Our cross-country team is on a mission this season, continuing its legacy of excellence and determination. After clinching the title of Mission League Champions just two weeks ago by defeating league rivals Harvard-Westlake and St. Francis, the team advanced to CIF Prelims, where they put on another impressive display of teamwork and grit. Now, Loyola is set to race in the CIF Finals this Saturday at the challenging Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) course, with their sights firmly set on qualifying for the state meet in Fresno.
The road to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary. In September, the team competed in the Doug Sweepstakes Race at the Bellarmine/Sacred Heart Invitational at Griffith Park. Taking on one of the Southland’s most challenging courses, the Cubs showed out, with all seven varsity runners finishing in the top 50 overall in a meet featuring 1,061 males on the start line. Aaron Pavon ’25 led the pack with a time of 16:02, closely followed by Devan Vadgama ’26 (16:14) and Ernesto Jalomo ’26 (16:16). This early-season performance not only signaled Loyola’s championship intentions, but it also cemented their position as a team to watch, climbing to No. 8 in the CIF-SS Division 1 rankings.
Momentum continued to build at the Mission League Finals, where Loyola secured the league championship. Pavon delivered a second-place finish overall, clocking the fastest time in history by a Loyola runner competing at Pierce College with a 15:02. He was supported by Vadgama (15:23) and Jalomo (15:27), as five Cubs finished in the top 11 and all seven placed in the top 25. This dominant performance underscored the team’s depth and determination, earning them a berth in the CIF Prelims.
Last Friday at CIF Prelims on the iconic Mt. SAC course, Loyola took another step forward. Facing intense competition, the Cubs placed third in their heat to secure a spot in the CIF Finals. Pavon once again led the charge, finishing fifth overall with a time of 15:45. Jalomo and Vadgama continued their strong seasons, finishing in the top 20 with times of 16:10 and 16:11, respectively. Diego Banegas ’25 and Luke Brady ’26 also delivered clutch performances, placing in the top 30 with times of 16:28 and 16:33. Their collective effort ensured the team’s advancement to the next stage.
Ernesto Jalomo ‘26 said, “I am optimistic about the upcoming race. I think that we have what it takes to make it to the next stage if we all show up and do our best during the race.”
As the Cubs prepare for the CIF Finals this weekend, they are fueled by hard work, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. The stakes are high, with only the top seven teams advancing to the State Meet at Woodward Park in Fresno. However, if the cross-country team’s season so far is any indication, the Cubs are more than ready to rise to the occasion and earn a state meet berth. With seniors leading a talented roster of juniors and underclassmen runners, the Cubs are poised to finish with a bang at CIF Finals.
