The Cathedral Catholic Dons’ cross country program has etched its name in the record books, capping off a remarkable season with historic achievements, despite the boys falling short of clinching the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Meet title.

Girls’ Cross Country: A Season of Triumphs

The girls’ team, under the astute guidance of Coach Dan Geiger, culminated their outstanding season as undefeated Western League Champions with a perfect 20-0 record. Individual brilliance shone through as five athletes earned 1st team All Western League honors, showcasing the team’s depth and skill.

Their dominance continued at the San Diego CIF DIII Championships, where three athletes received 1st team All CIF DIII recognition, and three others were honored as All San Diego athletes. Xani Pena ’24 and Lindsay Zimmer ’26 received 1^st team All CIF recognition (all divisions) by posted two of the top 10 times in the county. The pinnacle of success came at the CIF State DIII Championships, solidifying Cathedral Catholic as only the second school in San Diego history to claim both boys’ and girls’ State Meet titles in their history.

Xani Pena ’24 and Lindsay Zimmer ’26 made history, becoming the fifth and sixth girls ever from Cathedral Catholic to earn All-State honors. Lindsey’s fourth-place finish at the State Meet stands as the highest in school history for the girls’ team.

Ending the season as the undisputed #1 ranked team in San Diego, the girls also claimed the top spot in the State for DIII and secured an impressive 6th place ranking in all of California. Their prowess extended beyond local competitions, with their State Meet time ranking #6 all-time for DIII. Throughout the season the team dominated various invitationals, including victories at the Bronco Invitational, Ravens Invitational, Palos Verdes Invite, Mt. SAC Invite, and the Hoka Postal 2 Mile, where they were crowned National Champions.

Despite a single setback at the Woodbridge Invitational, where eight of the thirteen teams that defeated them are ranked in the top 15 nationally, the girls’ team’s overall performance remains a testament to their resilience and excellence.

Boys’ Cross Country: A Season of Excellence

While the girls secured championships, the boys’ cross country team showcased their own excellence, finishing the Western League with a perfect 20-0 record and claiming the Western League Championship. Four athletes earned 1st team All Western League honors, highlighting the team’s depth and skill.

Their journey continued to the San Diego CIF DIII Championships, where they emerged as runners-up with two athletes receiving 1st team All CIF DIII recognition. The season concluded at the CIF State DIII Championships, where the boys’ team secured an admirable 13th place finish among the state’s top contenders.

Though the boys fell short of winning the State Meet, their dedication and outstanding performance throughout the season are a testament to the overall strength and competitive spirit of the Cathedral Catholic Dons’ cross country program.