FRESNO, Calif. — Qualifying for the prestigious CIF State Cross Country Championships at Woodward Park is an achievement in itself, but for Great Oak’s cross-country teams, the stakes were higher. The boys team aimed to reclaim a Division I state title last won in 2022, while the girls team sought a strong finish in their competitive field.
For the boys team, the build-up to the state championships was full of promise and perseverance. Before the meet, head coach Tammy Draughon expressed confidence to the media in regard to her team’s capabilities. “I coach for the end of the season,” Draughon remarked. “It was all about not being over until it was over. I think we had a really good shot.”
The return of senior standout Westin Brown added a much-needed boost for the Wolfpack. Brown, who overcame a stress reaction in his foot earlier in the season, joined the team as their No. 4 runner at the CIF-SS finals, helping propel the squad to its second place finish the previous week. With senior Jacob Brown, who delivered standout performances throughout the season, leading the charge, the Wolfpack entered the state race with high hopes.
The race, however, presented unexpected challenges. A disqualification on the starting line shook the team, forcing the remaining runners to adapt quickly. Despite these hurdles, Jacob Brown placed 5th overall with an impressive 15:10.6, becoming the team’s leading scorer. The boys team ultimately finished 6th in the state. Notably, the top six teams were separated by just 60 points, highlighting the fierce competition in the Division I race. While the outcome didn’t result in another state title for Great Oak, their ability to stay within striking distance was commendable.
“They’re capable of winning,” Draughon had said to the media ahead of the meet. “I think the winning team will have to have five runners in the top 25 scoring positions.” Though that goal fell just short, Great Oak’s effort demonstrated the depth and determination embedded in the program.
The Great Oak girls team delivered a solid performance as well, finishing 12th in the Division I race. Senior Makenna Mitchell provided a strong lead, crossing the line in 37th place, while Temescal Canyon senior Megan Crum and Vista Murrieta senior Erika Kirk also shone with top 15 finishes, placing 13th and 15th, respectively. Great Oak’s girls showed grit in a tightly packed team battle, with only seven points separating the teams ranked 9th through 12th.
After the race, the team’s social media page expressed their sentiments, writing, “Congratulations, Girls! We are proud of you! Makenna Mitchell, Avery Smith, Ava Beeson, Abby Huth, Lauren Miller, Brianna Ropacki, and Audrey Rojas raced for our Wolfpack XC!”
For the boys, the social media reflection was a mix of pride and heartbreak. The post read, “Today was bittersweet in many ways. We came prepared to compete for a State Title and ended up dealing with an inconsistent disqualification on the starting line that took a toll. Big Congrats to Jacob Brown on placing 5th in the race! Jacob, thank you for shouldering the weight of leading the team today.”
The CIF State Cross Country Championships, held on a sunny day in Fresno, showcased the tenacity and talent of Southern California’s top teams and individuals. For Great Oak, the event was a testament to their strength, skill, and ability to compete amongst the best, even in the face of adversity.
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