Pre-State Writeups - 1998
3.1 miles @ Woodward Park, Fresno
Guide To ...
FANS GUIDE TO THE 1998 STATE CIF CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
(FROM THE STATE CIF OFFICE)
DATES/SITE
Saturday, November 28, 1998 - Woodward Park, Fresno
Note: Competitors will not leave school on the day preceding the
competition prior to the close of the school day unless travel
requires two days. If travel requirements warrant, schools may
petition their section CIF office for the additional day.
Violation of this regulation may result in disqualification.
TIME SCHEDULES
Division I Boys Race 8:30 a.m.
Division II Boys Race 9:00 a.m.
Division I Girls Race 9:30 a.m.
Division II Girls Race 10:05 a.m.
Division III Boys Race 10:40 a.m.
Division IV Girls Race 11:10 a.m.
Division V Boys Race 11:45 a.m.
Division III Girls Race 12:15 p.m.
Division IV Boys Race 12:50 p.m.
Division V Girls Race 1:20 p.m.
AWARD SCHEDULE
Division I Boys 10:00 a.m.
Division I Girls 10:20 a.m.
Division II Boys 10:40 a.m.
Division II Girls 11:00 a.m.
Division III Boys 11:20 a.m.
Division IV Girls 11:50 a.m.
Division V Boys 12:25 p.m.
Division III Girls 12:55 p.m.
Division IV Boys 1:30 p.m.
Division V Girls1:50 p.m.
HOW TO GET TO WOODWARD PARK
>From Southern California: Take highway 5 heading north. Then take
99 heading north. Take the 41 heading toward Yosemite/Fresno. Get
off on Audubon Blvd. Woodward Park is on the left. Spectators
entrance to Woodward Park will be at the South Gate off Audubon.
For more detailed directions, call the Fresno Convention and
Visitors Bureau at 209-233-0836.
>From Northern California: Take the 101 South. Then take 152 out
of Gilroy heading East over the Pacheco Pass. You will go under
I5 and will see the San Luis Reservoir. You will then go through
Los Banos (watch speed), to 99 south over San Joaquin River. Look
for Herndon Exit and turn left on Herndon. Turn left on
Blackstone. Blackstone turns into Friant Road (Woodward Park on
left side). Spectators entrance to Woodward Park will be at the
South Gate off Audubon. For more detailed directions, call the
Fresno Convention and Visitors Bureau at 209-233-0836.
TICKETS
Admission Charges at Woodward Park: Adults - $7.00
Children - $5.00
Note: Advanced tickets can be purchased at the Pasta Feed (6-8
p.m. Friday, November 27) at Buchanan High School (see Pasta Feed
below)
PARKING
Parking is allowed in designated areas only. All vehicles parked
illegally inside or outside of the park, will be ticketed and
towed. Do not park on any grassy areas inside the park.
PASTA FEED
There will be a pasta feed Friday night, November 27 at Buchanan
High School from 6-8 p.m. This event provides an opportunity to
meet other coaches, runners, and press. Advance spectator tickets
can be purchased and team packets can be picked up at this time.
•6-8 p.m.
•"Seconds OK" Pasta Feed
•Pasta - Salad - Bread - Drink
•Cost at the Door - $7.00 per person
•Pre-Paid - $6.00 per person
•Team rate - $40 (7 athletes and 1 coach)
•Please send your pre-paid fee no later than Nov. 20th to Brian
Weaver at:
Buchanan High School
1560 north Minnewawa
Clovis, CA 93611
Phone (209) 298-3330
>From Woodward Park:
Take Shepard to Minnewawa
>From Hotel Area on Herndon:
Herndon to Villa/Minnewawa and turn left go 1 1/2 miles and
school is on you left.
Name of School______________________Phone__________________
Contact Person_______________________Phone__________________
Number of Individuals Attending____________@$6.00 each=________
Number of Teams Attending_____________@$40.00 each=_________
Total=_____________
MAIL TO:
BRIAN WEAVER
Buchanan High School
1560 N. Minnewawa
Clovis, CA 93611
CIF MERCHANDISE
Souvenir merchandise will be available for purchase at Woodward
Park on Friday afternoon, November 27, from 1-5 p.m. T-shirts
will also be on sale at the Hospitality Event on Friday evening,
as well as at Woodward Park all day Saturday. In addition, a
quality souvenir program will be available for purchase at
Woodward Park on Friday afternoon, November 27, from 1-5 p.m., at
the Hospitality Event on Friday evening, as well as at Woodward
Park all day Saturday. The program will include photos and
information on the outstanding athletes in the state.
SPORTSMANSHIP STATEMENT
Letter to Parents
The role of the parent in the education of a student is
important. The support shown in the home is often manifested in
the ability of the student to accept the opportunities presented
at a school in the classroom and through co-curricular
activities.
There is a value system - established in the home, nurtured in
the school - which young people are developing. Their involvement
in the classroom and other activities contributes to that
development. Integrity, fairness and respect are lifetime values
taught through athletics. These are the principles of good
sportsmanship. With them, the spirit of competition thrives,
fueled by honest rivalry, courteous relations and graceful
acceptance of the results.
A good sport, whether a student or a parent, is a true leader in
the community. As a parent of a student at our school, your
sportsmanship goals should include: Realizing that athletics are
part of the educational experience, and the benefits of
involvement go beyond the final score of the game;
Encouraging our students to perform their best, just as we would
urge them on with their classwork, knowing that others will
always turn in better or lesser performances; Participating in
positive comments that encourage our students; and discouraging
any comments that would redirect that focus - including those
that taunt and intimidate opponents, their fans and officials;
Learning, understanding and respecting the rules of the game, the
officials who administer them and their decisions;
Respecting the task our coaches face as teachers; and supporting
them as they strive to educate your children;
Respecting our opponents as fellow students, and acknowledging
them for striving to do their best; and;
Developing a sense of dignity under all circumstances.
Be a fan...not a fanatic!
You can have a major influence on your student's attitude about
academics and athletics. The leadership role you take in
sportsmanship will help influence your child, and our community,
for years to come.
Write Up
1998 California State Cross-Country Meet Again Features Top Group
by Doug Speck (with assistance from Buzz Thom, Dan Cruz, Kirby
Lee, Don Chadez, David Dennis, Bob Rush, Peter Guerrini, Peter
Brewer, Steve Fagundes, Jim Eckman, Dave Ponas, Andy Leong)
(In the following preview abreviations for sections are as
follows: San Diego-SD, Southern Section-SS, Los Angeles-LA,
Central-CE, Central Coast-CCS, North Coast-NCS, Sac Joaquin-SJ,
Northern-No, San Francisco-SF)
The State's best "hill and dale" athletes will travel to
Fresno's Woodward Park once again this Thanksgiving weekend for
our annual glorious end to the Cross-Country season. It has been
a tremendously exciting Fall build-up to these championships,
with a number of the state's top individuals and teams again
honored with rankings among the best in the entire country. An
amazing four Califonria female prep athletes return from last
December's National prep Championships in the sport, with Sara
Bei (Montgomery, Santa Rosa-NCS), Lauren Fleshman (Canyon, Canyon
Country-SS), Trina Cox (Santa Rosa-NCS), and Allyson Marquand
(University, Irvine-SS) a talented crew equal to any group that
can be gathered this season in any state in the country. Josh
Spiker (Ventura-SS), Alfonso Leon (Santa Ana-SS), Marcus
Chandler (Serra, San Diego-SD), and Andrew Hill (Los Altos-CCS)
have proven themselves capable this Fall of competing with any
male athletes in the country. A flock of California teams have
been ranked among the top squads nationally this Fall. On the
Boys' side, Long Beach Poly (SS), Santa Ana (SS), and Katella
(Anaheim-SS) have been ranked among a mythical top twenty-five
teams in the nation, with Yucaipa (SS), La Canada (SS),
Esperanza (Anaheim-SS), and University (San Francisco) at the
same level on the Girls' side. So enjoy the action and
appreciate the efforts of these fine young athletes, coaches,
and their support entourages as they once again blister the
Woodward Park course while seeking individual and team honors.
The Boys Division I contest leads off action today, with an
interesting group from the South battling for the team title and
awards. Our defending team champion, Long Beach Poly (SS)
(currently ranked sixth in the nation), was magnificent in both
the Mt. SAC Invitational and Southern Section Finals, averaging
under 15:50 for its scoring five on a course similar in time to
today's. Aaron Durham and Martin Conrad have led the Jackrabbit
group recently. West Hills (Santee-SD) was a strong second to
Poly at the Mt. SAC Invite, with Evan Fox the section champion
and a top ranked individual at this level. Belmont (LA) was
strong in its Los Angeles Section Finals, scoring its fourteenth
championship in the last seventeen years there, with Henry
Briseno and Humberto Vargas leading the squad to victory. Santa
Ana, led by Alfonso Leon, was a strong second in the Southern
Section meet, with Saugus and Don Lugo (Chino) also very tough
from that area. Clovis (CE) and Bellarmine Prep (San Jose-CCS)
were section team champs.
Josh Spiker (Ventura-SS) shocked with a 15:01 run on the
tough Mt. SAC course in the championship run there to assume the
favorite's role here, with Justin Willingham (Beyer, Modesto-SJ),
Mike Gregg (Nevada Union, Grass Valley-SJ), Fernando Cabada
(Buchanan, Clovis-CE), Sean Ricketts (Rancho Bernardo-SD), Ben
Morales (San Benito, Hollister-CCS), Matt Swaney (Ventura-SS),
and James DeBruhl (Chino-SS) others with good season-long
credentials and solid peaks at their Section Finals.
Predicted Team winner - Long Beach Poly Predicted Individual
winner - Alfonso Leon (Santa Ana)
The Boys Division II is another contest led by one of the
nation's best teams, with Coach Mike Cochrane's Katella (Anaheim-
SS) group ranked eleventh in the entire United States and hot off
a good Southern Section Finals run that had it average just under
16:00 for its scoring five. Katella impressed earlier in the
year with an overall victory at the Stanford Invitational, where
they moved up to Division I. Daniel Mejia was a section
individual winner from Katella. After Katella the division is
very, very interesting with a number of solid teams that come to
this meet from all areas of the state to compete for the three
team plaques awarded at each level. Newport Harbor (Newport
Beach-SS) has had a solid year, with Curt Herberts one of the
division's strong runners. San Pasqual (Escondido-SD) was the
San Diego Section titlest at this level, with an eighteen second
1-5 gap in their area championship affair. Los Gatos (CCS)
impressed at mid-season, then was very solid in the Central Coast
Finals, continuing to improve at a rate that makes them very
tough--they gap at thirty seconds 1-5! Jesuit (Sacramento-SJ)
took their area championship over a strong Casa Roble
(Orangevale-SJ) team, with Coach Walt Lange having to be pleased
with the Jesuit development over the length of the season. The
division's successful geographical diversity continues, with De
la Salle (Concord-NCS) just nipping Eureka (NCS) 53-56 in the
North Coast Section, with both teams looking very solid coming to
Fresno.
Marcus Chandler (Serra, San Diego-SD) won his big showdown
with area rival Matt McInvale (Ramona-SD) in the San Diego
finals. Ryan Mack (Ukiah-NCS) took his Section meet and has run
4:13 for 1600 meters in track. Alex Murcio (Rubidoux, Riverside-
SS) and Augie Escobar (Villa Park-SS) were under 15:35 on the
tough Mt. SAC course a week ago and must be considered threats to
the top pack individually.
Predicted Team winner - Katella Predicted Individual winner -
Marcus Chandler (Serra)
The Girls Division I contest features a very strong group of
teams. Irvine (SS) emerged over the last couple of weeks in the
Southern Section to win the finals there over Esperanza (Anaheim-
SS) a team ranked sixteenth in the entire nation. Coach Randy
Rossi of Irvine carefully fostered the development of frosh stars
Jordan Bechtold, Kira Mettra, and Jenny Ormes to go along with
vets Valerie Morris and Melissa Livermore, with a 19:20 team
average in the Section meet and an eighteen second 1-5 gap.
Esperanza, runner-ups here last year has Pam Smith and Nicole
Distefano leading a very capable squad smarting for revenge this
weekend. Mt. Carmel (San Diego-SD) was another strong group that
steadily improved during the season, stunning local powers Torrey
Pines (Encinitas-SD) and Rancho Bernardo (SD) in the Section
Meet. Karen Vasko and Ashlee Dere lead Coach Dennis McClanahan's
squad that has certainly should have award ceremony goals in
mind. Torrey Pines, ranked high all season long has Camille
Dredge and Julie Komosinski capable of placing very high. Nevada
Union (Grass Valley-SJ) was an impressive Sac Joaquin champion
group behind frosh Tracy Compton. Santa Rosa (NCS) is led by
individual returning champion Trina Cox, with a good race from
numbers two through five putting this team in the award plaque
hunt. Thousand Oaks (SS), led by Kelly Hess, and University
(Irvine-SS), with star Allyson Marquand on top, are others teams
who will be very strong here.
Lauren Fleshman (Canyon, Canyon Country-SS) has had a great
Fall season, with a 17:24 on the Mt. SAC course last weekend.
Courtney Baird (Helix, La Mesa-SD) took her Section meet, with
Valerie Flores (San Pedro-LA) winning over rival Natalie Stein
(North Hollywood-LA) in Los Angeles. Katie Hotchkiss (Mission
San Jose, Fremont-NCS) took the State Division II title last
year, with Chrisie Gregory (Clovis-CE), Sopagna Eap (Lowell, San
Francisco-SF), and Christina Llorente (Atwater-SJ) impressive
Section Champs.
Predicted Team Winner - Irvine Predicted Individual Winner -
Lauren Fleshman (Canyon)
The Girls Division II contest has season-long top-ranked
Sultana (Hesperia-SS) the favorite off their win at their Section
championships, averaging 19:43 for their scoring five on a course
similar to Woodward Park. Coach John Mahr's interchangable
scoring five should gap within thirty seconds of each other here.
Defending State Champs at this level, Woodbridge (Irvine-SS)
pressed Sultana in their area meet, with Jessica Kanin leading
Coach George Varvas's 1998 squad. Brea-Olinda (Brea-SS) was
under a 19:50 average for five in the Southern Section meet, with
soph Jenny Thune leading a strong squad. Clayton Valley
(Concord-NCS) was solid in winning the North Coast title, with
the scoring group, which gaps at about a minute, needing to move
up just a bit to be very, very competitive for the championship
here. Santa Margarita (Rancho SM-SS) has Lori Mann, one of the
division's top ranked individuals, leading a strong team.
Jamie Witt (Folsom-SJ) and surprising frosh Kelly Dahl
(Wood, Vacaville-SJ) battled at the Sac Joaquin Finals, with
Erinn Gulbrandsen (Pleasant Valley, Chico-No) a 100 yard winner
at the Northern Finals. Chloe Glare (Menlo-Atherton, Atherton-
CCS) has put together a fine Fall, with Desiree Davilla (Hilltop,
Chula Vista-SD) another big Section Finals winner. Laura Jakosky
(Agoura-SS) took the Southern Section race, with Ridgeview
(Bakesfield-CE) frosh Janel Suburu another who took her Section
Finals run by over thirty seconds. Dyani Jones (Livermore-NCS)
took the North Coast individual title.
Predicted Team Winner - Sultana Predicted Individual Winner -
Jamie Witt (Folsom)
The Boys Division III contest is a very interesting one with
two veteran strong teams separating themselves a bit from the
pack lately. St. Francis (Mountain View-CCS) has soph Eric
Chaves leading a pack that gaps at about thirty-five seconds 1-5.
Defending Champs Don Bosco Tech (Rosemead-SS) had Southern
Section individual winner Armando Solis lead his team to a fine
race in that competition. Top races by both teams could make
this a tremendously exciting race won somewhere back in the pack.
Redwood (Larkspur-NCS) edged rival Granada (Livermore-NCS) 55-56
in that area's Finals run, with both tight packs that can compete
for championship plaques here. South Hills (West Covina-SS) has
star Jesse Hodges leading a highly ranked team that was solid in
the Section Championships. La Jolla (SD) dominated its Section
meet with 23 points. with Barstow (SS) and La Canada (SS) also
tough from the Southern Section.
Andrew Hill (Los Altos-CE) won big Invitational races at
Stanford and Mt. SAC with outstanding times, with Neil McDonagh
(St. Ignatius, San Francisco-CCS) also strong from his area.
David Ulibarri (Sierra, Manteca-SJ) has had a strong season, with
Steve Laurie (Maria Carillo-NCS) edging Celedonio Rodriguez
(Elsie Allen, Santa Rosa-NCS) in a tough North Coast Division III
race. Bryce Lighthall (Enterprise, Redding-No) took the Northern
title by 100 yards a couple of weeks back. Miguel Alonso
(Pioneer, Whittier-SS) was third in the Southern Section and
raced to some strong individual efforts during the season.
Predicted Team Winner - Katella Predicted Individual Winner -
Andrew Hill (Los Altos)
The Girls Division IV had three Southern Section squads rise
up to magnificent efforts in the Section Championship race.
Corona del Mar (Newport Harbor-SS), top ranked all year long,
emerged the winner with 63 points (98:20 team time 19:40
average), with Nordhoff (Ojai-SS) edging St. Joseph (Santa Maria-
SS) on the sixth runner rule after both tied at 71 for second
(Nordhoff 98:59 St. Joe 98:48 team times). A sub-20 minute
average for one's scoring five at this level on a tough course is
very, very impressive. Coach Bill Sumner's CdM crew leads with
Katie Quinlan and Liz Morse, with Nordhoff's Ken Reeves maybe one
more hitch in his team's season peak up their sleeve, with frosh
Robin Quinn leading the team in the section meet. St. Joseph has
Michelle and Kara June as individuals who can place high here.
Campolindo (Moraga-NCS), led by Laura Cherdack, was very strong
in their Noth Coast Section win, with Sacred Heart Cathedral (San
Francisco-CCS) a fine season and good Section Finals run.
Louisville (Woodland Hills-SS) has been highly ranked and ran
solidly in gaining the fourth spot out of the tough Southern
Section race. McFarland (CE) was a big winner in that area, with
team leader Laura Davis a fine individual section titlest.
Amy Loper-Riley (Alhambra, Martinez-NCS) has dominated this
division individually, with Ann Glenn (Sir Francis Drake, San
Anselmo-NCS) and Weil Laurel (El Molino, Forestville, NCS) also
strong from the North Coast. Angela Sanchez (Capuchino-CCS) has
been running very strong, with Alejandra Barrientos (San Lorenzo
Valley, Felton-CCS) another Central Coast star. Jamie DeNoewer
(Costa Mesa-SS) was third here last year, with a Southern Section
title a week ago. Jenna Timinsky (San Dieguito Academy-SD) took
the San Diego title in fine style. Alexandra Guerro (Hughson-SJ)
has traveled far and wide with success this Fall.
Predicted Team Winner - Corona del Mar Predicted Individual
Winner - Amy Loper-Riley (Alhambra, Martinez)
The Boys Division V always impresses with the quality of the
State's smaller schools. St. Joseph/Notre Dame (Alameda-NCS) has
been top ranked most of the season, with individual section
titlest Alex Mason leading the team to a narrow 51-55 win over
University (San Francisco-NCS) in their Section title meet. Sean
Drake leads Uni, highly regarded all season long. Maranatha
(Sierra Madre-SS) won the battle down south with Flintridge Prep
(La Canada-SS), with a one point margin 92-93 (86:04-86:15 team
times respectively--St. Joe was 86:49 on what appears to be a
slightly tougher course). Anyway, it's going to be a great team
contest in Fresno!! Don't count out Tranquility (CE), which won
its section with 23 points behind individual champ Antonio
Estrada, and have shown the potential to run with anyone at this
level. Crossroads (Santa Monica-SS) is led by the super twin duo
of Jeff and Mike Tomlinson, with Desert Christian (Lancaster-SS)
the fourth rep out of the tough Southern Section. Calvin
Christian (Escondido-SD), with section champ Bart Conner leading,
have had a fine Fall.
Tom Kubler (Viewpoint, Calabasas-SS), Matt Marks (Branson,
Ross-NCS), Arturo Lopez (California School for the Deaf, Fremont-
NCS), and Slater Nez (Sherman Indian, Riverside-SS) are other
strong individuals.
Predicted Team Winner - St. Joseph/Notre Dame (Alameda)
Predicted Individual Winner - Jeff Tomlinson (Crossroads, Santa
Monica)
The Girls Division III race features one of the nation's top
teams, with La Canada (SS) currently ranked twentieth in the
entire country. The deep Spartan program of Coaches Dennis
McNulty and Tony Haynes has won very decisively divisional
showdowns at Stanford and Mt. SAC, with a 97:45 team time (19:33
average) on a warm day in the Southern Section meet behind
Section champ Nicole Bonino. Amy Foss, Christina Ellis, and
sisters Carina and Kim Garnic could all finish among the top
fifteen here at this level! Foothill (Redding-No) can keep La
Canada honest, with a 99:08 Northern Section effort (on a course
that seems to run fairly close to Mt.SAC/Woodward Park) that did
not include team leader Rachelle Hastings, who ran sixth for the
squad that day. A healthy Hastings and continued good running by
Annette Corey could make the team race interesting! There are a
number of other very strong teams at this level! El Modena
(Orange-SS) has great recent tradition and a strong Section
Finals effort behind Christine Eckstaedt. Lompoc (SS) has Katie
Moon leading another strong team from the south, with South Hills
(West Covina-SS) the fourth spot out of the Southern Section.
St. Francis (Mountain View-CCS) and Palo Alto (CCS) battled all
season in their area, with St. Francis finally taking the Section
meet on the sixth runner rule after the two had tied at 52. Palo
Alto leads with super Katie Brizgys and Lauren Currie, with frosh
Angela Gummow on top for St. Francis. University City (San
Diego-SD) needed its 35 points in its Section finals meet to
handle La Jolla (SD) and its 41 point effort, with both squads
showing continued improvement over the last half of the year.
The North Coast section had to leave power Carondolet (Concord-
NCS) at home after Montgomery (Santa Rosa-NCS) and Granada
(Livermore-NCS) went 1-2 in the Section Meet. Montgomery leads
with all-world Sara Bei who appears to be significantly better
than last Fall when she was eighth in the prep national finals in
the sport and the country's top ninth grade female runner. In
the North Coast Finals Sara was within two minutes of the top
Boys' time in the meet, a feat only sub-10:00 3200m star from
Virginia, former Foot Locker National Champion Erin Keough, was
able to do over three miles while in High School. Sarah Bashel
has also had a fine year for Montgomery, with Granada Julia
Fischer and fine back-up.
Sara Bei and Katie Brizgys mentioned above are super
individuals on top of this division. Stephanie Ksenzulak
(Liberty-NCS), Jenny Aldridge (Maria Carillo, Santa Rosa-NCS),
Katie Martin (Irvington, Fremont-NCS), and Meghan Andrade
(Carondolet, Concord-NCS) are all strong North Coast stars.
Lauren Gustafson (Mills, Millbrae) has steadily improved in the
Central Coast, with Ali Valle (San Luis Obispo-SS) the Mt. SAC
Division III Sweepstakes winner in October. Michelle Barrack
(University of San Diego-SD) took her Section title by nearly 30
seconds.
Predicted Team Winner - La Canada Predicted Individual Winner
- Sara Bei (Montgomery, Santa Rosa)
Our Boys Division IV race has Nordhoff (Ojai-SS) hoping to
continue the state's strongest harrier tradition, with Coach Ken
Reeves' Boys' squad aiming today for their sixth State title
since 1991 (the girls have four since 1990 in an unprecedented
run of success in the sport). Last week the Nordhoff group took
the Southern Section title comfortably with 74 points (82:08 team
time). Soph Roberto Contreras led the Rangers a week ago, with
one sensing the talented crew having a notch better effort still
in the gas tank. Estancia (Costa Mesa-SS), with Alberto Munoz,
and Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks-SS), led by Kevin Lelles, were 2-3
in the Southern Section. Coach Jim White of McFarland (CE) was
hit by graduation last year, but in a "re- load" job had sophs
Andres Gomez and Arturo Gonzalez and frosh Francisco Gonzalez
emerge in the top five, with a 29 point effort in a huge Central
Section Division IV contest two weeks ago. Central Valley (No)
won the entire Northern Section this year, with Steven
Springhorn and Stephen Pohlmeyer leading a solid team that
should gap within a minute of 16 minutes here. A good Morro Bay
(SS) team took the fourth team spot out of the South.
Riverbank was the terror of the early year at this level,
with the Sac Joaquin champs suffering injuries and the loss of
some key athletes along the way. They were 85:40 at the Section
meet on a course that should run fairly close to Woodward Park.
Vic Moreno (Escalon-SJ) was the Sac Joaquin titlest with a
number of good runs during the Invitational season. Ryan Hall
(Big Bear-SS) shocked with a minute improvement on the Mt. SAC
course in the last month of the season to 15:38, with the soph
emerging as the Section champ a week back. Mark Nevers (Oak
Park-SS) and Bruce Hancock (Costa Mesa-SS) were 3-4 from the
Southern Section. Brent Shaw (Cardinal Newman, Santa Rosa-NCS)
took his section championship by a second over Bob Brown from Del
Norte (Cresent City-NCS).
Predicted Team Winner - Nordhoff (Ojai) Predicted Individual
Winner - Ryan Hall (Big Bear)
Our final race of the day, Girls Division V, features maybe
the most amazing squad in the entire meet. Winners of this
competition the last two years at this level, University (San
Francisco) impressed with every small school's dream, a victory
in the large schools Mt. SAC Invitational Team Sweepstakes race
against the top group of teams gathered this Fall in the Western
U.S. Coach Mike McManus's group perfect scored the North Coast
Section Division V a week ago, with Kira Morser (defending state
individual champ), Aliza Cohen, Linden Bader, Diana Clock, and
Yfa Kretzschmar rated among the country's top twenty-five teams,
and as one of prep history's best ever under 300 student school
teams. If the group makes it to the park safely everyone else is
running for second place.
Chadwick (Palos Verdes-SS) is a super group at this
enrollment level, but will undoubtedly be relegated to a distant
second this go-round. Frosh stars Kristin Cahoon and Vanessa
Smith led Chadwick to a fine 101:42 team time (20:20 average) in
winning the Southern Section a week ago. Surviving the hot
competition in the Southern Section for spots to the state meet
were Desert Christian (Lancaster), St. Margaret's (San Juan
Capistrano), and Santa Clara (Oxnard). They will battle for the
third place plaque. Convent (NCS) was a strong second to Uni in
the North Coast.
Angela Petersen (Francis Parker, San Diego) was second at
this level last Fall, with Kelly Moore (Avalon, Catalina Island-
SS) a surprising Southern Section champ. Jenny Bell (Ontario
Christian-SS), Ana Guerra (Santa Clara, Oxnard-SS), and Khasla
Haripurkh (Windward, L.A.-SS) were next from that Southern
Section championship run. Kaili Shumilak (The Bishop's School,
La Jolla-SD), Clara Horowitz (Head Royce, Oakland-NCS), Sonja
Perakis (Pinewood, Los Altos Hills-CCS), and Alle Porter
(Dunsmuir-No) are others with the potential to challenge the
front pack individually.
Predicted Team Winner - University (San Francisco) Predicted
Individual Winner - Angela Peterson (Francis Parker, San Diego)
Notes
Miscellaneous Notes - 1998 State Cross-Country Meet
BEST RACE BY CALIFORNIA FEMALE SQUAD THIS YEAR --UNIVERSITY (SAN
FRANCISCO), with their 15 point total in taking the North Coast
Finals Division V. The perfect score is sobering enough, but the
95:38 team time on what appears to be a course running a tad
slower or at worst about equal to Woodward Park in Fresno is
easily the best team time run by a Caliornia squad this Fall.
Coach MIKE MCMANUS and Uni crew is the best ever squad in state
history at their level!!!
SAN DIEGO SHOWDOWN--many waited a long time for the showdown in
San Diego Division II Boys between Serra's MARCUS CHANDLER and
Ramona's MATT MCINVALE. Chandler had won the Mt. SAC Individual
Sweeps at an impressive 15:09, with McInvale whipping Mt. SAC
Team Sweeps winner ALFONSO LEON (Santa Ana) (15:06 at SAC) at the
Temecula Valley Meet 15:38-15:52, with both under the Course
Record. Chandler dominated the San Diego Finals run 15:36-16:07,
with the Fresno race a test of the spirited Ramona junior,
McInvale, and his ability to bounce back. McInvale in the past
has seemed no short on spirit.
SQUADS ON THE RISE--The Girls Division I contest will feature two
squads that have to be higher than a kite after big Section
Finals performances. IRIVNE, under Coach RANDY ROSSI, followed a
strong Section prelims run by shocking two top twenty-five
nationally ranked squads (Esperanza and Yucaipa) and the rest of
the pack in the Southern Section Finals, winning handily with
three frosh in the top five. MT, CARMEL (San Diego) bided its
time all season long, with Coach DENNIS MCCLANAHAN bringing the
squad to a peak at the San Diego Finals, taking the state's #2
and #3 ranked teams (district rival Rancho Bernardo and Torrey
Pines) on the way to a win there. The Division I race at Fresno
should be interesting with these and other strong teams.
PRINT THE TROPHIES--Divisions where the team name plates can be
printed already--sure things:
Boys Division II KATELLA Big wins over everyone at Stanford when
they moved to Division I and at Orange County when they dominated
area rival Santa Ana.
Girls Division III LA CANADA Ranked in top twenty in the entire
nation, the "family connections" at this school continue to
secure success. Kim Garnic's younger sister Carina has developed
nicely, with Christina Ellis the younger sister of BYU star Sarah
Ellis.
Boys Division IV NORDHOFF Coach Ken Reeves leads the Rangers
with a frightening tradition, nine State Titles boys and girls
since 1990, with twelve Southern Section Championship awards
during that same period. With Riverbank, the early season
terrors, distentegrating later, Nordhoff is a big Boys favorite,
and may add the Girls title here with a finely tuned peak that
Reeves' squads are famous for. Riverbank's eventual difficulties
with injuries and team defections are kind of sad, as early on
they did things like tear up Central Coast Division I Champ
Bellarmine by nearly a minute in the late September Lowell (San
Francisco) Invite--Bellarmine was 81:21 at Mt. SAC in late
October.
Girls Division V UNIVERSITY (SAN FRANCISCO) summarized above, the
Uni crew whipped everyone at every level in the Team Sweepstakes
race at Mt. SAC, with their Section Finals run the best ever by a
state squad at this level.
BEST DIVISIONAL TEAM RACES--One Boys and one Girls! The Girls
Division IV contest had three Southern Section squads within
eight points in their Finals, with CORONA DEL MAR (Newport Beach)
(63), NORDHOFF (71 sixth runner rule), and ST. JOSEPH (Santa
Maria 71), all averaging well under 20:00 for their scoring five
on the Mt. SAC course that runs fairly close to Woodward Park--
some good running for Division IV. Well coached all, this one
will be very competitive, with CAMPOLINDO (Moraga-NCS) and SACRED
HEART CATHEDRAL (San Francisco-CCS) strong near the end of the
season to possibly enter the up-front fray. The Boys race that
seems very interesting to call as a team is Division V. ST.
JOSEPH/NOTRE DAME (ALAMEDA-NCS) nipped UNIVERSITY (SAN
FRANCISCO) 51-55 in the NCS Finals, with MARANATHA (SIERRA MADRE-
SS) nipping area rival FLINTRIDGE PREP (LA CANADA) 92-93 in the
Southern Section title run. It will be a fun one, with
TRANQUILITY (CE) possibly along for the ride. Boys Division III with St.
Francis (Mountain View) and Don Bosco Tech (Rosemead) rates a close second on
the Boys' side.
WEATHER PRAYERS--We realize this is the kiss of death to mention,
but the State Cross-Country Meet has never had to be adjusted for
weather, with this twelfth edition already farther along than
probably any other in the United States without some serious
weather difficulties.
OUT OF THE BLUE--Well almost quite. Ventura junior JOSH SPIKER,
who was 9:18 last spring for 3200 meters as a sophomore, had a
strong Fall season, but really came to run in the Southern
Section Finals. Josh left the pack behind early on the way to a
15:01 clocking on the tough Mt. SAC course, coming in ahead of
ALFONSO LEON (Santa Ana) who improved his best to 15:05 to go
along with a sterling season. Their rematch at Fresno should be
very intersting!
BELMONT (BOYS) LOS ANGELES--BELMONT's 77:40 run in the LA City
Meet at Pierce College, which seems to run a tad faster than Mt.
SAC or Woodward Park, should put at least a bit of a scare into
LONG BEACH POLY, #6 ranked nationally, with the defending State
Champ Jackrabbits 78:52 in the Section Finals after a 78:48 at
the Mt. SAC to defeat all-comers, including Belmont. How teams
approach the Fresno race tactically should be very interesting to
see, with SANTA ANA 79:02 in the Southern Section race, SAUGUS
79:30, and DON LUGO (CHINO), who was out slowly as a group in the
Southern Finals, 80:14 all capable of rising up to win the
Division I contest.
QUEEN SARA--or at least she was dubbed that by east coast scribe
John Dye, from Maryland, who watched SARA BEI (Montgomery, Santa
Rosa) win the Mt. SAC Sweepstakes race in the third fastest time
ever on the course of 17:05. Last year we introduced her at the
state meet awards ceremony as the division champ, after a relaxed
first season introduction to the sport as a ninth grader, as the
nation's "best unknown athlete." Obviously the cat was out of
the bag quickly after that time, with the sister of the famous
pole vaulter (Amy), racing to eighth place in last December's
Foot Locker Nationals in Cross-Country as the nation's top frosh
athlete, then taking the 1600 and 3200 double at the State Track
Meet. The controlled nature of Sara's 17:05 at Mt. SAC, after a
comfortable 5:25 first mile, was very impressive to all who
viewed. Be sure to view the star in the all red uniform as she
zooms around the course this Saturday.
TOUGH TO LEAVE AT HOME--With empty spots along the starting line
in every race at Fresno, it is a real shame that there could not
be some "at large" invitations extended to those teams around the
state who were ranked very high during the year and could be
competitive for one of the three plaques given out in each
division, but were a spot or so out of qualifying for the State
affair. PENINSULA (Rolling Hills), highly ranked all season long
Girls Division I just missed by two points from moving to
Fresno, with a second place in the Mt. SAC Team Sweeps event
along the way during a successful and highly ranked season.
RANCHO BERNARDO (San Diego) was third in San Diego Girls Div I by three
points after a very successful season and a #2 statewide ranking
in the 11/9 poll. Their San Diego finals run appeared to put
them competitive for a plaque at the State Meet with the
improvement they are capable of, but they will be spending the
weekend home in San Diego.
NEWPORT HARBOR (Newport Beach Girls Div II) was one spot out of
going from the Southern Section after a great regular season,
with a #2 11/9 state ranking.
With team time comparisons possible between all major courses it
is not a "rocket-science" mystery as to who can be truly
competitive, with this not like trying to put ten 100 meter dash
people in nine lanes on a track.
TEN YEARS AGO--The 1988 State Meet had Southern Section squads
take five of the six team titles. Coach Tim Butler's Dana Hills
team was the Boys' Large School champs, with Coach Joe Kelly's
Palos Verdes (one of four high schools in the Palos Verdes
district before they were combined into Peninsula in 1991) Girls'
squad taking their second consecutive title in the Large School
race. Bryan Dameworth (Agoura later University of Wisconsin) and
Kira Jorgensen (Rancho Buena Vista, Vista later UCLA) were the
Large School individual champs. Eventual UCLA NCAA Champ Karen
Hecox (South Hills, West Covina) took the Girls Division II
championship (Karen is now married to Carpinteria Head Football
Coach Coley Candaele who you may remember ran a pretty fair mile
for his alma mater). Sherman Indian (Riverside) took the Boys
Division III title, with Coach Tom Colley continuing the great
tradition there started by Coaches Dodson Talashuma and Ken
Taylor (eigth Southern Section titles between 1971 and 1988).
Bret Harte (Altaville), led by Amy Davidson and eventual Fresno
State All-American 400 meter runner Tanya Dooley, took the Girls
Division III title.
HISTORY, HISTORY--Bill Peck has attempted, along with Bruce
McIntosh and Rick Obrand, to put together a booklet about the
individual and team winners at the Southern Section Championships
in the sport between 1925 and 1997. With pictures of Louie
Zamperini, Eric Hulst, and Jeff Nelson on the front, and Vickie
Cook, Polly Plumer, and Kim Mortensen on the back, it is chock
full of history with listings of team and individual winners and
top placers, with the group inviting any additions or
corrections. Bill can be reached at 4215 Normal Ave Apt 9, Los
Angeles CA 90029. phone (213) 666-0546.
Predictions
1998 California State Cross-Country Championships
Predictions - Doug Speck (Thanx to all who have assisted with
results that made the following possible--)
One thing about all predictions - some of them are wrong. Always
done in the spirit of fun and an interest in the sport. Enjoy--
Division I
Boys:
Team:
1. Long Beach Poly
2. Belmont (L.A.)
3. Santa Ana
Individuals:
1. -Alfonso Leon (Santa Ana)
2. *Josh Spiker (Ventura)
3. *Evan Fox (West Hills, Santee)
4. -Justin Willingham (Beyer, Modesto)
5. *Fernando Cabada (Buchanan, Clovis)
6. -Matt Swaney (Ventura)
7. -James DeBruhl (Chino)
8. *Sean Ricketts (Rancho Bernardo, San Diego)
9. -Mike Gregg (Nevada Union, Grass Valley)
10. *Ben Morales (San Benito, Hollister)
Girls:
Team:
1. Irvine
2. Esperanza (Anaheim)
3. Mt. Carmel (San Diego)
Individuals:
1. -Lauren Fleshman (Canyon, Canyon Country)
2. -Trina Cox (Santa Rosa)
3. -Allyson Marquand (University, Irvine)
4. -Courtney Baird (Helix, La Mesa)
5. *Valerie Flores (San Pedro)
6. **Bridget Stein (North Hollywood)
7. -Camille Dredge (Torrey Pines, Encinitas)
8. **Anita Siraki (Hoover, Glendale)
9. -Christina Llorente (Atwater)
10. -Chrisie Gregory (Clovis)
Division II
Boys:
Team:
1. Katella (Anaheim)
2. Newport Harbor (Newport Beach)
3. Los Gatos
Individual:
1. -Marcus Chandler (Serra, San Diego)
2. -Ryan Mack (Ukiah)
3. *Daniel Mejia (Katella, Anaheim)
4. -Alex Murcio (Rubidoux, Riverside)
5. *Augue Escobar (Villa Park)
6. *Matt McInvale (Ramona)
7. -Curt Herberts (Newport Harbor, Newport Beach)
8. -Patrick Grimes (Scripps Ranch, San Diego)
9. **Carlos Handler (Temescal Canyon, Lake Elsinore)
10. -Vikram Mahan (Norwalk)
Girls:
Team:
1. Sultana (Hesperia)
2. Woodbridge (Irvine)
3. Brea-Olinda (Brea)
Individual:
1. *Jamie Witt (Folsom)
2. ***Kelly Dahl (Wood, Vacaville)
3. **Laura Jakosky (Agoura)
4. **Desiree Davila (Hilltop, Chula Vista)
5. **Lori Mann (Santa Margarita, Rancho SM)
6. -Erinn Gulbransen (Pleasant Valley, Chico)
7. **Jenny Thune (Brea-Olinda, Brea)
8. **Robyn Stevens (Vacaville)
9. -Chloe Glare (Menlo Atherton, Atherton)
10. -Lanelle Cox (Escondido)
Division III
Boys:
Team:
1. Don Bosco Tech (Rosemead)
2. St. Francis (Mountain View)
3. South Hills (West Covina)
Individuals:
1. -Andrew Hill (Los Altos)
2. -Steve Laurie (Maria Carillo, Santa Rosa)
3. -Celedonio Rodriguez (Elsie Allen, Santa Rosa)
4. -David Ulibarri (Sierra, Manteca)
5. -Armando Solis (Don Bosco Tech, Rosemead)
6. *Neil McDonagh (St. Ignatius, San Francisco)
7. *Jesse Hodges (South Hills, West Covina)
8. *Anthony Lopez (Ygnacio Valley, Concord)
9. -Miguel Alonso (Pioneer, Whittier)
10. **Chris Johnson (Redwood, Larkspur)
Girls:
Team:
1. La Canada
2. Foothill (Redding)
3. El Modena (Orange)
Individuals:
1. **Sara Bei (Montgomery, Santa Rosa)
2. -Katie Brizgys (Palo Alto)
3. -Stephanie Kzenzulak (Liberty, Brentwood)
4. ***Jenny Aldridge (Maria Carillo, Santa Rosa)
5. -Katie Martin (Irvington, Fremont)
6. *Lauren Gustafson (Mills, Millbrae)
7. **Nicole Bonino (La Canada)
8. -Michelle Barrack (University of San Diego)
9. -Meghan Andrade (Carondelet, Concord)
10. **Sarah Bashel (Montgomery, Santa Rosa)
Division IV
Boys:
1. Nordhoff (Ojai)
2. Estancia (Costa Mesa)
3. Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks)
Individuals:
1. -Vic Moreno (Escalon)
2. **Ryan Hall (Big Bear)
3. Alberto Munoz (Estancia, Costa Mesa)
4. **Mark Nevers (Oak Park)
5. -Bruce Hancock (Costa Mesa)
6. -Felix Duenas (Riverbank)
7. **Rorberto Contreras (Nordhoff, Ojai)
8. *Taylor Gavin (Orange Lutheran)
9. -Kevin Lelles (Notre Dame, Sherman Oaks)
10. *Neil Kacra (La Salle, Pasadena)
Girls:
Team:
1. Corona del Mar (Newport Beach)
2. Nordhoff (Ojai)
3. St. Joseph (Santa Maria)
Individuals:
1. **Angela Sanchez (Capuchino)
2. *Amy Loper-Riley (Alhambra, Martinez)
3. -Jamie DeNoewer (Costa Mesa)
4. ***Jenna Timinsky (San Dieguito Academy)
5. **Alejandra Barrett (San Lorenzo Valley, Felton)
6. Michelle June (St. Joseph, Santa Maria)
7. **Katie Quinlan (Corona del Mar, Newport Beach)
8. -Anne Ricketts (Saratoga)
9. **Alexandra Guerro (Hughson)
10. -Laura Davis (McFarland)
Division V
Boys:
Team:
1. St. Joseph/Notre Dame (Alameda)
2. Maranatha (Sierra Madre)
3. Flintridge Prep (La Canada)
Individual:
1. -Jeff Tomlinson (Crossroads, Santa Monica)
2. -Mike Tomlinson (Crossroads, Santa Monica)
3. **Tom Kubler (Viewpoint, Calabasas)
4. -Alex Mason (St. Joseph/Notre Dame, Alameda)
5. **Matt Marks (Branson, Ross)
6. **Slater Nez (Sherman Indian, Riverside)
7. -Antonio Estrada (Tranquility)
8. *Arturo Lopez (CSD, Fremont)
9. -Paul Miser (Maranatha, Sierra Madre)
10. Chris Calzetta (York, Monterey)
Girls:
Team:
1. University (San Francisco)
2. Chadwick (Palos Verdes)
3. Desert Christian (Lancaster)
Individuals:
1. **Angela Peterson (Francis Parker, San Diego)
2. -Kira Morser (University, San Francisco)
3. *Aliza Cohen (University, San Francisco)
4. -Linden Bader (University, San Francisco)
5. *Diana Clock (University, San Francisco)
6. **Kaili Shumilak (Bishops, La Jolla)
7. *Sonja Perkins (Pinewood, Los Altos Hills)
8. *Kelly Moore (Avalon, Catalina Island)
9. *Jenny Bell (Ontario Christian)
10. *Ana Guerra (Santa Clara, Oxnard)