Talented runners enter the 2025 season
By Hector Trujillo
The defending CIF-San Diego Section Division II champion Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) mens and womens cross country teams look to continue their dominance having just opened the 2025 season at the Bronco Roundup at Kit Carson Park in Escondido on Aug. 23.
Made up of 60 runners between both squads, the women look to win their fourth-straight CIF-SDS title, while the men go for a three-peat.
“I’m very excited about this season. This is the most talented two teams we’ve ever had in the school’s history,” Falcons head coach Chuck Warren said. “Our goal is not only to win Western League, but to defend our titles.”
The Falcons 2 to 1 ratio of male runners to women runners on the 2025 team is largely due to the fact that there are so many sports available for women to play in the fall. The six women returners who will have a large role in hopes of achieving glory again are seniors Jada Kim and Eva Vander Zwart along with juniors Ellie Cannon, Riley Martin and Tegan Koranda, with sophomore sensation Olivia Liu, who finished second in the CIF 2024 championship, also playing a pivotal part.
“Currently, our cross country team is one of the strongest programs in San Diego County,” Warren said. “My assistant coach, Eileen Quinn, is a tremendous parent support and is a big reason why.”
This is Quinn’s sixth season working alongside Warren.
The stiffest competition this season will be Mt. Carmel High and Point Loma High, as Western League is considered to be the second toughest league in the county, which also includes Cathedral Catholic High in the City Conference.
The top four teams on the women’s side in terms of overall rankings are Del Norte High, Scripps Ranch High, Cathedral Catholic High and Point Loma High.
As for the men, SRHS seniors Nathan Bamford, Ben Stephens, Brandon Sun and John Melancon, along with juniors Liam O’Connell, Nico Cruz and Devin Liles, will continue to be crucial. Scripps Ranch High had three juniors finish among the top eight on the men’s side at CIF championships last year while five women finished among the top 13.
“We want to win as many invitationals as possible,” Warren said.
Among the competitions that the Falcons have circled on the calendar is the 77th Annual Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational on Oct. 24-25 where the team hopes to finish among the top three for both men and women.