Claremont finds biggest advantage in running sports

As the 2011 cross-country season is ready to begin for the Claremont High School, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Pomona-Pitzer, one thing is for certain. Claremont athletes know how to run.

Last season, the CHS boys cross-country team placed 3rd in the state, the Webb boys competed in the state championships and both C-M-S and Pomona-Pitzer sent runners to the NCAA championships. Running isn't just what many Claremont athletes do, it is also what they excel at.

It's interesting because each community has its niche. Claremont excels in sports that require endurance such as cross-country, soccer, swimming and track. The city is not where you would find a collection of bulk and mass among athletes. Perhaps that could be attributed to the health consciousness of the Claremont and the city environment.

Heading east to Upland and Rancho Cucamonga, you'll find football programs that are broadcasted on television. Heading further east to Etiwanda, Fontana and Corona, you'll find a region of highly competitive basketball teams. It is interesting how each area has a sport that they excel at above others.

Claremont certainly can excel in football, basketball, baseball and the other sports. Last year's CHS football team made the CIF playoffs, Pomona-Pitzer continued adding wins to its strong baseball program, and C-M-S has fielded a strong lacrosse program over the past few seasons. But running has been consistent during my 5 years at the COURIER.

It'll be September in just 2 days. And that means that we'll be seeing a lot of running Claremont and perhaps some more accolades to talk about by December. What do you think?