La Mirada High School

La Mirada Splits Season Opener

The Matador Cross Country teams earned mixed reviews on the opening day of the 2003 Cross Country Season. On a day the boys committed themselves to a serious run for the league title by breaking out the retro uniforms, the girls simply went retro. Led by the 1 - 2 finish of Nathaniel Moore (Jr) and Jared Bird (Jr), the boys Varsity team defeated the Cardinals 27 - 29. Rounding out the top five for the Matadores, were Kevin Osborn (Jr), Taylor Siemens (Fr) and Elijah De Rojas (Jr).

The Girls Varsity team, who lost their first home meet since 1998, were surprised by an improved Whittier team, 26 - 29. Senior Amanda Stephens (20:31) placed 2^nd overall as the Matadores #1 runner. Unlike past years, where pack racing was a Lady Mat trademark, the top 5 runners were separated by 3 minutes 18 seconds! Rounding out the top five were Ana Poblet (Jr), Destinie Martin (Soph), Adele Mata (Fr) and Megan Burbidge (Jr).

The Girls JV team, led by outstanding performances by Jenna Pasillas (Fr) and Vaniah De Rojas (Jr), outscored the Whittier team 26 to 30.

On the Frosh-Soph side, Ryan Holash (So) returned from an ankle injury to win the Fr-Soph race in a time of 18:59. The Matadore Frosh-Soph team was able to field only 4 runners and forfeited the competition.

Team Time Trial — August 30, 2003
In the words of one of our adult assistants, “These kids are ready!” Both the boys and girls have trained exceptionally well this summer—tougher and faster than ever before. At this year’s time trial, Nathaniel Moore challenged his time trial course record (17:23), and nearly got it, coming up 10 seconds short! Moore was followed by Jared Bird, Ryan Holash & Freddy Ramirez. Rounding out the top 5, Kevin Osborn posted a finishing surge that moved him into a varsity spot. The boys team, shaping up to be the fastest team since 1996, showed a fine improvement over last year’s team. They’re a cinch to be competitive in league. The girl’s team time was not quite as fast as the past two years, but the many lady Mats who worked hard over the summer and improved their times, are confident that they’ll be ready for Suburban League competition. Amanda Stephens was the first finisher, 1 second off the time trial record, with a time of 21:08. Ana Poblet finished close behind in 21:53. Megan Burbidge, Sonia Linares & Adele Mata rounded out the top 5 girls. After the time trial, the XC Booster club hosted a delicious breakfast for the entire team and all of their families. At the breakfast, the coaches named the Varsity teams and introduced the team captains. Congratulations to the new runners who survived their first summer with the Cross Country team.

Cross Country: Summer 2003
Leading the way into the new season are the following athletes who will contribute greatly to the success of the season:

Girls Mileage leaders: Amanda Stephens & Megan Burbidge (325 miles)

Attendance: Amanda Stephens & Megan Burbidge (1 missed practice each)

• Ana Poblet
• Amanda Stephens
• Destinie Martin
• Megan Burbidge

Attendance: Jared Bird, Nathaniel Moore & Freddy Ramirez

Improved: Kevin Osborn

Effort: Jim Palmer

• Best Effort/Attitude: Megan, Kelly & Freddy
• Most Mileage: Amanda, Megan, Jared & Nathaniel
• Best Entertainers: Boys: Jim & Kevin — Girls: The 3 stooges (Hazzel, Jenna & Karla)
• Biggest Results: (Wow, where did that come from?): Destinie, Ana & Jim
• Most Likely to Have Not Slept All Night: Girls: Erica — Boys: Jim & Mark
• Most Likely to fall down (or up) a hill: Armi & Ryan
• Most in need of a bucket while running: Ryan
• Most likely to get lost: Megan & Kevin
• Ice-pac crew:  Erica, Armi, Ryan & Adele

Coaches and Helpers

• Amanda Paulson
• Wed Lopez
• Crystal Hare
• Andres Casas
• Cynthia Mata

Coach’s Running Partners (and volunteer coaches)

• Bill Bird
• Carlos Poblet
• Fred Reynolds

Camp Chaperones:

• Andy & Bill Bird
• Laura Casas
• Tom Palmer
• Carlos Poblet
• Nicole Reynolds
• Cathi Wilson
• Cynthia Mata

Transportation:

• Carol Moore
• Andy & Bill Bird
• Laura Casas
• Sue Daccache
• Craig Osborn
• Tom & Sose Palmer
• Carlos Poblet
• Theresa & Dan Rader
• Fred & Nicole Reynolds
• Carmen & David Sandoval
• Deiny Van Wuyckhuyse
• Cathi Wilson

Race Support (5Ks & Gahr HS Runs):

• Vivian & Richard Bishop
• Andy & Bill Bird
• Rick Holash
• Tim Martin
• Carol Moore
• Tom & Sose Palmer
• Maria & Johnny Pasillas
• Carlos Poblet
• Nicole & Fred Reynolds
• Arnold & Josette Serrata

Time Trial Breakfast Cooks

• Tom Palmer
• Bill Bird
• Andy Bird (head chef)
• Craig Osborn
• Esther Poblet

 Time Trials:  August 30, 2003