As Captains, we want to continue on the legacy of Thousand Oaks Cross Country–a competitive team that has state, CIF, and league titles on both sides, and a fun team known throughout the state for our TOXC capes and goofy antics at meets. We encourage new runners to really buy into our team and into our program and to get everything they can out of the joy of running with friends. If anyone comes into TOXC ready to run and to work hard they’ll get more out of it than they put in; all of us captains can attest to that.
We welcome all new runners; welcome to the TOXC family! And to all returning runners, welcome back. Keep up the hard work from years past and you’ll be amazed to see where you’ll get!
The 2020 Captains are: Emily Richmond, Michael Cooper, Kiara Benioff, Nathan Garderes, Katie Daniels, Raymond Warner, Mackenzie Kelley, Macy Rose Lee
Nickname: T
Favorite subject in school: A
I’m really good at: T
Theme song: M
Hidden talent: S
When did you start running? What got you interested? I
How would you describe your experience with Thousand Oaks Cross Country? M
As a captain, what are your goals for the team going into the TOXC season? A
Other Comments: I
4th grade after seeing the London Olympics
Nickname: ”
Favorite subject in school: S
I’m really good at: M
Favorite Quote: ”
Hidden talent: Walk and chew gum at the same time
When did you start running? What got you interested? W
How would you describe your experience with Thousand Oaks Cross Country?: I
As a captain, what are your goals for the team going into the TOXC season? I
Other Comments: I
Nickname: Mack or Mack Attack
Favorite subject in school: English
I’m really good at: I’m really good at cooking. I love to finding new and healthy ways to fuel my body before a race or tough workout.
Performance most proud of: My Woodbridge race freshman yar. During this race, I learned that in order to push yourself and PR, you must not set your limits based on what you have already accomplished, but what you think you can do in the future.
Favorite Quote: “On the other side of your fear is your freedom”
Hidden talent: I also horseback ride competitively!
When did you start running? What got you interested? In middle school, I would always see the XC team running and thought that it looked fun. I started running the summer before my 8th grade year and instantly fell in love with the sport and racing. Before I found XC, I had done a large variety of sports such as soccer, dance, horseback riding, wrestling, and others. Once I began to run, I realized what I had been missing and that I wanted to run competitively in high school.
How would you describe your experience with Thousand Oaks Cross Country? My experience with TOXC has been nothing but phenomenal. I have found my closest friends on this team and we have become a family that stands by one another through injury and tough times. I have also learned that hard work pays off, whether it be in running or life.
As a captain, what are your goals for the team going into the TOXC season? My goals for the new 2019 TOXC season is to see our team grow even closer than we already are. I want the incoming runners to feel like the team is their new TOHS family and for everyone to feel excited to come out to practice everyday and work hard. Finally, I want to make sure that everyone continues to have fun and love the sport while working hard.
Other Comments: If you are an incoming freshman, don’t be intimidated by the returners. We are all very excited for you to be joining our team and can’t wait to see where your freshman year will take you! In addition, if anyone is having issues personal or running related, I am always available to try and help you figure out what your going through. I can’t wait to see where this new season will take us!!
Nickname: Mace
Favorite subject in school: English
I’m really good at: Making pizza
Performance most proud of: Either CIF Prelims Junior year or Mt Sac Junior year
Favorite Quote: “Fear doesn’t shut you down it wakes you up”
Hidden talent: Skiing or Snowboarding
When did you start running? What got you interested? I started running my freshman year of high school. I joined because I had just quit soccer and needed a sport. My algebra 1 teacher in 8th grade was the head cross country coach at my school at the time (La Reina) and convinced me to come check it out over the summer. After about a month, and our team trip to Mammoth, I fell in love with the team and the sport.
How would you describe your experience with Thousand Oaks Cross Country? M It is one big family. I came into TO my junior year and was extremely nervous to be switching schools. This team took me in and made the transition so fun and easy
As a captain, what are your goals for the team going into the TOXC season? My goal is to keep the running experience fun and exciting each day for my teammates. I also want to continue to motivate everyone to be the best athlete they can be on the road to state!
Other Comments: I know these are crazy times due to COVID but this team has truly made it special. Being able to practice each day is incredible whether it’s virtual or in person! I never want to loose the bonds that I have created with my teammates.
