Being league champs with an undefeated season was not enough for both the Boys’ Water Polo and the Girls’ and Boys’ Cross Country teams, so they took their talents onto CIF. Water Polo made it all of the way to the Southern Section Division 5 CIF finals, but then lost a tough battle against Redlands East Valley with a score of 7-5. Not only did both Cross Country teams qualify for finals, but they also made it to CIF state finals, where the girls’ team placed third and the boys’ team placed fifth.

Even though there were only a few returners, Boys’ Water Polo stepped it up a notch this season in order to defend their undefeated league champion title, and the team was able to dominate and perform well all throughout the Palomares League. They also soared through CIF and saw victory in battling the strength of Webb in the semifinals of the CIF tournament. Ultimately, in the finals against the Wildcats from Redlands East Valley, Claremont could not find a way to win the game. Even though they did not receive the honor of being CIF champions two years in a row, they trained and worked hard all season and were still able to be undefeated league champions for two years running through their unity as a team.

“When it comes to our team, nothing is more important than teamwork; the game just wouldn’t be the same for us,” sophomore Jack Kruze said.

All of Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country teams also were very successful in remaining undefeated in their league. The varsity teams qualified for CIF prelims in Riverside, CIF finals at Mt. SAC, and finally, CIF state championships on the Clovis course in Fresno. At the Clovis course, the girls’ team made school history when they broke the CHS team time record by 40 seconds with a combined time of 93:49. Both teams fought for their overall fourth place ranking in Division II. Their performance this season is evidence of their improvement from previous years. The cross country teams have been preparing even before the previous school year ended, and both teams found success through their tight pack, as the gap between the 1st and 5th runners was very close.

“We’ve worked hard all season, and I think this year, our team worked together more efficiently than other years. Instead of having a single star runner, all seven of us are very solid and have our individual strengths that make our team so great,” junior Annie Boos said.

Water Polo and Cross Country both had great seasons by being undefeated in league, moving on to CIF playoffs, and then making it all the way to CIF finals. Throughout the long fall sports season, the Cross Country and Water Polo teams advanced and took each challenge that came their way. Both teams have put in hard work into their sports despite the start of another intense school year, and their results in CIF and league are proof of this passion.