For the seniors of Torrance High’s Cross Country team, the past four years have been a nonstop endurance test. Whether it was taking on the rocky trail of Agony Hill or catering to their demanding school schedules, as they prepare to graduate in the spring, we sat down with the Class of 2026 to reflect on their journey as runners—the rough workouts, unforgettable long runs, and the mental and physical strength it takes to conquer each season.
Everybody has a different definition of running. For some, it’s a difficult punishment; for others, they see running as meditative. For our seniors, running is more than putting one foot in front of the other; it’s a form of freedom and a way to escape. Senior Alyssa Moreno expressed, “Running is an outlet for me. I find it to be very therapeutic.” The sense of freedom and discipline these runners have acquired through their time on the team defines their journey as runners and is an important part of their legacy they leave behind.
With their high school running careers coming to an end, the seniors are very reflective. After countless miles and races, it bears a question–which race would they want to experience again? For many, it wasn’t about the time they ran—it was about the most challenging race, or the race where they truly had a breakthrough. Ultimately, the choices varied, but Kristina Chavez chose Agony 2025. “I would run it again because I felt really dedicated and confident for the first time at a race as hard as that one.”
As they cross the finish line for the last time, the seniors have one last valuable thing to share: their guidance. We asked them—What advice would you give your freshman self? Their advice captures the hard-earned wisdom of what they wish they had known as freshmen, offering insights on training strategies, patience, and embracing the team spirit. Senior Milo Guba, a dedicated runner to the team, would tell his younger self, “Believe in yourself because you will be able to do great things; it just takes time, but it’s also important to stay humble.” Brandon Hsu also expressed, “Everyone on this team is so welcoming; don’t be afraid to lean on them. At the end of the day, it’s the team that will be there for you.”
After four years of fun and joy, these seniors will walk away stronger than when they started their journey. But the most valuable reward is the lessons they learned and the bonds they made. They are a real family, having supported each other through every harsh workout and race. The connection they built with one another defines their legacy. Our seniors may be finished with the races, but the impact they made on the team will remain. Ohana forever.
