The opening segment of the documentary series “XC Chronicles – Their Journey” introduces the intense rivalry between two California high‑school girls’ cross‑country powerhouses: Great Oak, the defending state champion with six consecutive state titles, and Buchanan, the dominant Central Valley dynasty. Narrated by Rich Gonzalez, the episode weaves together voice clips from athletes, coaches, and former champions. The speakers discuss the pressure of being on top, the relentless nature of competition, the mental and physical demands of maintaining dominance, and the coaching philosophies that keep the programs successful. The narrative frames the rivalry as a defining story of perseverance, intimidation, and the pursuit of excellence in high‑school sport, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the 2017‑2019 seasons.
Chapters
This is your defending state champion, Great Oak! Two Division I dynasties leading to one epic rivalry between endlessly persistent Buchanan and unrelentingly dominant Great Oak. Come on, Johnny! California State Division I cross-country champion Jim Rice!
It doesn't matter if it's a state meet, doesn't matter if it's a little Duel me. Hey, you put your foot on the line, you give your heart and soul out, and that's all we can ask.
I wanted to beat her, she wanted to beat me. Like, nothing else mattered. It's a lot of pressure when you're the one on top, so I wish I wasn't so hard on myself.
When you dominate somebody, you keep your foot on their throat, you know? You don't let them up. That's a rivalry. That's called competition. That's why you do these things.
It's the sport, you know? It's up and down. It's a roller coaster.
This is their journey. One dynasty rules California this decade, winning the last 6 state titles on the girls' side makes them the most hunted team.
You know, I've always said if you're, if you're in the hunt, you know, then you're doing the right things as a coach.
Being in a program like Great Oak, it's always like keeping you on your toes. You can't ever like have your guard down. You always have to be putting 100% in. I think everybody was just a little intimidated that first year that I came on because no Nobody on the team had really had much experience running at that kind of level in high school.
The other dynasty dominates the Central Valley, Buchanan.
For me, it's the best program there is. That, you know, that's how I view it.
I finished 4th in the state my freshman year, and I went into that being like, I just want to make the varsity team. I just want to make it.
I'm Rich Gonzalez. I've joined forces with HD Runners to go on an in-depth exploration of these two remarkable girls' programs. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope hosted remote interviews to cover their incredible 3-year back-and-forth rivalry from 2017 to 2019. Two exceptional athletes will rise and ultimate dreams will come true.
