Running to most other athletes is the bane of their sport because their coaches use running as their punishment, but not for cross country runners. They learn to love running miles and building their endurance to run insane times for both the three and two mile races.  

For this year’s Cross Country team, Head Coach Steven Munoz has prepared for the long journey ahead.” We prepare like we do every year. We built a strong base over the summer with lots of mileage,” said Munoz. The coaching staff of Eric Dixon, Manuel Negrete, Liu Ibarra, Mariela Guido, and Guadalupe Zaragoza helped the new runners getting acquainted with the training regiment and getting the more experienced runners back into shape.

According to Munoz, he believes the boys’ varsity team could win league. “This group is similar to the 2012 League Champion team,” he said. “Even though they aren’t running at a faster pace, they are sticking together in a group.” Running in a group is essential to winning a cross country meet because a team would have to get the first five of their group in order to win. As a result, of running together and getting to know each other they built a camaraderie.

 The boys rewarded Munoz’s faith on September 28, at the City Championships. The meet, which is usually held at Toro Park, was moved to Natividad Creek Park due to the California fires. With it being a home advantage for the boys, they knew the course compared to the other teams and with that they were able to secure the title. Once they had obtained the City Championship and bragging rights Munoz said,” It was one of the best races they have ran all season.” Junior Julio Chavez said,” It was an amazing feeling to be the team to bring the title back to Alisal and even after falling during the race I was able to get back up PR in may race with my teammates; it´s a once in a lifetime experience.”

In securing the title, runners Jorge Rodriguez and Julio Chavez were the leaders of the Alisal team. For Rodriguez, a 3rd year returner, even though it’s a big responsibility being one of the top runners he takes care of it and tries to have this role model sense to other runners who want to achieve a varsity spot. Rodriguez stated , “I wasn’t really consistent it’s just that some days are better than others.” Chavez, also a 3rd year returner said, “Being considered one of the top runners is an honor and a privilege because I started from the 21 minute range and now have achieved the lower 17 minute range.” He also would like the Varsity group to possibly get to CCS as a team and not just as individuals.

On the girls’ side, junior Nadia Perez, was happy to be considered a top runner, “I really love to run a lot and even though I am not the fastest I still enjoy the sport and the great people I meet.” She also wants to improve her mentality at the starting line because she said, “I break down to easily when I am about to race.” Sophomore Yesenia Espinoza, despite being a shy person, sees running as more than racing. She said, “Running Cross Country made me more confident in myself.”

Munoz would like to see the girls at least finish in top three of league. He doesn’t expect them to get a league title, but he feels they are in the top 3 in the league. “We have lost a lot of returners and we are looking to fill in those spots.” However, that is a good thing because now he could look upon the younger and less experienced runners who have potential in competing at the Varsity level. This also allows him to look at the younger runners performances for the future teams when the more experienced runners graduate. Munoz did praise the efforts of his JV runners, especially junior Heidi Velazquez. Velazquez started the season on JV and struggled with injuries the last couple of years, but late this season she came on strong and ran with the Varsity. “She is a very talented runner who just needed a fully healthy season to reach her full potential,” said Munoz.

Overall, both Varsity groups have done an excellent job staying in the Top 3 in league. According to Munoz, since the boys have placed 3rd in each of their Center Meets, they do still have a chance at winning the League Championship, but in order for that to happen they would need Salinas High School to place third overall.

As for the girls, their position in becoming one of the Top 3 teams in the league is looking bright as they have finished 3rd in every single center meet. Both Varsity teams are still within the qualifying group for CCS because only the Top 7 teams from both Gabilan and Pacific Division combined get to go.

Going into the MBL Championships on October 29, Munoz expects both the boys’ and girls’ Varsity teams to perform well and advance. “We definitely have the team this year for CCS on both genders,” said Munoz. This year’s meet will be held in Gilroy at Christmas Hill instead of Toro Park because of the fires.