Top varsity runner for the San Leandro High Cross Country team senior Jmel Tesfai made the state championships after his challenging race at NCS on Saturday Nov. 22nd.
This is the first time in years a cross country runner from San Leandro High has made the state championship for our school. Tsefai faced many challenges to get to where he is now, from starting cross country a year later than most in his sophomore year, to making it all the way to state. Tesfai’s story represents San Leandro High pirate pride and the importance of perseverance in achieving goals.
“Cross country definitely made me realize my potential in running and also, I’d say, it helped my academics,” said Tsefai.
Cross country helped him learn how to balance classes and extracurriculars, he said.
“At first I was uncomfortable with being a captain,” said Tsefai. “But it’s definitely great now.”
In his senior year, Tesfai had become a captain for the cross country team, which at first was a major responsibility, but becoming a captain helped him become a leader and grow as a leader.
“Cross country is definitely something I would recommend because even if you’re doing another sport, it’s amazing conditioning,” said Tsefai. “If you see the potential inside of it and if you put in the consistency and the effort, it will definitely reward you, no matter what. It will make you a better athlete and person.”
