UPDATE: Three high school cross country teams from the South Bay — Redondo Union and Mira Costa boys, along with the Mira Costa girls — have just qualified for the prestigious NXN (Nike Cross Nationals), marking a historic moment in local athletics. This event, often touted as the only true national championship in high school sports, will take place this Saturday in Portland.
This achievement highlights the growing prominence of South Bay schools in a sport that encompasses nearly 32,000 teams across the United States. Redondo Union clinched its spot by winning the CIF State Division I title, while Mira Costa secured at-large berths after impressive finishes at the state championships. The excitement is palpable as they prepare to compete against the nation’s best.
The NXN is not just a race; it’s a full-scale celebration of cross country, where athletes receive a pro-like experience, including tours of Nike’s campus and the opportunity to meet Olympians. From the beginning of the season, only 22 squads per gender qualify for this elite event, making this accomplishment a testament to the dedication of these teams and their coaches.
At the helm are coaches Bob Leetch from Redondo Union and Renee Williams Smith from Mira Costa. Both have deep roots in the area and have dedicated years to building a supportive and competitive culture in South Bay distance running. “The running community here produces an amazingly supportive culture,” said NXN meet director Rich Gonzalez.
This year’s state championships were fraught with tension for Leetch, who had endured heartbreak in the past. “I couldn’t look at the results until I got confirmation from a fellow coach,” he admitted. The Sea Hawks finally emerged victorious with a score of 101 points, narrowly defeating San Clemente and Mira Costa, who finished third.
The Mira Costa boys also made a remarkable comeback, securing one of the coveted at-large spots through their third-place finish. The girls followed closely, capturing California’s second automatic berth after a fierce battle with Buchanan at the state finals.
Both schools demonstrate a rich legacy of excellence in distance running, bolstered by dedicated coaching and a competitive atmosphere. “Every meet is a big deal, and it matters to these guys,” said Hunter Johnson, head coach of the Mira Costa boys. “It keeps us on our toes.”
As these teams prepare for NXN, the stakes are high and the camaraderie is evident, driving them to push their limits further than ever before. The South Bay has produced numerous champions over the years, and with this latest accomplishment, the future looks bright for local athletes.
“The culture here is unmatched,” said Redondo Union senior Gavin Hasson. “To get to NXN, you have to have great coaches, and we have that.”
The countdown is on as these talented athletes gear up for what is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Fans and supporters eagerly await the results, hoping for a strong showing from their hometown heroes.
Stay tuned for more updates as these young athletes compete on the national stage this Saturday at Glendoveer Golf Course.
