Aurora Castaneda is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Arcadia High School for AZPreps365.com

After months of morning runs, team bonding, and steady improvement, the Arcadia Titans cross-country team is ready for its biggest challenge of the season: the district meet.

Set for Wednesday, Oct. 29, the race will bring together Arcadia, Saguaro, Chaparral, Desert Mountain, and Coronado for one final test before sectionals—and the Titans believe they’re ready to show what they have been training for.

Head coach Sarah Boustila said her runners have been preparing with purpose and confidence. Every workout, recovery day, and goal-setting session has been focused on districts.

“We did a course preview last week, and we’ve been emphasizing workouts, recovery, and goal setting,” Boustila said. “The boys have a really good shot at winning the district meet. The girls have battled some injuries, but everyone’s been working hard, and the younger runners are stepping up."

That work ethos has paid off throughout the season. The Titans have seen consistent time drops, especially from runners who stuck with the program over the summer. For Boustila, the growth has been more than pace or placement —i t’s about belief.

“The kids are finally realizing that all the miles and workouts have a purpose,” she said. “When they see those results, it builds confidence.”

Brady Lord, one of the team's captains, said confidence has fueled a different mindset heading into the postseason. After years of struggling to fill a full roster, the Titans are now aiming for a district title.

“In previous years, we didn’t even place at district because we didn’t have enough runners,” Lord said. “Now we’ve got a full team of five, and we’re looking to win first. Everyone’s confident—we’ve got some really fast runners, so I’m excited."

Senior Kelly Mitchell agreed that the team’s energy feels stronger than ever. She said the Titans are embracing both the challenge and the fun that comes with racing against familiar opponents.

“We love all the other teams—I’ve got friends at Saguaro and Desert Mountain—but it’s still a competition,” Mitchell said. “We’re going to beat our friends. It’s going to be hot, but we’re going to do amazing."

Chase Bren, one of the team’s top runners, said this year’s success has been about staying motivated and trusting each other through every run.

“For districts, it’s all about competing,” he said. “We’re close with Saguaro, and I think we can beat them. It’s going to be close, but we’ve got to run hard.”

That camaraderie is what stands out most to Boustila. This group's chemistry has created an encouraging and positive culture — one that’s rare to find.

“They’re just a really nice group of kids,” she said. “The camaraderie is there—they support each other and work hard together. You don’t always get that kind of team chemistry.”

Junior Evra Therien said that the team's bond is what keeps her motivated during tough practices and races.

“We’re like a mini cross-country family,” Therien said. “Even if you just joined, everyone welcomes you. It’s such a good community.”

Therien added that districts will be as much about mental strength as physical endurance. “This course is usually a tough one,” she said. “It’s a good opportunity for all of us to push ourselves and stay calm under pressure.”

For Boustila, the word that defines this season is “camaraderie.”

“They’ve been working hard all summer and all season,” she said. “If someone doesn’t have a great day, the others pick them up. There’s a lot of encouragement between them—we don’t have to force it.”

The Titans will line up on Oct. 29 with hopes of qualifying for sectional—and maybe even a run at state.

“We’re all focused,” Lord said. “We know what we’re capable of. This year, we’re ready to win.”