In recent years the younger portion of the Paly XC team has been exponentially getting stronger, and there is clearly one runner at the spearhead of that movement: Skyler Cummins. Coming from a running family – with Mom, Dad, sister Renata (and, rumor has it, younger brother Lance) all involved one way or another with the sport – Skyler is no stranger to the world of competitive racing. By leaving his mark all over the team (there is even a special running loop named after him), Skyler makes it clear that XC ranks among the highest priorities in his life, right up there with food.

After breaking 5:00 in the mile as a freshman, the sophomore Skyler trained with the best throughout the XC season, placing 2nd in the League Frosh/Soph race and earning a spot on the Varsity CCS squad, where he was the team's 5th man!

During track he returned to the Frosh/Soph races, and wrecked havoc during the various league meets. His success continued to build, and ultimately Skyler finished with a fine mile-2 mile double at the League Finals meet, placing fourth in both events. He then ended his sophomore campaign with an impressive post-season 1600 time trial in 4:44!

With Skyler, consistency is the magic word. Aside from a few bouts with the flu, he has been able to stay healthy and train hard throughout his running career. As he approaches his junior year of XC, Skyler has decided to train intensively for the upcoming season, and is currently training in Palo Alto with the rest of the team. His plans are to reach 40+ miles per week, more than he has ever run before. This increase in workload is bound to pay off big dividends for the fine young runner, and should be the boost he needs to keep him in high competition as he transitions from Frosh/Soph to the Varsity pack. A potential all-League runner, Skyler also should have his sights set on a top 30 finish in CCS for his junior year.