Banquet
2003 Cross Country Team Achievements :
Head Coach: Ralph Casas
Boys Coach: Wed Lopez & Andres Casas
Girls Coach: Amanda Paulson
Captains:
Amanda Stephens, Tara Palmer & Ana Poblet
Jared Bird, Freddy Ramirez & Nathaniel Moore
Varsity Boys:
- Suburban League — 3rd Place (Record: 9 - 3)
- Suburban League Finals: 2nd place
- Suburban League Runner-up: Nathaniel Moore
- Suburban League 3rd Place: Jared Bird
- CIF-SS Championship Qualifiers
- CIF-SS Prelims — 10th Place
(Bird, Moore, Holash, Granado, Osborn, Ramirez, & Siemens)
Overall Record: 11 - 5
Junior Boys :
- Millikan Invitational — 3rd Place
J.V. Boys:
- Roadrunner Classic — 2nd place
- Suburban League Runner-up: Jorge Granado
- Suburban League Finals: 2nd place
Suburban League Record: 8 - 4
Overall Record: 9 - 6
Varsity Girls:
- Three Time Consecutive Suburban League Champions (12 - 0)
- League Champion: Amanda Stephens (19:16)
- League 3rd Place: Ana Poblet
- Overall Record: 14 - 2
- CIF-SS Championship Qualifiers — 18th consecutive Year
- CIF-SS Prelims — 8th Place (Stephens, Poblet, Martin, Sandoval, Burbidge, Pasillas & de Rojas)
J.V. Girls:
- Suburban League Champions — 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
- Roadrunner Classic — 3rd place
- League Champion: Vaniah De Rojas
- League Runner-up: April Soto
- League 3rd Place: Kelly Wilson
- Overall Record: 15 - 1 (59 - 1 since 1999)
Back to Top
2003 Season Award Winners
Excellence Awards
These special awards are presented by the coaches to the athletes who give their best effort at all times. These are the athletes who have great attitudes, rarely complain and are known to their coaches for their hard work and perseverance. They are the types of athletes that somehow get overlooked until they surprise everybody by their distinguished performances! Many of these runners were selected as “Runners of the Week” at some point during the season.
- Justin Lewis
- Kevin Osborn
- Jim Palmer
- Andrew Diaz
- Nathaniel Moore
- Michael Bishop
- Marc Garnica
- Vaniah De Rojas
- Kyla Hon
- April Soto
- Andrea Smith
- Kristin Kimble
- Erica Sandoval
- Jared Bird
- Amanda Stephens
Back to Top
Rookie of the Year
The “Rookie of the Year” is selected by coaches and athletes. It is awarded to the freshman or new runner whose effort and ability enabled them to excel above and beyond expectations. This year’s group of new runners is exceptional and includes many athletes who worked hard and were talented enough to deserve the award.
The stand outs—and the runners who received votes—are Erica Sandova, Jenna Pasillas, Vaniah De Rojas, Adele Mata and Kyla Hon on the girls team. And Taylor Siemens, Jorge Granado, Andrew Diaz, Jarod Winn, Justin Lewis and Michael Bishop on the boys team
Boys: Jarod Winn
Girls: Jenna Pasillas
Back to Top
Most Improved
Selected by the athletes and coaches, the “Most Improved Runner” award is presented to the second or third year runner whose work ethic at throughout the season, at practices and races resulted in significant improvements in times and multiple PR’s. This year a large number of runners improved their times, received votes and are eligible for the award.
They include for the girls: Megan Burbidge, Ana Poblet, Jackie Serrata, Kelly Wilson and Amanda Stephens
And for the boys: Jim Palmer, Ryan Holash, Freddy Ramirez and Elijah De Rojas
Boys: Elijah de Rojas
Girls: Ana Poblet
Back to Top
Most Inspirational
Selected only by the athletes, the “Most Inspirational Runner” award is given to the athlete who, in addition to a strong commitment to the team, displays and possesses an ability to motivate and inspire their teammates by their attitude and effort. These are the athletes who help to keep the team focused and keep environment around the team positive and upbeat.
The athletes who received votes are: Tara Palmer, Megan Burbidge, Amanda Stephens, Kelly Wilson and Ana Poblet and on the girls team, and Jared Bird, Jim Palmer, Freddy Ramirez, Nathaniel Moore and Ryan Holash and on the boys team.
The winners are . . . .
Boys: Freddy Ramirez
Girls: Kelly Wilson
Back to Top
Most Valuable Runner
The athlete voted by their teammates to receive the “Most Valuable Runner” Award proved to be the "heart" of the team throughout the season. They were consistently among the top runners and recorded the fastest overall times. In voting for this award, the team was asked to consider those runners who ran well under pressure and came through for the team in the “big races.”
The finalists on the girls team are:
Amanda Stephens, Destinie Martin & Ana Poblet,
Boys finalists include: Jared Bird, Ryan Holash, Nathaniel Moore & Freddy Ramirez
The winners are . . . .
Boys: Jared Bird
Girls: Amanda Stephens
Back to Top
Coaches Awards
Everyone on the team is eligible for the “Coaches Award.”It is given to the athletes who demonstrate consistency in Attendance, Attitude, Preparation, and Performance. These are the runners who show a willingness to push their limits to the extreme, and a commitment to improving not only themselves, but to improving the entire team.
The athletes who received this years award participated in all fund raisers, attended and completed 99% of all the workouts and practices, and demonstrated a passion and commitment for the sport that far exceeded expectations.
These are the types of athletes that make the La Mirada H.S. cross country team competitive at all levels. We are honored to confer this years awards on . . . .
Boys: Ryan Holash
Girls: Megan Burbidge
Back to Top
Scholar Athletes
The Following Athletes maintained a GPA of 3.0 or above during the first quarter:
Michael Cloward
Andrew Diaz
Ryan Holash
Nathaniel Moore
Jim Palmer
Freddy Ramirez
Taylor Siemens
Paulo Sologuren
Megan Burbidge
Vaniah de Rojas
Kyla Hon
Destinie Martin
Hazzel Perez
Tara Palmer
Ana Poblet
Erica Sandoval
Jackie Serrata
Andrea Smith
Amanda Stephens
Kendal Van Wuyckhuyse
Kelly Wilson
Back to Top
|
Week #9: League Finals
April Soto, Andrew Diaz, Jenna Pasillas & Ryan Holash.
-
Both April Soto and Andrew Diaz came to the team late in the season and really wanted to do well. Slowly they worked themselves into racing shape. Andrew ran his first race of the season at League Finals and was the 2nd finisher for the J.V. Boys. April finished the season as the League Runner-up for the J.V. girls. Both of them have a great future with the team!
-
Ever since Jenna Pasillas and Ryan Holash joined the cross country teams, their never-quit attitude has earned them the respect of their teammates and coaches. For Jenna, her remarkable performance at League Finals also earned her a spot on the CIF bound varsity team. Well done!
Week #8: Bellflower Dual Meet (cancelled)
No Races this week!
Week #7: Mt. SAC Invitational
Amanda Stephens & Ryan Holash.
-
Ryan Holash has made a huge turnaround in his training the past 2 to 3 weeks. He was the only one of the returning varsity runners to equal or better his time at Mt. SAC. Well done Ryan!
-
Week in and week out for the past four years, Amanda Stephens has been a model of consistent hard work. Even when she doesn’t want to, she gives her full effort. Her example will be remembered as the standard for younger athletes who want to reach their goals.
Week #6: Glenn-Artesia Dual Meet
Kelly Wilson & Nathaniel Moore
-
Kelly Wilson won her first J.V. race this week. Her consistent work ethic has made her one of the most improved girls on the team. Despite an early season injury, Kelly continues to push for her ultimate goal: a spot on the CIF bound Varsity team.
-
Nathaniel Moore has been one of the top runners on the team since his freshman year. Stung by the disappointing loss to Norwalk last week, Nathaniel turned around his training this week and nailed every workout. His first place finish against Glenn made a positive statement to the rest of the team: Step it Up!
Week #5: Norwalk-Cerritos Dual Meet
Jarod Winn & Vaniah De Rojas
-
Jarod Winn (Jay-rod to his teammates) is a newcomer to the sport of cross country. He brings a refreshing attitude and a work-ethic that the entire team notices. His first race in a varsity uniform was one of the toughest races of the season. We're happy to report that Jarod performed admirably.
-
Vaniah de Rojas did not come to the cross country team easily. She avoided the inevitable as long as she could and finally joined the team late in the summer. This hard working athlete is rarely complains and always trains to the best of her ability. We're happy she decided to stay and we expect great things from her in the future!
Week #4: Mayfair Dual Meet, Brea Invitational
Jenna Pasillas & Elijah De Rojas
-
A rookie, Jenna Pasillas ran her first Suburban League varsity race last week and was the 5th finisher for La Mirada. She PR’ed at both Mayfair and Warren-Stauffer and is rapidly approaching the 21:00 minute district. Jenna trained consistently all summer and approaches each race with drive and determination. Her tenacity has been inspirational to anyone who cares to notice. We look forward to a great future for this hard working athlete. Well done, Jenna!
-
Elijah de Rojas also PR’ed at both races last week. During his two years on the team, the coaches have always been impressed at how Elijah gives his best at each workout and race. Although working through a slight injury, he has his sights set on earning a varsity uniform. Congratulations Elijah!
Week #3: Santa Fe Dual Meet, Roadrunner Classic
Ana Poblet & Jim Palmer: Because there were a number of deserving candidates, this was a difficult week to choose a single “Runner of the Week.” But, after poring over the books and evaluating each workout, we are happy to announce the “Runners of the Week” for September 22nd are Ana Poblet and Jim Palmer (with special recognition to Jared Bird).
-
Ana Poblet raced to a PR this week and in the process earned the 2nd fastest time for a Junior girl. Ana always approaches her daily workout with drive and passion. A selfless leader, she is quick to consider the needs of her teammates and is proving to be an excellent role model for young athletes. Never one to avoid a challenge, Ana Poblet has trained with her eye on the big prize this season.
-
Jim Palmer raced to a PR this week and in the process, he led the J.V. boys to a 2nd place finish at Roadrunner Classic. Like Ana, Jim has worked hard this season and has accepted the challenge to step up for the team. His commitment to his teammates encourages everybody to train harder. Congratulations to Jim and Ana!
Week #2: Cal High-La Habra Dual Meet
Megan Burbidge & Jared Bird
Megan Burbidge, who had a breakthrough race last week after a disappointing finish at the Millikan Invite, knows exactly what needs to be done to accomplish her goals. Since she joined the team, Megan has had a terrific attitude and has always been a hard worker. This season, Megan is the poster child for over-achievers. Driven to succeed, she pushes himself to her limits each and every workout and race.
Jared Bird, who nailed every tough workout last week and still had a great race, has been a model of consistent, hard work. Week in and week out for the past 2½ seasons, Jared, with his quiet determination and team oriented attitude, has provided a standard for younger athletes who want to reach their goals. Coming off of a terrific track season, Jared is becoming one of the hardest workers in LMHS Cross Country History.
Week #1: Whittier Dual Meet, Millikan Invitational
Amanda Stephens & Kevin Osborn
-
Amanda Stephens sat out most of last season due to illness. She made a promise to her team and to her family that the 2003 season would be different. Training like a runner possessed, Amanda is one of the few athletes who approaches every training session as if it’s the most important. She nails every repeat and her pace is ALWAYS on target. In other words, no one else works the plan the way Amanda does. So, what’s her reward? The Sr. class and school record! Dropping over a minute off her PR and smashing the school record by 33 seconds, Amanda is proof that if you follow the training exactly, you will improve!
-
Kevin Osborn worked hard this summer. He struggled, he complained, he hurt. The pressure on Kevin from his teammates was enormous. But Kevin pushed through. At Saturday’s race, Kevin was the only one of the top six boys to earn a PR. And, if you saw his finish, you know how hard he ran. As the season progresses, Kevin’s work will pay off and the entire team will reap the benefits. Congratulations Amanda and Kevin!
Back to Top | |
