One has to be determined, courageous and fast to be the captain of Paly’s varsity team, and Rajan has demonstrated those qualities endlessly throughout his running career. As many of his teammates know, Rajan is always the one who will push the pace, run the extra repeat, and – just maybe – offer to lead core.

After a phenomenal junior XC season, Rajan dealt with a frustrating track season. His times continued to improve (check out his career improvement... wow!), but minor injuries and sicknesses prevented his training from ever getting to the level he was hoping for. This run of bad luck culminated with a post-season diagnosis of a stress-fracture in his lower leg.

A self-made runner, don't expect this bad news to derail Rajan for long. Voted captain as a junior, the team will be looking to his leadership more than ever, and I believe he is determined to be healthy and ready come August. Currently working out daily in the pool, Rajan is hardening his mind & spirit, dreaming of the better days when he can join the boys on the trails.

If you're wondering what to expect of him this season, here's all you need to know: in 6 seasons of high school running, Rajan has *always* run best at season's end. In any meet with the word "championships" at the end of it, the look in his eyes says it all, so I'm sure as a senior captain we can expect fireworks come CCS in November.