Monache Cross Country

Monache’s varsity cross country team at Woodward Park in Fresno, CA

After winning their first EYL championship since 1974 and having 2 runners go to the CIF State Championships, the Marauders are back and looking for even more in 2012. This season is full of expectations as they have now put themselves atop of the EYL and have become a power house school. Their goal for this season is a Valley Championship it will be a tough task to do as Monache lost 2 top runners, Jorge Ceballos and Gustavo Rivera who graduated last year. They also have their top runner from last season Jesus Salas who is expected to preform higher than last year. We also can’t forget about the girls who also won the EYL and have their top runners returning as well Jo Jo Zorn and Kacie Williams.  This year expect even more greater achievements by these hungry marauders.

The road to the Valley Championship began last Thursday the 24th with their annual intra-squad, blue and gold scrimmage this was a test to see where the marauders were at in terms of 2 mile times. In the beginning of the race Captain Jesus Salas was neck and neck with fellow team captain sophomore Joel Mendez but at the mile mark Mendez seemed to slow down and Salas accelerated and didn’t look back. Salas finished with a time of 10:28 followed by Mendez with 10:48 right behind him was Kyler Tabor 10:51. Ismael Fernandez came in 4th with a time of 10:55 and sophomore Israel Sotelo came in at 11:05. Jacob Rankin and Chris Rivera rounded up the boys top 7 with their times of 11:40 and 12:03. The girls top runners were Jo Jo Zorn at 12:28 and Senior Captain Kacie Williams 13:01, followed by Marlene Alcantar 13:19 and not far behind was Senior Melissa Quintero 13:32. The marauder cross country team looked very impressive in their first taste of action this season. They get their first opponent this week at Veterans Park against Exeter High School on Thursday the 30th.

- Daniel Hernandez (Sr.)