With the first race still days away, Piedmont High School’s cross country teams are already looking toward the end of the season.
After sending the girls’ team to the state meet last year, the Highlanders enter the 2026 season with another chance to qualify for the state meet. This time, however, they hope to send the boys with them.
“It’s a strong desire and a good chance we can all make it to the state meet,” coach Steve Zirkelbach said.
The girls return many of their top runners from last season, including senior captains Leighton Mand and Cora Brozowski Schrade. Amalia Gray, Nikita Gorlick, and Viviane Oesterer are also expected to compete near the top of the ladder. Sophomores Madeline Ewen and Camille Hauser are expected to compete for varsity spots as well.
Zirkelbach said the girls’ team could be eight or nine runners deep, giving them several options as the season develops.
The boys enter the season with more uncertainty. Senior captain Alex Schleuning is expected to lead the team, while Aaron Bennett, Dresden Schulte Sasse, Dylan Wallway, and Luca LaForte are among the runners competing for varsity spots.
The biggest question surrounding the boys is the return of senior Sebastian Swain, who missed part of last season due to injury. After the possibility of returning this season, he broke his toe and has not resumed running. Zirklebach said Swain is expected to be out for at least several more weeks.
“When he’s healthy, he’s our strongest runner,” Zirkelbach said of Swain, now a senior, who qualified for the California Interscholastic Federation championships as a freshman and a sophomore.
Even without Swain, the boys have a deep roster. Fifteen freshman boys joined the team this season, which Zirkelbach said is the largest group of freshman boys he has seen in a long time.
For Swain, his goal once returning to the team is simple: stay healthy. “I want to help the guys race well,” Swain said. “We have a really good team this year.”
The team’s second major goal is improvement. Swain emphasized consistency and progress, especially for runners trying to make varsity positions. “A lot of guys have a lot of energy, and sometimes they can put it all out there too quickly,” Swain said. “It’s just about the long term and focusing on those long-term goals.”
The teams will get their first opportunity to race on Saturday, Sept. 5 at the Saint Mary’s Invitational in a two-mile race at St. Mary’s College. But until then, the Highlanders are still building toward the season ahead.