OAKHURST — After two seasons of rapid success, the Yosemite High School boys’ cross-country team is anxious to see what they can achieve this year with a full returning team of upperclassmen. A third Valley championship would be an amazing accomplishment for the team and our community.
In 2021, the Badgers won the NSL league meet with an extremely rare perfect score and then continued on to win the Division 4 Central Section CIF championship. Last season, the team was regularly invited to compete in the top races statewide, intensifying their competition on the way to numerous individual medals.
The 2022 team repeated a double win in the NWSL league and Division 5 Central Section CIF, with an even more impressive perfect score at CIF. The season culminated in a third-place finish at state.
“Every year, we set the bar higher, and these young student-athletes have risen to the challenge,” said Head Coach Kim Lawhon. “This is a great group of runners who have built a culture of discipline, determination, and dedication. This season, they’re looking to make history and achieve even greater heights compared to the last couple of years. It should be a lot of fun to watch.”
Led by Coach Lawhon, all seven varsity runners from 2022 are back for another season. They include Logan Beaumont, Noah Graffigna, Robby Gresham, Ben Olney, Jack Olney, AJ Ruiz, and Ford Stegge. All are ready to make history this season.
The team will next compete on August 26 at the Dennis DeWitt Invitational, hosted by Madera South High School. For a full schedule of YHS cross-country meets, visit https://www.athletic.net/team/1310/cross-country/2023.
