Kalani High School’s varsity cross country boys’ team dominated scoring teams Moanalua, Kaiser, Mililani, Campbell, and Farrington with an almost 50 point lead at the Michael Doran Invitational meet hosted by Kalani on Oct. 30.

The team has won the Oahu Interscholastic League’s Varsity Championships in 2017, 2018, and 2019 before COVID-19. Now that cross country has resumed, it looks like Kalani’s varsity boys are on their way to their fourth win in a row at championships.

The cross country team’s top runner, Dristen Canaday (12), took first place and a gold medal with a time of 17:57.95 at the Oct. 30 meet. Matthew Frisbie (12) claimed second place and a silver medal with a Personal Record (PR) of 18:03.75.

“I think I still have more time to give,” Canaday said. “This win will only motivate me to continue showing my diligence for future races.”

This year the team is smaller than it has been in previous years. As a result, head coach Matt Sanders says the coaches can provide the runners with more individual help. Sanders also mentioned that this year’s team understands the workout plans better than teams in previous years.

“The team this year has to overcome a lot with regards to no season last year, half a track season, and this season, which started and then stopped and then started again,” Sanders said.

Six out of 12 of Kalani’s varsity boys pushed their way into the top 20. Cross country veteran Gosei Doi (12) earned his 8th place ribbon with a time of 18:58.25.

“My body was numb, and I was gasping for air, but I kept telling myself do not give up until you cross the finish line,” Doi said.