing successful habits, routines and mindsets that are helping us to become an excellent program.

“Our theme verse for this season is Galtians 6:9 which says, ‘And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.’ This theme verse has been a helpful reminder for me to focus on consistency and on doing the right things and trusting that the outcomes will follow. More importantly, this verse reminds us to remain faithful in our walk with Jesus and to not give up.”

Cherry said he is optimistic. “We believe our team could finish in the top three in the Empire league this season,” he said.  “Our goal for the boys team this season is to have four boys run under 17 minutes for three miles in the same race and have a team time under 83:45.”

Some individuals are expected to lead the way, Cherry said. “This season we expect our team to be led by freshman standout runner Hayden Rivas who has burst onto the scene as one of the top runners in the Empire League this year,” he said. “Jeremy Lauro (junior), Gavin Burkhart (junior) and Ethan Miller (junior) have each made great strides this season as our 2-3-4 runners and David Whitney (freshman), Russell Mo (sophomore), Lucas Tanikawa (sophomore) and Bobby Westerfeld (sophomore) have each contributed on the varsity level this year as well.”

2019-20 – Season Wrap Article

Cross country season features many personal bests by Crean Lutheran athletes

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  2 Timothy 4:7

Many Crean Lutheran High School cross country athletes set personal bests this season.

“In total 33 of 37 athletes on the team ran their fastest time ever this season,” said Coach Robby Cherry.

The runners accomplished another important goal, he said. “Our team was very focused on our mission all season of proclaiming Jesus Christ and I believe we succeeded in running the race marked out for us,” Cherry said.

“Our team was also able to serve our community with a service project in connection with Charity on Wheels, an organization which helps to serve the homeless community of Orange County. We were able to worship with this community while also helping to serve them food and distribute clothing.”

In competition, the boys team finished eighth and the girls team was ninth in the small schools division at the Orange County Championships which had more than 20 teams. Crean Lutheran’s Kaela Brenner was first team team all-league.

“The boys team was consistently led by the duo of seniors Michael Vasquez and CJ Koerber, each of whom improved by over a minute and broke into the school’s top 10 list while breaking 16 minutes for three miles,” Cherry said. Also contributing were Gavin Burkhart, Charlie Wagner, Ethan Miller, Andrew Sheha and Gavin Paul.

A number of other girls contributed. “Seniors Arianna Kochan, Maddie Luther, Julie Koyamatsu, Ciera Rasmussen and Payton McGaffigan all played a role in our team’s success. Arianna has been consistently our number one or two runner over the past three years,” Cherry said. “Junior Julia Cuddyer and sophomore Emily Reed also contributed on the varsity team.”

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2012 Season