This season, the Cortez cross country team, led by Coaches Michelle Corona and Jose Corona, pushed new boundaries and earned impressive awards. Among the standout achievements were Captain’s Gisel Murillo and Robert Wiggins, who were the only two runners to earn the “200 Mile” Award—a testament to their commitment and endurance throughout the season.
The team, six boys and one girl, showed progress with each race. The Glendale Showcase over Fall Break, hosted by Glendale High School and organized by Matt Schmidt and Julie Patton, was a particularly memorable event. The showcase was well-attended and offered an opportunity for each athlete to shine. Throughout the season, each runner worked toward personal bests, many shaving off significant time, some by as much as four minutes. They trained rigorously, running at least five miles daily and maintaining their academic eligibility by keeping a passing GPA. Each Wednesday, they tackled the challenging 3.1-mile race with determination and resilience.
While Coach J. Corona motivated the runners by joining them on the track, Coach M. Corona offered her support from the sidelines, joking with the team that she “only runs if there’s an angry pit bull behind me!” The season may have ended, but the memories and accomplishments of each team member—Liem Begay, Gisel Murillo, Abas Rahemi, Roberto Ramirez, Xavier Valencia, Robert Wiggins, and Traevon Wiggins—have left a lasting impact. These athletes have shown that cross country isn’t just about running; it’s about dedication, discipline, and team spirit.