News Summary

Ranger Murphree, a standout athlete at Malibu High School, has made a significant impact in cross country and track. Transitioning from swimming to running, he has achieved notable success, including multiple top finishes in competitions. With dreams of competing in triathlons and continuing his athletic journey at the University of California, Berkeley, Ranger’s future looks promising as he reflects on his remarkable high school career and the support from his family.

Malibu High School’s Athletic Star: Ranger Murphree Shines in Cross Country and Track

In the vibrant coastal town of Malibu, the halls of Malibu High School are buzzing with excitement, especially when it comes to one remarkable athlete: Ranger Murphree. This talented young runner has made some major waves, transitioning from swimming to cross country and track, and he has been making the most of every step since his freshman year.

From Water to Land: The Journey Begins

Initially, Ranger had his heart set on swimming—he loved the water and the freedom it provided. However, as he dipped his feet into the world of competitive running, he discovered a true passion for cross country. The camaraderie among his teammates, nurturing a close-knit bond with just a small group, played a significant role in his newfound love for the sport. The sense of teamwork and friendship spurred him on to achieve outstanding results.

Impressive Freshman Year

Ranger’s freshman year was nothing short of spectacular. He kicked off his cross country career by finishing first in the freshman division of the Palos Verdes Invitational and clinching second place in the freshman division of the Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational. Those achievements were just the beginning as he bagged an amazing total of 11 top-ten finishes throughout his sophomore to senior years.

Speedster on the Track

Not just a cross country whiz, Ranger excelled on the track as well. Whether it was the 400m, 800m, 1600m, or 3200m distances, he consistently showed skill and tenacity. He took part in both the 4×100 and 4×400 relays, contributing his speed to help his team in numerous competitions. In the CIF Southern Section, he placed sixth in the cross country preliminaries, clocking in at an impressive 17:12.0, and also shined in the finals with a time of 17:19.1.

Track Stars Shine Bright

As for his track performance, Ranger placed eighth in the CIF-SS Division 4 Prelims for the 800 meters, finishing with a strong time of 2:01.25. He carried that momentum to the finals, where he secured seventh place at 2:00.87. Additionally, he enjoyed other successful appearances, including seventh in the prelims and fourth in the finals for the 800 Division 4 in 2024. Ranger even participated in a relay team that snagged a spot at 13th in the 4×400 at the CIF preliminaries in 2023.

Family Connections and Motivation

The Murphree family is filled with athletic talent. Ranger’s sister, Tallulah, excelled in various sports, including running, swimming, and water polo, and she served as a source of motivation for him to improve his times. Their brother, Wylie, who graduated in 2025, is also a standout athlete, possessing the school record in the discus throw. With such an inspiring athletic family, it’s no wonder Ranger has flourished.

Looking Ahead

Ranger’s plans don’t stop with high school. He’s contemplated tackling triathlons in the future while maintaining his passion for swimming—he even lifeguarded at Malibu state beaches. Looking ahead to college, Ranger plans to join a club swim team at the University of California, Berkeley, while still diving into the world of running.

Reflecting on Success

Before graduating, Ranger took a moment to reflect on how competition and training have shaped him. Crawling back into swimming has helped him maintain his fitness and improve his running performance. He has played various sports since he was a kid, including soccer and swimming, but running stole his heart in high school.

A Bright Future Awaits

Most recently, at the cross country league finals, Ranger showcased his prowess by finishing ninth with a time of 17:18.75, leading the Malibu team to an overall seventh-place ranking in the competition. With such determination and consistent effort, there’s little doubt that Ranger Murphree’s bright days are still ahead of him.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Vandalism Shocks Timpanogos High School Football Community
Louisville High School Tennis Program Gains Momentum
Malibu High School Senior Prank Turns into Vandalism Crisis

Additional Resources