2006 Team Preview

hideYou must login to access that area.

Announcement

2006 Team Preview

Posted by Ralph Casas on Jul 14 2006 at 05:00PM PDT

Girls: The 2005 Lady Matadores were the fastest team in La Mirada Cross Country history (School Team Time Record = 95:53) and the six returning varsity athletes are prepared to do whatever it takes to make the long denied trip to the Division II CIF-SS finals and the State meet. The girls are led by All-CIF First Team athlete and Dream Team "Runner of the Year," Stephanie Felix. Stephanie (17:15 PR), a state finalist in the 3200 this track season (10:41 PR), gives the Lady Mats a true front runner and a legitimate candidate for a top 5 spot in state. Delighted by her success, the girls are determined to show the world that this season it's not just about Stephanie! She will be joined by fellow Juniors Karina Gonzalez (19:00 PR & 2:23 PR in the 800), Sarah Jeon (20:31 PR & 12:22 PR in the 3200), and Clarissa Negrete (20:15 PR). The class of 2007 is represented by team captain Jenna Pasillas (20:30 PR), and Andrea Smith, a participant in the 2005 CIF-SS race. Due to injuries, Adele Mata (19:41 PR) is questionable for the season.

Two exciting additions to the Lady Mats squad are Sophomore Melissa Byrd (19:48 PR at the first team time trial in Big Bear; 5:47 PR in the 1600 & 2:28 PR in the 800), and Freshman Lauren McIntyre (21:08 PR at team time trial in Big Bear). Both Melissa and Lauren had outstanding rookie summers and are working hard to break into the top seven. Others include Tatiana Cortez, a 400 meter recruit from track, Erica Campos, who showed a 10 minute improvement during 2005 season, Krystal Gomez, Lillian Mignella, and Caitlin Winn (So).

Even though their primary goal is to attain a spot on the starting line at the State meet, the girls know they have their work cut out for them in a much more competitive Suburban League. As five time defending League champs, they are one shy of the Suburban League record of six consecutive league titles set by Norwalk High School from 1987 to 1992. Ironically, the Lady Mats were league champs in 1986 and 1993, ending the Lancers streak.

Contenders for the Starting Seven Varsity spots

Class of 2008 leads the way:
Stephanie, Karina, Sarah, Clarissa & Erica

This year's senior crew:
Adele, Jenna, & Andrea

Newcomers:
Melissa, Lauren, & Tatiana

Boys: After a decent 4th place finish in league last year, this year's boys' team looks to make a push for the top spot. The front pack is running tighter than ever (#2, #3, and #4 within 9 seconds at the first team time trial!) At the end of summer team time trial, the team time was over 5 minutes faster than last season and the top 4 completed the grueling 5K course with a gap of only 65 seconds. It's going to be tough for other teams to break them up! With a new found dedication to success, the boys are eager to show the rest of the cross-country world they are serious about climbing to the top.

The 2006 team will be led by Andrew Bueno (Sr), Dennis Ly (Jr), Andrew Garza (So), Mark Gillsapy (Jr), and Michael Palmer (So). Andrew, who had an outstanding track season, is the leading candidate to succeed to LM cross-country record holders Andrew Diaz and Jared Bird. After spending an entire year under Diaz' tutelage, Bueno is eager to lead the team to a league title. Dennis, who was frosh-soph league champ in both the 1600m and 3200m, looks to improve his times from last year. In only his second year as a member of the cross-country team, Ly has shown much growth and has become viable leader. There are new faces on the team as well. George Khalil, an excellent 800m runner, brings toughness, competitiveness, and senior leadership. Another notable newcomer includes Vincent Ha. All in all, the boys' team seems to have all the components to make a push to the top.