“That was a great feeling,” Cummings said. “You’re standing up there knowing you’ve been a part of the CdM legacy. You just feel that you’re a part of something that is so much bigger. It’s just really awesome.”
Sophomore Kristen Rivera, who was 28th in 18:45, also stood with CdM. Senior Ali Hummelberg, who passed several runners over the final 200 meters, finished 34th in 18:54.
Sophomore Ashlee Powers (43rd in 19:00) and senior Sarah Keddington (72nd in 19:22), who had intense back surgery to repair scoliosis just 20 months ago, rounded out the Sea Kings’ top seven.
“This feels great,” Powers said. “I feel honored to have great teammates who work so hard and wanted it bad. I’m so happy. I’m so lucky to have these girls next to me.”
Sumner, who has been at CdM for 25 years, said that each of the championships have its special place. The fact that CdM has won seven state titles was greater for the school’s name, he said.
“It doesn’t’ matter,” Sumner said of the seven state titles. “What matters more is that these girls are going to talk about this state championship from now on. They’re going to talk about how they came in second at the CIF section meet and then came back to win it all.”
CdM is now ranked No. 15 in the nation, Sumner said, and is an alternate for next week’s Nike National Team Championships in Oregon.
SAGE’S THIES 36TH
Now that Sage Hill freshman Dylan Thies has gotten a taste of the state meet, he wants to return. He also wants to improve on his finish Saturday.
He came in 36th, finishing 17:02 in the Division V boys’ race. He was the first individual male to compete at the state meet in the school’s history.
“It was amazing,” he said. “I really loved it. The adrenaline and everyone around really helped. I can’t wait to come back next year.”
— Compiled by Steve Virgen
