The regular cross country season ended last month, with the girls varsity team as a whole, and senior and co-captain of the boys team Tristan Kippes individually qualifying for the California Division II State Championship on Nov. 30.

That event took place in Woodwark Park in Fresno along with the Division I through Division V State Championships. Palo Alto placed 15th in the 1-mile race and 12th in the 2.1-mile race.

Senior Kinga Czajkowska said she was pleased with her performance at the State competition.

“I had a very good experience at states,” Czajkowska said. “I hit a big personal record and got second in (Division) 2.”

Kippes said his experience was less exciting; unlike the usual close team dynamic in cross country, he was an individual qualifier.

“It was a different feeling than the other races, but, luckily, I still had the unwavering support of my parents and coaches, as well as my teammates,” Kippes said.

The State Championships marked the end to what many on the team said was a successful season but not one without struggle.

“I would not have been able to overcome the adversity of the season without my teammates,” Kippes said. “We are all good about supporting each other, and it’s a big reason for the bounce back after a slow start to the season.”

The team competes in the El Camino Division, a step below the De Anza Division, in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League. Participating in 10 events throughout the season, the team saw a high of 69 runners for the SCVAL #2, and 39 personal records at both SCVAL #3 and SCVAL Finals.

This year, cross country sent eight runners to the state finals, compared to two competitors last year. Although this number may appear to be an unusual feat, the feeling of success is something that both Czajkowska and Kippes are well acquainted with.

Both have been to State competitions before.

But for Kippes, this year’s state championship was somewhat different because he said it was a great way to conclude his high school cross country career.

“Due to my experience from freshman year, I was able to improve on my time for the course on the season and get close to my personal record from last year pre-injury,” Kippes said.

As the fall season wraps up, Czajowska said she is looking forward to the spring season.

“I think it was a very good way for me to wrap up my senior season,” Czajkowska said. “I’m happy with how I ran, and I’m excited for track.”