The GCC cross country team is heading to state Nov. 23 and has a great leading start to the season. In the Ventura Invitational on Aug. 30, Juan Zamora III and Lilit Arakelyan both placed third with times of 21:57:06 and 20:59:95. They also placed second and fourth in The Golden West College Invitational on September 20th. They recently had the So-Cal Preview on October fourth which opens up races to more of the Southern California area getting ready for State Championships. “We’re gonna have a good season, we’re gonna end strong, everyone’s gonna put in what they can and we’ll get to where we’ll be,” said Arakelyan.

Arakelyan started running early on in elementary school, then competitively in the later years. She describes her motivations and emotions of racing as “the relief, the pride, the empowerment, the strength, you feel the athlete in you. It’s something you can’t even really describe because it’s just so bright.” Arakelyan and Zamora both agree on the motivation and satisfaction of the sport. “Racing just brings a different kind of intensity you don’t find in your day to day life,” said Zamora. He started running for conditioning his Freshman year in high school then got more serious. In every race this season, they usually have one of the top spots. And it’s because of the effort they put in on and off the field, along with the help of their teammates. 

Both are team captains and do a great job at it, said Coach John Gold. “If you ask them to do something, you know it’s going to be done,” Gold explained. Gold highlighted Zamora’s and Arakelyan’s commitment, dedication, and friendliness to their respective teams. “Work as a group and work as a team,” said Zamora. It isn’t just you in the meet, it’s everyone encouraging and pushing each other. They have fun off the track too, making cakes and dressing up for Halloween together. “They’re always together…they’re really tightly knit and I think that’s why we’re so successful,” said Gold. 

Janesa Brosnan can be reached at [email protected].