La Mirada High School

Despite their dominance in the Suburban League over the past decade, the Lady Mats have gone largely unnoticed by the area media. In fact, until Amanda Stephens earned 3rd Team All-Area status in 2003, no La Mirada Harrier has been showcased by either the Whittier Daily News or the Long Beach Press Telegram. In what is hoped to be a long-term trend, the 2007 All-Area Teams feature a trio of Lady Matadores: Stephanie Felix, named the Whittier Daily News "Runner of the Year"; Lauren McIntyre, named to the First Team by both the Daily News and the Press Telegram; and Melissa Byrd, named to the Second Team by both newspapers.

Stephanie (17:15 PR), Melissa (18:23 PR), and Lauren (18:43 PR) are numbers 1, 2, and 3 on La Mirada's Elite list and comprise the fastest trio ever to don a Matadores uniform. Felix, two-time Suburban League Champion, was first place at over 25 races during her 3-year high school career and is the sole Matadore to qualify for the State Championship meet. Byrd remains only the second harrier from La Mirada to qualify for the Division II Sectional Finals and, other than Stephanie, is the only girl to run sub-19 at Mt. SAC. Lauren, this year's Suburban League Champion, was voted a share of the "Most Valuable Runner" award by her teammates. For Stephanie, this is the 3rd time she has been named the Daily News "Runner of the Year." It's the 2nd such honor for Melissa and the first for Lauren. All three girls are already diligently training for what promises to be an exciting track season.

Whittier Daily News 2007 Girls Cross Country All-Area Team (Link to Story)

Runner of the Year
Stephanie Felix, La Mirada High School, Senior (interview with Stephanie)

(Felix Steps Forward)

First Team
Gabriella Cruz, Pioneer, Senior
Natalie Galvan, El Rancho, Junior
Laura Garcia, St. Paul, Junior
Lauren McIntyre, La Mirada, Sophomore
Alice Perez, El Rancho, Senior

Second Team
Melissa Byrd, La Mirada, Junior
Jennifer Herrera, Cantwell-Sacred Heart, Sophomore
Tania Mendoza, El Rancho, Senior
Laura Perez, California, Junior
Elizabeth Sesma, Schurr, Junior