The 2023 Cordova Lancers Cross Country team leaves a legacy which will resonate within the Cordova community, serving as inspiration for future generations. Photo courtesy of Ayden Gregory Photography

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova High School Cross Country team navigated a season of challenges and triumphs, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on the Greater Sacramento League in their final campaign. The 2023 season was a testament to resilience, growth, and the restoration of cherished traditions within the Cordova XC program.

The season began with a slow start as a wave of new student-athletes, unfamiliar with the intricacies of cross country, joined the Cordova Lancers. Undeterred, the team embraced the learning curve, and midway through the season, their hard work and dedication began to yield impressive results. Athletes, once newcomers to the sport, found themselves consistently finishing in the top 30 places in their races, showcasing the team's collective progress.

In their farewell to the Greater Sacramento League, Cordova XC secured a commendable second-place finish for both boys and girls in the team standings. This accomplishment was a testament to the unity and determination of the team, overcoming the initial hurdles and emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the league.

A standout moment in the season was Junior Stephany Santana's triumphant victory over West Campus's Senior Makayla Saeteurn, securing the Individual GSL Girls title in a record time of 20:29. Santana's achievement placed her at an impressive 2nd all-time on the Cordova XC leaderboard, marking her as a rising star in the program.

Senior Daniel Insco engaged in a hard-fought battle against West Campus's Junior Elijah Gilleland, exemplifying the competitive spirit that defined Cordova XC throughout the season. The team boasted a total of 3 All-Greater Sacramento League Boys and 4 All-Greater Sacramento League Girls, showcasing the depth of talent within the Cordova Lancers.

Notable athletes from Cordova XC included Marissa Santos-Vargas, Juliet Coutinho, Amelia Nunn, Stephany Santana, Daniel Insco, Justus Ramirez, and Ezekiel Konay. Their contributions were instrumental in the team's success throughout the season.

Cordova XC also took center stage by hosting all three league competitions and the highly anticipated Cordova Hoka Postal Nationals, a testament to the program's commitment to fostering a sense of community and showcasing their passion for the sport.

As championship season unfolded, Cordova XC entered with determination and emerged with standout performances at Sac-Joaquin Sub-Sections. Athletes such as Daniel Insco, Justus Ramirez, Charli Ramirez-Oliva, Stephany Santana, and Carson Caditz demonstrated their prowess, with Santana and Ramirez-Oliva bringing home well-deserved medals.

At Sac-Joaquin Sections, Charli Ramirez-Oliva further solidified his presence by finishing 5th overall in the freshman 2-mile race, adding another remarkable achievement to the season.

Head Coach Josh Gruver expressed his joy in coaching this exceptional team, stating, “The joy of coaching this team comes from witnessing the restoration of traditions and the flourishing success of this program. The athletes have embodied the spirit of the Cordova Lancers, and their achievements speak volumes about their dedication and passion for the sport.”

As the Cordova Lancer Cross Country Program wraps up the 2023 season, the legacy of this remarkable journey will undoubtedly resonate within the Cordova community, serving as inspiration for future generations of athletes and ensuring that the traditions of excellence continue to flourish.