The River Valley High girls cross country team had a record-setting year in 2023, culminating in their qualification for the California Interscholastic Federation state championships. This achievement marked the first time in Yuba City history that a team had made it to the state championships.
The team, coached by Swarnjit Boyal, dominated the season, winning the Capital Valley Conference championship for the second year in a row. Their success continued as they headed to Fresno’s Woodward Park for the state championships.
Junior Emma Thiara and her teammate Nevaeh Brown led the way for River Valley at the state championships. Thiara finished just four seconds behind Brown, crossing the finish line in 19 minutes and 15 seconds, securing a strong second place. April Anguiano followed in 84th place, with a time of 19:32. Autumn Bonds, Bella Rose Guillermo, and Ellyce Hill also contributed to the team’s success with finishes in 20:36, 21:50, and 22:44, respectively. Overall, River Valley finished 18th out of 24 schools in the Division II race.
Reflecting on the experience, Thiara expressed her awe at the talent and magnitude of the state championships. The race featured an impressive 196-person field, showcasing the best runners from various schools.
Making it to the state championships was no easy feat. Bella Rose Guillermo described the journey as mentally and physically challenging but incredibly rewarding. She emphasized the privilege of being part of such a dedicated and hardworking team.
Looking ahead, Coach Boyal explained that the athletes would have a two-week recovery period before beginning their in-season training once again. The training process spans 24 weeks and is divided into phases. The beginning phases focus on getting the athletes back into shape, followed by ten weeks of building their aerobic capacity through higher mileage and tougher workouts. The final four weeks leading up to the postseason, known as the peak phase, involve increasing intensity.
The River Valley cross country team’s story is one of passion, discipline, and determination. With their impressive achievements in 2023, they have put Yuba City on the map for cross country excellence. The athletes hope to inspire others to join the sport and experience the beauty and thrill of competition at higher levels.
As the team looks forward to the upcoming season, their dedication and work ethic will undoubtedly drive them to new heights. River Valley’s cross country program has proven that success comes not only from talent but also from the discipline and commitment of its athletes.
The team’s remarkable journey to the state championships serves as a testament to their hard work and serves as motivation for aspiring athletes in Yuba City and beyond. The River Valley High girls cross country program is poised for even greater achievements in the future, and their story will continue to inspire and captivate the community.
