Sprinting his way into the school year, varsity cross country and track and field runner Sam Boyles (11) made his appearance as the male athlete of the month for September. Beyond individual performance, Boyles also holds the leadership role of team captain of the varsity boys cross country team.
Boyles has always had a passion for running. He played a multitude of sports growing up, yet never found one that really stuck. But there remained a common factor: running. Whether it was chasing a ball down the court, running bases or sprinting down the field, all of these experiences helped Boyles decide to pursue running as his main sport in high school.
Boyles has been running for what he described as “forever,” with fifth grade being the time he really started to show interest in running cross country and track and field.
“I would [run in] a running club at my elementary school, CDM, that’s when I really started to like it,” Boyles said. “ [Later on at Carmel Valley Middle School], I did cross country and track, and that’s when I realized that this was something I could get good at, and now I’m here.”
Throughout his elementary and middle school career, Boyles pursued running as a passion. Transitioning into high school, his responsibilities got more competitive and stressful as balancing sports, school and social life became a challenge.
“During my freshman year, I would get really stressed about all my races,” Boyles said. “Then, in my sophomore year, I had to change my mindset, and that helped me a lot.”
Now in his junior year of high school, Boyles has gotten into a routine that keeps him thriving in all aspects of life. It is convenient that most of his closest friends are on the cross-country and track and field team with him, giving him time to socialize while training.
To balance out his different priorities, having “races on Saturday and work on Sundays, and then doing homework between that time, it ends up working out,” Boyles said.
Most skills Boyles develops are outside of the track scene spotlight: every morning, his routine includes cross-training with early morning swims at the local Solana Beach Boys and Girls Club to enhance both endurance and cardiovascular fitness.
Following cross-country team practices on Monday and Wednesday, Boyles and a dedicated teammate, Kian Massound (11), commit the rest of their evenings to intensive sessions in the weight room, often being the last ones to leave the gym.
“I really like challenging myself and then having a good time with it too,” Boyles said. “Even though running in general is kind of a love-hate relationship, I like working for something and then being proud of myself.”
One of the key components for a sport like cross country is a great mindset. The sport is so vigorous that one’s body can only do so much. Boyles finds that a great way for him to relax and get into a good headspace is by being with his team before a race.
“I always tell myself, as long as I go into it with a happy attitude, then no matter what happens, I’m still staying positive,” Boyles said. “I make sure to just have fun with it. I think that’s helped me this year.”
As team captain, Boyles embodies dedication and perseverance, setting a high standard for his teammates both on and off the track. His leadership extends beyond mere athletic performance, fostering a supportive environment where every team member is encouraged to push their limits and achieve their personal best.
“I really enjoy being someone that the younger kids can look to for advice and guidance,” Boyles said. “I had super great leaders for my first two years on this team, and I just want to strive to be a role model for these guys as well.”
Teammate Max Kelley (11) describes Boyles as a well-rounded and supportive teammate. Kelley notes that Boyles was one of the people who pushed him to start running back in middle school and continues to help the team in many ways.
“Sam is always helping everybody out, giving tips when needed, like helping athletes if they’re struggling,” Kelley said. “I think his being the team captain has been very beneficial.”
Julie Ott, the head varsity cross country coach, focuses on Boyles’s tireless work during the season, despite struggling with injuries, and how, in his spare time, he has improved his athletic ability.
“He has struggled with several growing pains and injuries the past couple of years, and his persistence really makes him stand out,” Ott said. “It was so awesome seeing him succeed in the early races of the season.”
Ott explains what went into choosing Boyles for team captain.
“His natural leadership skills and charisma that he brings to the team are very valuable characteristics,” Ott said.
Even though Boyles had unfortunate luck with injury, Ott explains what true commitment and perseverance he showcases.
“Sam has recently been plagued with a strained calf,” Ott said. “He was devastated with the news, but typical Sam, still showing up to practice, shows up to meets to cheer on his teammates. We are hoping it’s not too severe so he can return for the latter part of the season.”
Boyles understands that a team’s strength lies in its unity and mutual respect. Having common goals and open communication is another priority for him; working together in and outside of school and supporting each other helps build camaraderie.
“We train together, strategize together, and we always stick together,” Boyles said. “We’re all just the same runner, our speed level, our endurance, we’re just solid. I think because everyone is at a very similar fitness level, we’ve built a really awesome team bond that helps us chase goals as one.”
Boyles’s goals personally are to break 16 minutes in the 5k and run a sub-4:10 mile.
“My goal for the team is to motivate everybody to, you know, really work hard,” Boyles said. “We have a super promising young team, as long as they can stick with it, and they’re really, really good right now. We just want to be a CIF-level team, a state-level team.”
The team’s dedication is evident in their training. They focus on individual improvement and collective success. The emphasis on teamwork and shared goals that their captain applies to the team is pivotal to their continued growth and achievements.
Boyles’s main piece of advice is to maintain a sense of self-belief. When starting something new, initially it’s undoubtedly going to be challenging, but cultivating discipline and mental fortitude is key. Perseverance in running leads to improvement and eventually transforms the experience into something enjoyable.
“Just don’t give up on yourself,” Boyles said. “Finding a passion for running or even any sport makes it a whole lot easier to improve, just because you actually like doing it.”
