La Mirada High School

(www.Dyestatcal.com Link)
Wednesday, August 23, 2006

El Rancho's Luis Guevara and La Mirada's Stephanie Felix
Set Course High School Records

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).

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.

Stephanie Felix named Whittier Daily News Girls Track & Field "Athlete of the Year"
For the second time in her young running career, Stephanie Felix has been named by the Whittier Daily news as the girls "Athlete of the Year." She was also named to the Long Beach Press Telegram's "First Team" for the 2006 Track & Field season.  Stephanie, who was a state finalist in the 3200, previously was named the 2005 Cross Country "Athlete of the Year."