Boys XC team receives state rings

On May 3rd, the Galileo track team held an awards ceremony for the cross country runners and a ring presentation for the boys. In November, the boys won the cross country state championship for the first time and the coaches wanted to have something special for them.

They first started by handing the girls their participation certificates, and then gave awards to Ava Wray for Rookie of the Year, Camila Rodriguez for the Coaches Award, and Carol-Anne Garrett for Most Outstanding Female Runner.

Shortly after, the boys were given their rings and this was a very special moment for them. They had to wait around six months to receive them, so this was an exciting night for them. “I almost cried, I was on the verge of tears the whole entire ceremony” said Junior Alex Gomez.

They not only received rings, but they also received a Cross Country 2021 State Championships Banner. Unfortunately, some of the team was expecting this banner due to it being brought into the school during class but some didn’t know what it looked like. “My jaw dropped,” Gomez said. “It blew me away” said Jackson Herndon.

Many of the athletes on the team stared at it in awe, everyone was in shock. Marina Garcia said she was amazed and that they looked so powerful in the picture. “It was so professional and so good” Rowan Kirk said, “It reminded me of an Olympic Ad, it was that good.”

During the speeches given during the ceremony, several teammates realized how much this team has been through together and how everyone has stayed so close, like a family. “Everyone on the team has at some point dealt with injuries, mental health issues, struggles at school or at home and have been given several opportunities to give up but our team hasn’t.”

This team has a very special bond and everyone can always come to each other even if they just need to talk. “The relationships we create with each other are special, we cry together and laugh together, it shows how comfortable we are with each other” said Rodriguez.