Record: 21-3, KAIAC Season Runner-up, 4th Place KAIAC Tournament, 11th Place API
(top row left to right) Coach Courtney Mose, Kyle Eun, Andy Lee, Ian Kong, Nadav Tal, Henry Robinson, Alex Chang, Isaac Shim, Coach Eduard Booysen
(bottom row left to right) Coach Sara Dwight, Zion Ro, Joshua Ko, Justin Park, Chang-il Im, Grant Robinson, Caleb Chandler, Zoa An Yin
Not Pictured: Jeremiah Ro
Season Summary
The Cross Country Guardians ran their way to another high achieving season in 2024. Building upon the successes of last season, our returning runners set the tone of strong work ethic and personal commitment to excellence.
The Boys’ team was led by Senior Captains Andy Lee and Nadav Tal. Returners included Joshua Ko (Jr.), Jeremiah Ro (Jr.), Henry Robinson (Jr.), Alex Chang (Jr.), Zion Ro (So.), Justin Park (So.), Chang-il Im (So.) and Isaac Shim (So.). A spark of energy was added to the team by newcomers Caleb Chandler (Fr.), Kyle Eun (Fr.), Zao An Yin (Fr.), and Grant Robinson (Fr.). The Guardian Boys started off the season with a first place team victory at SFS in the opening meet. This is the first time the YISS Boys team has won a KAIAC Meet. The Boys showed consistency throughout the season and finished with a KAIAC conference record of 21-3. This earned them 2nd place overall which is the highest the Boys team has ever placed in the conference standings. At the Asia Pacific Invitational in Chiba, Japan the Boys Team earned 11th place for their combined team score out of 30 teams. At the KAIAC Championships, the team overcame some injuries to earn 4th place.
Several Guardians had outstanding individual performances this season. Andy Lee was recognized as the team MVP for his senior season. Andy secured a podium finish at HHS, and his time of 17:42 moved him into 3rd place all time at YISS in the 5km. At the Asia Pacific Invitational, he and his partner, Lydia Ro, earned a 5th place finish in the relay event. He also earned All-Conference for the KAIAC regular season and All-Tournament honors for the KAIAC Championship race (10th).
Jeremiah Ro’s dedication earned him the team’s Spirit award this season. His time of 18:10 at CDS moved him into 7th place in the 5km rankings, and his 9th place finish at the KAIAC championships earned him All-tournament honors. Zion Ro and Ian Kong earned All Conference honors for their consistent performances. Joshua Ko earned All Conference honors for the season, moved into 4th place in the YISS 5km rankings (17:56), and was also given the Guardian award for his positive attitude and school pride. Nadav Tal earned the Coach’s Award for his desire for growth, his leadership, and his dedication to success.
Overall, it was a successful season for YISS Guardian Cross Country!
All Conference: Andy Lee, Joshua Ko, Ian Kong, Zion Ro
All Tournament: Andy Lee, Jeremiah Ro