Rancho Cotate Invitational: Matt Salazar/Saskia Van Ommerman-Egberts

Thanks to Jim Crowhurst for sending the following link:
http://running.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/9738/rancho-cotate-invitational-matt-salazarsaskia-van-ommerman-egberts/ (Casa Grande sophomores take individual titles while Maria Carrillo sweeps team competition).

University of San Francisco Invitational Results and Videos

Complete men's results:  http://redcaptiming.com/2013/usfxc/130831F002.htm (Former La Costa Canyon HS runner, Eric Causey with the victory).
Complete women's results:  http://redcaptiming.com/2013/usfxc/130831F001.htm (Former Castro Valley HS runner, Kelsey Santisteban with the victory).

Videos courtesy of Kevin Selby and Flotrack:
http://www.flotrack.org/coverage/251061-U-of-San-Francisco-XC-Invitational

St. Francis Cross Country Wins Oakmont Invitational; LaRocco Defends Title

Complete results here.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The St. Francis cross country program had a strong opening meet, taking a pair of team and individual titles at the Oakmont Invitational at Maidu Park.

Senior Lauren LaRocco won the individual title for the second consecutive season with a career-best 14:02 over the 4-kilometer course.

“I am glad I have improved since last year,” said LaRocco. “The course felt short and that is good because we will be moving up to 5K. It was still a lot flatter than most of the courses we will run so it was good to ease into some of the hills.”

The Troubadours won the varsity race with 27 points, placing each of their top five student-athletes in the top 10 and three in the top five. Senior Madison Rawson was third overall in 14:29 with junior Miranda Myers close behind in fifth in a time of 14:46.

“It is a good first meet to have and helps us build up as they get harder throughout the year,” said Rawson. “Our whole team really proved ourselves this year and the summer training paid off.”

Junior Camille Boudreaux crossed the line eighth in the varsity race in 15:39, while Mallory Shingle was 10th (15:42). Junior Chloe Kardasopoulos was 12th overall.

“The varsity had a good first test,” said assistant coach Mason Myers. “Our top six had very solid performances. Lauren reset the course record on a modified course. It was a great effort by her and she had to have a lot of motivation internally.”

St. Francis won the varsity team title for the third consecutive season, placing ahead of Whitney, Del Campo and Pleasant Grove.

“One of things that kept me going was hearing “St Francis” everywhere and all the St. Francis athletes up at the front,” said LaRocco. “It hopefully sets the tone for the rest of the season that we have a lot more wins to come.”

St. Francis also won the junior varsity title with a perfect score 15 as the Troubies claimed the top five spots in the race behind winner Ariel Medina (16:31). The frosh/soph squad was second overall behind Oak Ridge.

The Troubadours return to action in two weeks at the Ed Sias Invitational on Sept. 14. St. Francis ranked among the top 15 nationally in preseason polls by both the NHSCA and DyeStat.com.

Oakmont Invitational

Maidu Park, Roseville, Calif.

Varsity Team Results

1. St. Francis                27

2. Whitney                   51

3. Del Campo               98

4. Pleasant Grove       138

5. Roseville                  155

6. Folsom                     157

7. Cosumnes Oaks      174

8. Franklin                   180

9. Oakmont                 211

10. Casa Robles          259

11. Elk Grove              268

St. Francis Varsity Individual Results

1. Lauren LaRocco               14:02

3. Madison Rawson             14:29

5. Miranda Myers               14:46

8. Camille Boudreaux         15:39

10. Mallory Shingle            15:42

12. Chloe Kardasopoulos    15:54

Junior Varsity Team Results

1. St. Francis               15

2. Oak Ridge               62

3. Del Campo              76

4. Pleasant Grove       86

Junior Varsity Individual Results (Top 5)

1. Ariel Medina            16:31

2. Megan Vollmer       18:02

3. Macie Tanaka          18:07

4. Maddy Strong         18:14

5. Amanda Larivee     18:23

Frosh/Soph Team Results

1. Oak Ridge               35

2. St. Francis               57

3. Elk Grove                99

3. Whitney                  99

5. Del Campo              153

6. Cosumnes Oaks     155

7. Folsom                    156

8. Pleasant Grove       197

9. Oakmont                 198

10. Colfax                    261

Frosh/Soph Individual Results (Top 5)

2. Chase Worthen       15:57

10. Ariane Arndt         16:58

15. Gabrielle Dyer       17:15

16. Allie Lourim           17:17

17. Juliet Batturaro     17:18

Steven Shaff

Assistant AD/Sports Information

St. Francis High School

@StFrancisHSSID

sshaff@stfrancishs.org

http://www.stfrancishs.org/

Eureka HS 400m. runner, Alexis Robinson

He was part of the gold medal winning team at the Pan American Junior Championships running 46.9.  He is fourth from right on the picture above.

You can check out the corresponding article here.

Cross country: SLV girls seek state title

http://www.pressbanner.com/view/full_story/23486583/article-Cross-country--SLV-girls-seek-state-title?instance=home_sports

Cross country: Scotts Valley’s deep team has high hopes

http://www.pressbanner.com/view/full_story/23486561/article-Cross-country--Scotts-Valley-s-deep-team-has-high-hopes?instance=home_sports

Teams entered in 30th Annual Monte Vista Invitational

We have over 1400 runners entered, in eight grade level races.  2.0 mile hilly course at Oak Hill Park in Danville CA.  30th year for this meet.

Results will be provided by Weds, Sept 4th (we finish late).

meet web site:  http://www.eteamz.com/mvxc/news/index.cfm?cat=286622

Let me know if you have questions.

Thank you
Mike Davis
Meet Director
Monte Vista Invitational

Monte Vista - host
Athenian
Antioch
San Ramon Valley
California
Foothill
Granada
Dougherty Valley
Livermore
Rodriguez
De La Salle
Northgate
Acalanes
Las Lomas
James Logan
Mission San Jose
Amador Valley
Burton Academic HS
Castro Valley
Heritage
San Leandro

DyeStatCAL Pre-Season Rankings - Boys by Division

You can find the complete list at this link courtesy of Scott Joerger and www.dyestatcal.com.  We will continue to update all the divisions throughout the season.  If you have any information that you think may be helpful in ranking the following divisions, please use the comment section below or email me at albertjcaruana@gmail.com or Scott Joerger at scott.joerger@gmail.com.

Boys Division 1
# Team Sec
1 Arcadia SS
2 Long Beach Poly SS
3 Dana Hills SS
4 De La Salle NCS
5 Madera South CS
6 Warren SS
7 Loyola SS
8 California (Whittier) SS
9 Rancho Buena Vista SDS
10 Torrey Pines SDS
 
Boys Division 2
# Team Sec
1 Westlake SS
2 Redondo Union SS
3 Glendora SS
4 Canyon (Anaheim) SS
5 Del Campo SJS
6 Saugus SS
7 Carlsbad SDS
8 Dos Pueblos SS
9 Simi Valley SS
10 Tesoro SS
 
Boys Division 3
# Team Sec
1 Brea Olinda SS
2 Jurupa Hills SS
3 St. John Bosco SS
4 Palos Verdes SS
5 Cathedral SS
6 San Marcos SS
7 Campolindo NCS
8 Bishop O'Dowd NCS
9 El Modena SS
10 Bonita SS
 
Boys Division 4
# Team Sec
1 Salesian SS
2 Harvard Westlake SS
3 JSerra SS
4 Yreka NS
5 Don Bosco Tech SS
6 Laguna Beach SS
7 Crean Lutheran SS
8 Scotts Valley CCS
9 Morro Bay SS
10 Crespi SS
 
Boys Division 5
# Team Sec
1 St. Joseph Notre Dame NCS
2 Marin Academy NCS
3 La Jolla Country Day SDS
4 Flintridge Prep SS
5 Thacher SS
6 St. Margaret SS
7 Lick Wilmerding NCS
8 Athenian NCS
9 Sonoma Academy NCS
10 Priory CCS

DyeStatCAL Pre-Season Rankings - Girls by Division

You can find the complete top 10 lists from Division I through Division V at this link (please note that SJS divisions have not been posted so possible changes may take place).

Thank you to Scott Joerger at www.dyestatcal.com for all his hard work with all the top 50 rankings as well as the Division I though Division III rankings you see below.  Comments are encouraged.  Who did we miss?  Who is under ranked?  Who is over ranked?  Who is going to be the best team overall?  Feel free to post your own rankings for any division you feel strongly about at this point.

Girls Division 1
# Team Sec
1 Great Oak SS
2 St Francis (Sacramento) SJS
3 Buchanan CS
4 Capistrano Valley SS
5 Davis Senior SJS
6 Yucaipa SS
7 Trabuco Hills SS
8 San Clemente SS
9 Clovis North CS
10 Rancho Buena Vista SDS
 
Girls Division 2
# Team Sec
1 Simi Valley SS
2 Saugus SS
3 Rancho Bernardo SDS
4 La Costa Canyon SDS
5 Serrano SS
6 Mira Costa SS
7 Bella Vista SJS
8 Arroyo Grande SS
9 South Torrance SS
10 Claremont SS
 
Girls Division 3
# Team Sec
1 Campolindo NCS
2 Bonita SS
3 Aptos CCS
4 Northwood SS
5 Palos Verdes SS
6 Cathedral Catholic SDS
7 Las Lomas NCS
8 Vista Del Lago SJS
9 Redwood NCS
10 Laguna Hills SS
 
Girls Division 4
# Team Sec
1 J Serra Catholic SS
2 Arcata NCS
3 San Lorenzo Valley CCS
4 Harvard Westlake SS
5 La Reina SS
6 Crean Lutheran SS
7 Laguna Beach SS
8 San Marino SS
9 St. Mary's Berkeley NCS
10 Piedmont NCS
 
Girls Division 5
# Team Sec
1 Branson NCS
2 Lick Wilmerding NCS
3 University NCS
4 Convent NCS
5 Flintridge Prep SS
6 Lancaster Desert Christian SS
7 Crystal Springs Uplands CCS
8 Thacher SS
9 Marin Academy NCS
10 Pacific Ridge SDS

DyeStatCAL Top 50 Countdown - Boys 1 to 5

You can find the last of the team rankings at this link:
http://www.dyestatcal.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44789&do=news&news_id=170961

The De La Salle boys break into the top 5 with a #5 pre-season ranking.  

Next up at www.dyestatcal.com is state divisional rankings for both boys and girls.  Find out who is ranked in the top 10 in state in each division at this time of the season.  Of course, we will have a clearer picture after a few races but it's never too early to prognosticate.  Comments are welcome and encouraged.  What NorCal teams will be ranked in the top 10 in their respective division?  Who has a shot at a podium finish?  What team is going to be the biggest surprise this coming season?

DyeStatCAL Top 50 Countdown - Girls 1 to 5

http://www.dyestatcal.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44789&do=news&news_id=170873

The best of the best in California.  As many of you figured out, St. Francis, Sacramento is one of the top 5 teams in California.  They are ranked #3 along with 4 Division I schools.

Former Tam High track coach Vezie, 81, dies

http://www.marinij.com/crosscountry/ci_23912670/former-tam-high-track-coach-vezie-81-dies (one of the pioneers for XC in the marin area (especially for girls) who should be remembered for his many contributions.  He also started the Stinson Beach Relays which will take place this season for the 50th year.  Thank you to Branson Track and Field coach Linda Gill (Tamalpais HS class of 1976) for sharing the link.  She was NCS XC champion under his guidance and encouragement).

Please also check out the site created by Linda and her daughter www.ranmarin.com.  The site is for current and past Marin runners.

DyeStatCAL Top 50 Countdown - Girls 6 to 10

http://www.dyestatcal.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44789&do=news&news_id=170631

Two NorCal teams make this group of teams.  The #2 ranked SJS girls' team (Davis HS) on my SJS pre-season rankings makes this list at #8.  The #1 ranked team in NCS, the Campolindo girls, are ranked #10 on the California Cross Country pre-season list.

Only 5 teams remain.  Can you guess all five?

Catching up with Scotts Valley HS senior runner, Scott Edwards...

Today we chat with Scotts Valley HS senior, Scott Edwards (pictured on the left courtesy of the Santa Cruz Sentinel at this past season's CCS Top 8 Meet).  He had a terrific junior cross country season which culminated with him finishing 5th in the Division IV race at the CA state meet after finishing 5th at the CCS meet.  On the track, Scott made a real statement when he won the CCS Top 8 meet over Yohaness Estifanos in the 1600m. with a new lifetime best time by 8 seconds in 4:18.47.  He finished 2nd at the CCS meet in another PR of 4:14.99.  Scott continued his impressive season by qualifying to the state final in 4:13.42 and then finished 7th in the final with yet another PR of 4:12.55.  

1) How did you get your start in running?
I had always enjoyed running when I was a kid growing up, but I had always played soccer. In seventh grade I ran cross country as well as played soccer, but I wanted to continue playing soccer. It was not until freshman year when my older brother, Tyler the cross country captain, convinced me to run did I consider XC. Once I started high school cross country there was no going back.

2) What other sports have you played besides cross country and track and field?
I played soccer since I was five, as well as playing basketball, and baseball during little league. In middle school I gave up other recreational sports to play soccer for my club team as well as one season of school volleyball. I continued to play soccer in high school but trying to run competitively and play varsity and club soccer was too much. I quit soccer altogether after freshman year and decided to focus on running.

3) Highlights in both sports during your freshman and sophomore seasons?
The highlight of my freshman cross country season was defiantly the SCCAL league meet. Through the season I had always been chasing my older brother trying to beat him. It was not until the league meet when I came close. At Pinto Lake he placed fourth and I placed fifth in 17:00 and 17:01 respectively. Moving into track the highlight was also the league track meet. My coach wanted to win the Frosh-soph division so he kept me in the frosh-soph races. I ran the 3200, 1600, 800, 4x400 in 10:42, 4:52, and 2:11 placing first in all of the events. For my sophomore year the highlight of my xc season was the trip to the state meet as an individual. In track my best moment was running pr of 1:58.10 at the league meet and qualifying for CCS.

4) Did you do anything different during the summer before this past cross country season? Where do you feel you made your breakthrough to the next level of competition?
Leading up to the cross country season I did not really change up any of my training. I kept running six days a week with light to moderate mileage over the summer and during the off season in the winter. Where I think my breakthrough came was just uninterrupted training over the past few years. No one season or off season made the breakthrough happen, I have just put in the time.

5) Proudest accomplishments during your junior cross country season?
My proudest accomplishment was the state meet. Leading up to the meet I had a few disappointing races making me worried about the state meet. Despite that, the state meet was the best race of my season by far. I placed 5th in D IV with a time of 15:45.

6) You had some struggles during the early part of this track season. What led to those struggles and how did you turn your season around?
This track season started off with two large personal records in the 1600 and 3000. After that I had some difficulties progressively running slower times. The worst part of the season came at the Stanford meet. I was coming down with something and not feeling 100%. This caused me to run my slowest time in the 3000 and mile to date. As to what turned my season around, I do not know. At every race I just kept trying to improve my times, but it was not until CCS top 8 meet that I pr’ed.

7) What was the plan going into the CCS top 8 meet and what was your reaction to winning that 1600m.?
Going into top 8 I was just hoping to turn my season around. I was seeded 12th and had a goal of placing 5th or 6th by running between 4:20 and 4:23, a 3-6 second pr. The plan was to hold onto the middle pack and trying to kick and move up at the end. To my surprise I was less than a second or two behind the leader with 500m left. I took the chance and made my move and kicked. I was in disbelief that I ended up finishing first with a pr of eight seconds, running a 4:18. That race for me was the first time I realized that I had the ability to keep improving and be competitive with harder competition

8) The competition in CCS this year was as tough as I have seen it in a long time. What was the plan going into the semis and finals?
My plan for the semis of CCS was to run just fast enough to safely qualify for the finals. To do that I planned on pacing with the pack and using my closing speed to ensure that I qualified. That went as planned and I used the same plan for the finals. I wanted to stay with the pack until there is 400m left and kick it in. By following this plan I was able to finish second and qualify for the state meet

9) Tell us a little about your state meet experience and describe both races. What did you learn from your state meet final race?
Going to the state meet for me had been my goal all season and now that I had made it I was content with however it went. That being said I still wanted to do the best I could. Going into the prelims I personally did not have high hopes of making it to the next day, but the plan was to kick my way into the finals. I had been worried because of the heat but told myself to just go out there and act like this is any other race. With that in mind I was able to run a new pr and qualify for the finals. The final was somewhere I didn’t think I was going to be, but I embraced the opportunity. The pace for the two state races was faster than I had gone out ever for a mile but I assumed that was going to be the case. Holding on and kicking was my plan and in the finals, and that was working for me 800 into the race. With just over a lap and a half to go the leaders took off pulling everyone with them. I quickly fell to last place exhausted. The last lap came around so I gave every last bit into my kick. I was able to pull back into seventh place in a time of 4:12.55.

10) Tell us a little about your coach and how he has helped you develop into the runner you are today.
My coach, Doug Chase, has been in coaching for forty years. He coached for thirty years in Illinois and retired to Santa Cruz. With his love for the sport he couldn’t stay retired long and started to coach at Scotts Valley. Much of my love for running has been instilled from him and his coaching. From the day I first came to practice he took a personal interest in every runner. He trains us to our own personal limits, but always knows how to inspire us to break those confinements when it counts. He helped get me where I am now, and will continue to motivate me throughout my college career.

11) Favorite track distance? Favorite track workout? Favorite long run? Favorite track invitational? Favorite XC invite? Favorite XC course? Favorite opponent(s)?
My favorite distance in track has changed year to year. This year it was the mile, but last it was the 800m. That being said I do not think I have picked my favorite quite yet. As track workouts go, my favorite has to be either 400m or 800m, while for long runs I love any run in Nisene Marks or Henry Cowell. My favorite invite has to be the state cross country meet just because of the memories and experiences made with the team. As for my opponents, I respect each and every one of them but do not really have one rival or favorite opponent.

12) What does a typical week look like for you during track season from Monday through Saturday? Typical long run distance? Pace of easy runs?
A typical week of training really depends on what races are coming up. Starting from the beginning of the week, we usually do a workout on either Monday or Tuesday depending on if there is a Thursday meet. A distance run during the season usually is anywhere from 45-60 minutes long at talking pace. We will do a pre-meet the day before a race and do a recovery day after races and hard workouts. Most of the training depends on what races are being run what days.

13) What do you feel have been the workouts that have been the biggest contributors for your success this past track season?
I am a big believer that no one or two workouts make you a better runner, and that it is about the consistent training. That being said, my best workouts this past season have to be a four mile threshold run in Nisene marks, or 400m threshold work.

14) What advice would you give for a rising freshman/sophomore who aspires to compete at either the state xc or track and field meets?
I would tell them that so long as you put in the time it can be done. I was an alright runner as a freshman and sophomore but it wasn’t until junior year that I really shined. The biggest part is to train during the off season. What made the difference for me was I came to love running and everything that comes with it.

Thank you very much for your time Scott!  AJC

DyeStatCAL Top 50 Countdown - Boys 11 to 20

http://www.dyestatcal.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44789&do=news&news_id=170481

One NorCal team made the list at #20 and that is the top ranked team in the SJS, the Del Campo Cougars.  Only ten teams remain and I believe one NorCal team will make that list.

2013 Cross Country Season

I know many of you are excited about the upcoming XC season.  Here is your chance to share that excitement with the rest of this site's visitors.  

What race are you most looking forward to this upcoming season?  
What are your goals?  
Who are going to be some of the biggest surprises?  
Who are runners we should watch out for because they did work this summer?  
Who are the podium contenders?
Who are the transfers we don't know about?
Who are the impact freshmen?
What else?  

Here is your chance to speak up!

Athlete Interview - Anna Maxwell of San Lorenzo Valley

Full interview at the following link:
http://www.dyestatcal.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44789&do=news&news_id=170361

DyeStatCAL Top 50 Countdown - Girls 11 to 20

http://www.dyestatcal.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44789&do=news&news_id=170348

One NorCal team makes this list and it's a SJS school.  The Bella Vista girls are the #16th ranked team in the pre-season according to www.dyestatcal.com.  Only 10 teams remain.  Who are the NorCal teams will crack the top 10 list.  2 have been mentioned already and another should make the list as well.  

20-11 boys will be posted tomorrow.  

Stanford Invitational Information link

https://admin.xosn.com/pdf9/2488485.pdf (Entries open on August 28th)

DyeStatCAL Top 50 Countdown - Boys 21 to 31

http://www.dyestatcal.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44789&do=news&news_id=170222

3 NorCal teams make the list here:
#29-St. Joseph Notre Dame NCS Division V
#27-Bellarmine HS CCS Division I
#22-Carlmont HS CCS Division I (they are still listing Lucas Matison although he is now attending Palo Alto HS)

DyeStatCAL Top 50 Countdown - Girls 21 to 30

http://www.dyestatcal.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44789&do=news&news_id=170081

Only one NorCal team ranked between 30 and 21 and that is Aptos HS at #22.  I have them as the best team in CCS so my best guess is that Davis HS and St. Francis (Sac) are the two lone teams remaining that will be ranked in the top 20.

We'll see.

National Rankings (www.tullyrunners.com)

Courtesy of tullyrunners.com:
Boys:  http://tullyrunners.com/XC2013/PreSeasonNatBoys2013.htm
Girls:  http://tullyrunners.com/XC2013/PreSeasonNatGirls2013.htm

De La Salle is the lone NorCal team mentioned as they make the 2nd list which consists teams that were not listed in the top 30.

Two Sac-Joaquin Section girl's teams make the list with St. Francis (Sac.) coming in at 15th and Davis HS mentioned in the second tier group.

So Cal High School Coach Named Brooks Running 2013 Inspiring Coach

http://www.runningusa.org/brooks-running-coty-2013

DyeStatCAL Top 50 Countdown - Boys 31 to 40

http://www.dyestatcal.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44789&do=news&news_id=169995

Two more NorCal teams ranked in the latest rankings:
#36-Livermore HS-NCS Division II
#34-Davis HS-SJS Division I

So far, here are the other NorCal teams ranked in the top 50:
#47-Marin Academy-NCS Division V
#45-Los Altos-CCS Division II
#42-Bishop O'Dowd-NCS Division III
#41-Campolindo-NCS Division III

DyeStatCAL Top 50 Countdown - Girls 31 to 40

http://www.dyestatcal.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44789&do=news&news_id=169904

NorCal teams ranked:
36-Granada HS-NCS Division I
35-Las Lomas HS-NCS Division III

What NorCal teams are left that will be ranked in the top 30?

DyeStatCAL Top 50 Countdown - Boys 41 to 50

http://www.dyestatcal.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44789&do=news&news_id=169711

4 NorCal teams ranked so far:
47-Marin Academy-NCS Division V
45-Los Altos-CCS Division II
42-Bishop O'Dowd-NCS Division III
41-Campolindo-NCS Division III

Also thanks to a sharp eyed reader, the following schools were deemed bubble teams:
Casa Grande-NCS Division II
Maria Carrillo-NCS Division II
Redwood-NCS Division III
St Francis (Mountain View)-CCS Division II

Woodcreek-SJS Division I

Who else is going to be ranked in the top 50 in state?

San Jose teen surprising long-distance racer

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_23869438/san-jose-teen-surprising-long-distance-racer

Distance Finals from today's World Championships

DyeStatCAL Top 50 Countdown - Girls 41 to 50

Two NorCal teams ranked:
49 Arcata-NCS Division IV
45 Branson-NCS Division V

http://www.dyestatcal.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44789&do=news&news_id=169523

Also, the following teams are on the bubble team list:
Redwood HS-NCS Division III
San Lorenzo Valley-CCS Division IV
Vista Del Lago-SJS Division III

Boys 41-50 will be posted tomorrow.

California law protecting K-12 transgender students gets mixed response

http://www.mercurynews.com/education/ci_23861258/california-law-protecting-k-12-transgender-students-gets

Shannon Rowbury frustrated by 1500 debacle, thru in 5k at Moscow World Champs 2013

Rowbury Advances In 5000m, But Wonders What Might Have Been

Hamilton leans toward Cal after mistake by Arizona

Courtesy of Phil Jensen and the Contra Costa Times:
http://www.ibabuzz.com/prepcorner/2013/08/13/hamilton-leans-toward-cal-after-arizona-mistake/

State CIF survey shows prep participation hit record level

and the #1 participation for girls in California is...................Track and Field!

From an article in the Fresno Bee:
State CIF survey shows prep participation hit record level

Article at CIF state site:
http://cifstate.org/index.php/component/content/article/34-homepage-gallery/518-please-submit-your-2013-participation-census

2013 Participation Census:
http://cifstate.org/images/Releases/2013-14_CIF_Participation_Census.pdf

Mary Cain qualifies for 1500m. Final

2013 North Coast Section Pre-Season Top 10 Rankings (Teams)

BOYS
1)  De La Salle HS Division I
2)  St. Joe's Notre Dame HS Division V
3)  Bishop O'Dowd HS Division III
4)  Maria Carrillo HS Division II
5)  Amador Valley HS Division I
6)  San Ramon Valley HS Division I
7)  Livermore HS Division II
8)  Campolindo HS Division III
9)  College Park HS Division II
10)  Dublin HS Division II
Also considered:  Miramonte HS (Div. III), Marin Academy (Div. V), Santa Rosa HS (Div. II) and St. Mary's Berkeley (Division IV)

GIRLS
1)  Campolindo HS Division III
2)  Granada HS Division I
3)  Monte Vista HS Division I
4)  Las Lomas HS Division III
5)  Arcata HS Division IV
6)  Maria Carrillo HS Division II
7)  Bishop O'Dowd HS Division III
8)  Branson HS Division V
9)  Amador Valley HS Division I
10)  San Ramon Valley HS Division I
Also considered:  Lick Wilmerding HS (Div. V),St. Mary's Berkeley (Div. IV) and University HS (Div. V).

Feel free to comment on the above rankings.  This is very preliminary and many teams are very close at this point.

2013 HSU Running Camp Video courtesy of Chuck Woolridge

2013 Sac-Joaquin Pre-Season Top 10 Rankings (Team)

The SJS divisions for this year will be posted late August so until then, here are my picks for the top 10 teams in SJS regardless of division.

BOYS (Last year's Division)
1)  Del Campo HS (Division II)
2)  Davis Sr. HS (Division I)
3)  Jesuit HS (Division II)
4)  El Dorado HS (Division III)
5)  Granite Bay HS (Division II)
6)  Placer HS (Division III)
7)  Woodcreek HS (Division I)
8)  Bella Vista HS (Division II)
9)  Rocklin HS (Division II)
10)  Whitney HS (Division II)

GIRLS (Last year's Division)
1)  St. Francis, Sac. HS (Division I)
2)  Davis Sr. HS (Division I)
3)  Bella Vista HS (Division II)
4)  Oak Ridge HS (Division I)
5)  Vista Del Lago HS (Division III)
6)  Del Oro HS (Division III)
7)  Woodcreek HS (Division I)
8)  Del Campo HS (Division II)
9)  Whitney HS (Division II)
10)  Granite Bay HS (Division II)

My next post...

I will let the visitors to this site decide.  What do you want to read next?  Interview?  Rankings?  Advice?  You decide.  The most asked for topic will be chosen.  

Go!

Letter explains firing of popular Arcadia cross country coach

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_23833616/letter-explains-firing-popular-arcadia-cross-country-coach.html

Pre-Season NorCal Rankings (Individuals)

Overall #1 individuals in Northern California

Boys:  Aidan Goltra Campolindo HS (NCS) Division III

Girls:  Julia Maxwell Branson HS (NCS) Division V

BEST INDIVIDUALS IN EACH SECTION

Northern Section

Boys:  Landon Woollard Shasta HS/Clayton Bunn Yreka HS Both Division IV

Girls:  Jenna Storms West Valley HS Division IV

Sac-Joaquin Section

Boys:  George Miao Rocklin HS Division II

Girls:  Maggie Bell Granite Bay HS Division II

North Coast Section

Boys:  Aidan Goltra Campolindo HS Division III

Girls:  Julia Maxwell Branson HS Division V

Central Coast Section

Boys:  Steven Sum Saratoga HS Division III

Girls:  Anna Maxwell San Lorenzo Valley HS Division IV

San Francisco Section

Boys:  John Hogan Lowell HS Division I

Girls:  Kristen Leung Lowell HS Division I

Oakland Section

Boys:  Adam Gardere Oakland Tech HS Division I

Girls:  Kelly Navarro Kipp King HS Division I

Feel free to comment on the above rankings.  Did I miss anybody?

Excellence on the Horizon

Former Novato HS star Erik Olson now heading into his senior season at Stanford.  Check out the following article written by David Kiefer at this link.

CCS Pre-Season Time Comparisons

http://www.prepcaltrack.com/ATHLETICS/XC/2013/comparsn.htm

Coming up next...

Individual rankings for each NorCal section.  Who are the best runners from each section.  Who are the two best runners (boy and girl) overall in Northern California? 

Until then, feel free to chime in with your picks.

Pre-Season NorCal Rankings (Teams)

Overall #1 teams in Northern California

Boys:  De La Salle HS (NCS) Division I

Girls:  St. Francis, Sacramento (SJS) Division I

BEST TEAMS IN EACH SECTION

Northern Section

Boys:  Yreka HS Division IV

Girls:  West Valley HS Division Division IV

Sac-Joaquin Section

Boys:  Davis HS Division I

Girls:  St. Francis, Sacramento Division I

North Coast Section

Boys:  De La Salle HS Division I

Girls:  Granada HS Division I

Central Coast Section

Boys:  Bellarmine HS Division I

Girls:  Aptos HS Division III

San Francisco Section

Boys:  Lowell HS Division I

Girls:  Lowell HS Division I

Oakland Section

Boys:  Oakland Tech HS Division I

Girls:  Oakland Tech HS Division I

Individuals will be up next...

2013 Northern Section Pre-Season Cross Country Rankings

From a Northern Section Coach
Boys:
Teams -
1.  Yreka - top 4 return from last year's section runner up team
2.  Shasta - returns #1, 4, 5, 6, 7 from last year's section champion team
3.  Chico
4.  Pleasant Valley
5.  West Valley

Individuals -
1.  Landon Woollard - Shasta (12)  3rd in last year's section final
2.  Clayton Bunn - Yreka (12)
3.  Matt Jochim - Yreka (11)
4.  Damon Young - Durham (12)
5.  David Neill - Yreka (12)

Girls:
Teams -
1.  West Valley - returns top 5 from last year's section championship team (actually loses #2, but gains a stronger #2 in Hinkle)
2.  University Prep - returns top 4 from last year's section runner up team
3.  Chico
4.  Yreka
5.  Enterprise

Individuals -
1.  Jenna Storms - West Valley (11)  returning section champion in XC and 1600
2.  Belle Moran - Redding Christian (10)  returning runner up in XC
3.  Jenna Hinkle - West Valley (12)
4.  Helen Mino Faukner - University Prep (12)
5.  Alyson Lacko - Chico (11)

NCS Pre-Season Division IV Rankings...

BOYS
1.     St. Mary’s Berkeley-Most consistent team in this division.  Last year's 4th place finish was their worst since 2004.
2.     Arcata-Jose Lopez, who ran 1:55.28 to finish 4th at the NCS MOC, will lead the way for the Tigers.  He will be an individual favorite and could give Arcata two teams champions with a probably girl's title.
3.     Piner-They have their own individual favorte in Efren Reyes who finished 6th last year in the NCS Division IV race.  Piner is another team who has proven to be a contender in whatever division they compete in each year.
4.     Sir Francis Drake-They lose quite a punch with the graduation of John Lawson and Clayton Hutchins but the cupboard is not quite bare.  They return four runners from last year's 2nd place team including two rising sophomores.
5.     San Rafael-Another perennial contender in this division including a state championship in 2010.  They won this division last year over favored Sir Francis Drake but will need to reload after losing 4 out of their top 5 runners.

Top 5 individual runners returning from last year's NCS MOC XC meet:
6)  Efren Reyes Piner HS 16:32
8)  Jose Lopez Arcata HS 16:55
10)  Nassim Kabbara San Rafael HS 17:01
13)  Josh Dull St. Mary's Berkeley HS 17:16
14)  Graham Dean Piedmont HS 17:17
17)  Jake Yandle Marin Catholic HS 17:19

GIRLS
1.     Arcata-They will be as much of a favorite as any team in NCS in any division.  They are two time defending NCS champions, finished 2nd in state last season and return their top 5 runners.  Last year's NCS individual champion, Chloe Pigg, will lead the way.
2.     St. Mary’s Berkeley-Senior Spencer Moore will lead the way once again for this team.  They finished 2nd here last year and have been a consistent state meet competitor for many years.
3.     Piedmont-They finished 3rd here last year and return 6 of their top 7 runners.  Junior to be, Sophia Mills, was impressive on the track running 2:25.73 and 5:09.34.
4.     Sir Francis Drake-Another consistent state meet contender in this division, Drake will be led by rising junior, Sophia Noto, who ran 11:48.33 at the NCS MOC meet.
5.     Piner-This team has only recently joined the Division IV ranks (in 2012) but they have the program that will be competitive in both team races.  They finished 5th here last year and return 6 of their top 7 runners.

Top 5 individual runners returning from last year's NCS MOC XC meet:
1)  Chloe Pigg Arcata HS 18:23
2)  Elisa Ford Arcata HS 19:31
3)  Spencer Moore St. Mary's Berkeley HS 19:31
4)  Morgin Coonfield McKinleyville HS 19:36
5)  Zoe Ziegler Arcata HS 19:45