As both the boys football and cross-country seasons come to a close, each team finishes having overcome adversities and challenges.

   The football team currently holds a 4-2 record overall with the final game of the season, Senior Night, approaching this Friday, Oct. 31. Having started the season with six rookies, Pinewood varsity football Head Coach Yong Kim has focused on teaching them fundamental football skills that they can use during games.

   “Some of my most memorable moments have been seeing new players make football plays,” Kim said. “Josh Tian with the perfect form tackle against Basis, Owen Borau playing great pass coverage against Harker, Dhruv setting the edge at defensive end, Lucas Neri just locking receivers up on defense and making incredible tackles.”

   For the Pinewood cross-country team, coach Noelle Reyes returned for her second season as the team’s coach. The team has competed in four meets and has focused on improving their times with each race.

    “We try to get better with every practice,” senior Jack Hollenbeck said. “We have a kind of carefree dynamic in practice, and it’s a good group of guys and girls, so it’s really about getting to know the whole team while running alongside them during practice.”

   For the seniors running cross-country, their focus throughout the season has been on fostering a strong team culture. Senior Jerry Yan emphasized the welcoming and encouraging atmosphere the team has built.

   “During one of our meets, we were cheering on the underclassmen as they ran,” Yan said. “I just think it’s great that everyone’s trying their hardest and moving, no matter what their skill level is.”

   As the fall sports season comes to a close, the seniors of the cross-country team hope to share their passion for running with their teammates who will be returning in future seasons.

   At the same time, Kim wishes all his seniors goodbye, particularly to senior captain Bill Cui, whose three years of football came to an abrupt end after a season-ending injury during a game against Trinity Christian School.

   “As heartbroken as I am that Bill’s football career has come to a close at Pinewood, I remind myself how lucky I am that I got to coach and see this young man turn into one of the best football players I’ve ever seen,” Kim said.