The summer sun wasn’t the only thing heating up in Ridgecrest this pre-season—the Burroughs High School cross country teams spent their break building momentum for what both coaches and runners believe could be a historic season. With their first meets already in the books, the programs are eyeing not just strong individual races, but state qualification as entire teams.
For the boys, last season ended with a sixth-place finish at the state meet. That achievement has only sharpened their hunger.
“Last year the boys’ team went all the way to States and had their eyes set on the podium,” junior runner Quan Laskey said. “We ended up in sixth, so this year we plan on returning to States and winning that podium spot.” The boys have put in record-breaking mileage this summer—starting at just 15 miles a week and climbing to 60—with added emphasis on injury prevention and strength training.
“We’ve been working with the kids for four years, and I think this is Burroughs’ year,” said Head Coach Germain Ortiz. “Since we took over the program, we’ve been breaking every record. This year we want to set the bar as high as possible.”
The girls’ team, meanwhile, is chasing history of its own. Burroughs has never qualified a girls’ team for the state meet, but this year may be different.
“As a team, the girls have expressed that they want to make it to States,” said Head Coach Laura Ortiz. “That is not an unrealistic goal, and I believe they can succeed.”
For junior Alexis Zweirzchowski, the growth of the team and the intensity of the summer have built real confidence.
“Our girls’ team has grown a lot these past few years,” said Zweirzchowski. “We have a really strong varsity team for our MRL meets and hopefully CIF. I think the entire girls’ team’s goal is to qualify for States, which hasn’t happened in school history, yet!”
Both teams pushed through early mornings and Ridgecrest’s unforgiving heat this preseason. Practices started as early as 6 a.m., and summer camp became not just a training grind but also a bonding experience.
“Having a team that works hard and keeps each other motivated will result in a very positive season outcome,” said Laura Ortiz.
Competition won’t be easy. Zweirzchowski pointed to Serrano and Oak Hills as the team’s biggest rivals, while the coaches emphasized that every school poses a threat. Still, the athletes insist that the biggest obstacles aren’t other programs, but the environment and the length of the season itself.
“Beating the Ridgecrest weather will always be a challenge,” said Laskey. “The long season can also be pretty challenging. But luckily, we have the best coaches and most friendly teammates to keep each other moving.”
The road ahead includes the first Mojave River League meet on September 10 against Apple Valley, and later the high-stakes CIF races. For the Burroughs cross country program, the goal is clear: not just to compete, but to make school history.
