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Covering California Prep Track & Field/Cross Country!
Looking Cool and Casual before the Mt. SAC Hills Can Montgomery keep it rolling in 2002?
Below - Yong-Sung Leal (Arroyo, San Lorenzo) can one of nation's best make it all the way back this Fall?? December in San Diego for Foot Locker will all of us watching would be fun!!! (Keith Conning photo)
North Coast Section Cross Country Rankings #1 (Pre-Season) August 1, 2002 By Tony Kauke ======================================================================= These rankings are the opinion of Tony Kauke. There are top 5 team rankings for each division and a top 10 team ranking for all divisions in NCS. These rankings are Pre-Season and as such are based mainly on returning runners from last Cross Country season and also the performances of many athletes during the past Track season.
I try to get to as many meets as I can during the season, but I can't be everywhere. Please do me the favor of sending any results and commentary (no matter how small the meet) during the fall. Without the contributions of many people, the rankings are not possible. And of course, if you disagree with something in the rankings, or if something is simply inaccurate, please email with any information me at: jakauke@attbi.com . Thank you and enjoy.
D-I Girls Outlook: The face of this division will go through a metamorphosis as teams flee the super competitive D-II girls field. Every year at least 4 or 5 (probably more) will opt up to D-I to avoid the tough D-II race. Maybe this year with four teams qualifying to state from D-II and only two from D-I, some teams will stay at home.
1. Castro Valley has a fine coach in Peter Brewer and great tradition. The Trojans return all seven runners from last year's NCS team and five of the top 16 returning runners in D-I. As if that wasn't enough, Castro Valley also has the top returning D-I individual in Kelly Stewart. Last track season Stewart ran 2:20.1 for 800m and also made the Meet of Champions Final in the 400m (58.14). Junior Melissa Simmons backs up Stewart and ran 12:18 for 3200m in Track.
2. Deer Valley returns four of the top 13 runners in D-I and should push Castro Valley. This program seems to improve every year and this season should be no different. The wildcard for the Wolverines may be sophomore Ashley Vallis. Ashley ran all the way to the state meet in the 800m run (2:14.29). Top returnees from last XC season for Deer Valley are junior Tamara Torlakson (19:52; 16th at NCS) and senior Jessica Dailey (19:53; 17th at NCS). Dailey also had a 12:10.05 3200m time this past track season. Senior Heather Scott (20:34; 29th at NCS) was next for Deer Valley last year but could be moving up after a solid track season (5:27.98 and 2:28.05 for 1600m and 800m respectively).
3. Mission San Jose returns five of the top 22 runners in NCS D-I and should be a force this fall. Senior Edina Forgo (19:57 for 18th at NCS) leads Warriors. Forgo has solid track times (5:36.52/12:14.55 for 1600 & 3200) to back up her XC season of 2001. Junior Elise Beck (20:50; 34th at NCS and 12:10.04-3200m last spring) is next for Mission San Jose.
4. James Logan looks like they are next here. The Colts return all seven from last year's NCS team and have six from the first 26 returnees. All seven will be seniors. Melissa Aurit is the second individual returnee (19:39 for 14th at NCS). Backing up Aurit are Anita Kari and Maricel Hernandez who were 45th (21:08) and 53rd (21:27) at NCS last year.
5. Newark Memorial has five back from last year's NCS team. Sarah Wolf is the leader coming in as the 9th returnee in NCS D-I. Wolf (20:31) was 28th at last year's NCS meet. Newark returns three in the top 20 for NCS D-I. Also worth noting: Antioch, Mt. Eden, Pittsburg, San Leandro. Top Individual not on a top 5 team: Jessica Shoats (Antioch) is the 6th returneein NCS D-I and was 23rd (20:12) at last year's NCS meet.
D-I Boys
Outlook: This division will certainly have a new look as traditional D-II power De La Salle has grown to become a D-I school. The top two teams (Castro Valley and De La Salle) both have solid a top three returning. The question is who can come up with the supporting cast to back it up. Both schools have large teams and it should be a great battle.
1. Castro Valley has three of the top seven returning runners in division I. In addition, Castro Valley boasts an army of distance runner who won too many medals to count at relay and invitational meets during the track season. Senior Zane Welte, junior John Yano, and senior Thomas Miller make up a great top three for the Trojans. Not only do Welte (2:01.15/4:35.4/9:57.0), Yano (2:02.50-800/4:29.66-1600/10:20.0-3200), and Miller (2:02.41-800) all boast impressive times on the track; all three are great runners over hill and dale. Welte and Yano are the #4 and #5 returnee in D-I and Miller's not far behind at #7. Castro Valley will look to reach the top spot in NCS after being 2nd last year and 3rd in 2000.
2. De La Salle has three of the top 10 runner's coming back in D-I, and could easily be #1 in NCS before long. Like Castro Valley, the Spartans have great numbers and tend to always develop solid groups. Senior Tom Johnson returns as the top dog for DLS. Johnson has 4:31.30 (1600m) and 10:08.60 (3200m) track times to go with his 14th place finish at last year's NCS D-II meet. Johnson's time of 16:16 at last year's NCS meet ties him with James Logan's Yosef Ghebray as the top-returning runner. Based on the times from last season's NCS meet, Senior Matt Callister (16:57) and junior Kevin Dubrall (17:01) are the 9th and 10th returnees in NCS D-I. The Spartans also may have the services of two strong half milers, Carey Mathews (1:58.01) and Rene Dubon (1:58.32).
3. James Logan returns four from last year and (along with De La Salle's Tom Johnson) has to top returning individual in sophomore Yosef Ghebray (16:16). Last spring on the oval, Ghebray made his presence felt running 4:31.92 for 1600m and 9:35.29 for 3200m. Is the supporting cast can step up for the Colts, watch out, they have a gun up front.
4. Berkeley was only 13th and last year's NCS meet, but trust me; this is a program on the rise. Although only 31st (16:45) at NCS last year, junior Alex Enscoe broke out in track striding to 4:20.79 and 9:59.32 1600m and 3200m PRs. Last year, Berkeley gave a scare to reigning ACCAL champion Alameda. This might be the year Berkeley dethrones the Hornets. They may also make some noise at the NCS level.
5. Deer Valley returns a tight pack of three. Junior Nick Neveu (17:12) along with seniors Daniel Fitzpatrick (17:25), and Anthony Romiti (17:27) are the 12th, 13th and 15th returnees in NCS D-I. The Wolverines have solid numbers and could be better than 5th in NCS.
Other Top-5 Potential Teams: San Leandro, Antioch, California. Top Individuals not on top 5 teams: Peter Gottwald (California), Nick Sigmon (San Leandro), and Andrew Bock (Antioch).
D-II Girls
Outlook: How would you like to have dual meet with Montgomery, Maria Carrillo and Ukiah all in one season? Well that is a reality for the North Bay League. The NBL is the strongest girls league in the section with the top three teams in D-II. When you add College Park to the strong teams from the NBL and you have four of the top five teams in the section residing in this division. One can only wonder if all four will stay put or opt up to the D-I level. Historically Montgomery and Maria Carrillo have stood their ground while College Park and recently Ukiah have chosen to compete at the D-I level. With four entries to the state meet from this division, hopefully everyone will remain in D-II. Regardless of what happens with the petitions to D-I, I'm sure the race at NCS will be one you will not want to miss.
1. Montgomery returns a very strong group after only losing their #4 and #7 runners to graduation. Last year the Vikings were section champs and 3rd at the State Meet. This team is loaded with talent and experience. Junior Kim Conley (18:22), sophomore Emma Conley (18:50), and senior Kim Handel (18:57) were 3rd, 7th and 10th respectively for Montgomery last year at NCS. This past spring, these three had very impressive track seasons with Kim Conley running 5:11.69 for 1600m, sister Emma hitting 11:31.70 for 3200m and Kim Handel ending up at 2:18.98 for 800m. Christy Sweaney (19:27) was 17th at NCS last year and is next for Montogmery. Sweaney ran 5:20.55 for 1600m in track last spring. This program always seems to have new faces making big contributions, so don't be surprised if there are some news names in the Vikings top five.
2. Maria Carrillo has battled Montgomery for several years at the league, section and state levels. 2002 should be no different. The Pumas bring back all but one top seven runner from a year ago. Sophomore Amy Robinson was rock solid last year finishing 2nd at NCS (18:02) and 10th in the state meet (19:04). Last Spring Amy did very well hitting times of 4:59.99 for 1600m and 11:25.84 for 3200m on the track. Senior Ashley Drady (19:11) and junior Meghan Boes (19:39) are next for Maria Carrillo. Reports from the north say sophomore Kristin Fladseth (20:45 for 45th at NCS) has stepped up her training and is running near the front of the Puma's pack. Kristin ran 2:18.71 and 5:20 for 800m and 1600m last track season.
3. Ukiah only loses one runner from last year's team. But that one girl was only the top runner in the nation last year. Because of Amber Trotter's personal success, a lot of people failed to see was the great supporting cast behind Trotter. The 2001 NCS D-I champions are led by junior Shelby Leland (18:08) who was 3rd last year in the D-I race at NCS and went onto have a great track season running 10:37.32 for 3200m. Senior Kyra Kenny (19:18) and sophomore Megan Mullin (19:26) both were top 10 finishers at the (D-I) NCS meet last year and capably back up Leland. It remains to be seen whether or not Ukiah can hang with their NBL rivals Montgomery and Maria Carrillo. If that is to happen, the gap from #3 to #4 will have to be better than is was last year for Ukiah.
4. College Park is next with junior Lindsey Allen leading the Falcons. Last year Allen was 4th at NCS (18:23). Lindsey had a superb track season running 4:55.18, 2:18.76, and 10:55.75 for 1600m, 800m, and 3200m respectively. Erica Holland is #2 for the Falcons and has solid credentials having run to a 6th place finish (18:46) last year at NCS. Holland ran 5:22.70 and 11:36.54 for 1600m and 3200m on the track. College Park has a great summer training program including a trip to the Humboldt running camp. Expect the Falcons to start out the season fit and ready to race.
5. Carondelet is up from D-III and looks like a top 5 team. Senior Jennifer Randazzo (19:50 for 15th at D-III NCS) is the top returnee for the Cougars. Joining Randazzo is senior classmate Michelle Telfer (20:07 for 20th at D-III NCS). After an injury ended her Cross Country season early last year Ashleigh Montgomery ran 5:08.54 for 1600m in track. If healthy, she certainly will make a big impact on the Cougar Cross Country team.
Others to watch: Granada, Monte Vista, San Ramon Valley, and Amador Valley Top Individuals not on top 5 teams: Phyllis Blanchard (Rancho Cotate), Elizabeth Ottenheimer (Granada), Lisa Crampton (Granada), Corinne Roberts (Alameda), and Ashton Lesiear (Casa Grande).
D-II Boys
Outlook: Eureka has won the last three NCS D-II titles. Before the Loggers began their streak, De La Salle had won five straight NCS Titles. With De La Salle up to D-I and Eureka rebuilding, this might be the first time in eight years someone besides the Loggers and Spartans will win this race. As with the ladies, teams choosing to move up to D-I may change the look of this division. Four of the top five ranked teams ran in D-I last year (everyone but #1 San Ramon Valley). With four state meet berths, more schools may stay in D-II than in previous years.
1. San Ramon Valley has been developing some good runners for a couple of years and this year, it could all pay off. The Wolves return six from their 4th place (D-II) NCS team of a year ago. Junior Dallin Rosdahl is the front-runner. Rosdahl was 15th (16:17) at NCS and ran a 9:46.50 3200m in track. Junior Scott Bauhs was 21st (16:30) at NCS and ran 10:11.30 during track season. Senior John Martin is next after finishing 25th at D-II NCS. Martin also had a good track season running 4:30.22 for 1600m. San Ramon Valley has a large team that has been training together for most of the summer. Expect a tight pack during the season for San Ramon Valley.
2. Montgomery has some firepower up front with junior Matt Fitch (16:07 for 9th at D-I NCS) and junior K.C. Cody (16:08 for 10th at D-I NCS). Fitch and Cody are solid on the track as well with Fitch hitting 9:51.16 for 3200m and Cody running 4:28.34 for 1600m this past track season. Senior Andrew Gallagher was next for the Vikings last year at NCS (D-I) running 16:28 for 18th place. Gallagher has 4:33.34 and 9:56.94 personal bests for 1600m and 3200m respectively. Senior Regan Masi has a sub 4:30 1600m personal best and ran 1:55.3 for 800m last track season. Masi could be factor over hill and dale this fall. Don't over look the Vikings; they always seem to improve as the season goes on.
3. Santa Rosa is right there with Montgomery and should battle them all season in the NBL. With five returning from last year's team, Santa Rosa is set to take a run at the top. Juniors Eddy McFarlin (16:31) and Silas Stafford (16:35) were 20th and 24th respectively at D-I NCS last year and they lead the Panthers. McFarlin ran 9:51.79 for 3200m last spring.
4. College Park won Division-I NCS last year but lost four of their top seven to graduation. In spite of this, don't expect the Falcons to be rebuilding too long. They have a solid nucleus with three juniors returning to build around and could be better than 4th in NCS D-II. Mitch Steves leads College Park after finishing 11th (16:09) at NCS (D-I) last year. Steves also ran 9:40.80 for 3200m last track season. College Park has been training together all summer and should begin the season in strong.
5. Livermore has perhaps one of the strongest winning traditions in the North Coast Section, having won nine section titles over the years including seven straight D-III titles from 1990-1996. The Cowboys return six from last year and although overlooked by some, if they choose to remain in D-II, they could be a contender for NCS honors. Junior Gilbert Collins (16:31 for 21st at D-I NCS) and senior Kyle Matkins (16:41 for 29th at D-I NCS; 4:34.25 1600m) lead the pack for the Cowboys.
Other Top 5 Threats: Eureka, Amador Valley, Ukiah, and Alameda. Top Individuals not on top 5 teams: Yong-Sung Leal (Arroyo), Tim Quiroga (Ukiah), Daniel Sock (Ukiah), Spien Komak (Eureka), and Mike Price (Eureka).
D-III Girls
Outlook: This division looks like in could be dominated by the DFAL. In this ranking, the DFAL has the top three schools in NCS D-III. Campolindo looks like the solid #1 team while the battle for second looks like there are many contenders.
1. Campolindo is the defending state champion. The Cougars return 5 of their top 6 and are always very tough. The Cougars have made a habit of winning NCS, claiming section titles in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2001. In years past, Campo has gone until the middle or later stages of the season before getting all the pieces to the puzzle on the line together. When they do get everyone in place, watch out. Senior Katina Hubbard (19:13), junior Mimi Yuhas (19:14), and sophomore April Dyer (19:17) are the 4th, 5th and 7th returning runners in D-III respectively. Dyer had a great track season, running 2:24.00 and 5:12.80 for 800m and 1600m. Bernadette Cassabonne (19:30) was next for Campolindo last year placing 9th, and she ran 11:49.10 for 3200m last spring. With their top five returnees all among the top 15 in NCS D-III, Campolindo could be very dominant at the NCS And State levels.
2. Miramonte surprised some last year with their 2nd place finish at NCS. The Matadors went onto finish 11th at the State Meet. Don't be surprised if Miramonte is better this season. The Mats return the section individual champ in senior Jen Saura (18:58). In addition, junior Rebecca Yau was 6th (19:25) last year at NCS. Miramonte has a solid program and has a natural rivalry with Campolindo. If anyone is to challenge the Cougars, is might be the Matadors.
3. Northgate had a breakthrough season last year finishing 3rd at NCS and earning a state meet birth. If they can stay healthy the Broncos look like they could challenge for that second spot in NCS. Five return from last year and are lead by juniors Jacqui Tenkwalder (19:26 for 7th in NCS) and Megan Carper (19:28 for 8th in NCS).
4. Petaluma seems to get a little better every year. Petaluma will be looking to improve after finishing 6th in 2000, and 5th in 2001. With five returning from last year and a tight front pack of three, Petaluma could move up. Junior Stephanie Laslo (20:07 for 21st at NCS), sophomore Mollie Zapata (20:14 for 22nd at NCS), and senior Jacqui Vance (20:19 for 23rd at NCS) are the top-returning runners. Take note however, that for most of the season junior Danielle Almeida (20:48 for 33rd at NCS) was the top runner for Petaluma often finishing over 30 seconds ahead of her closest teammate before struggling at League and NCS. If Almeida can return to this form, it will go a long ways towards propelling Petaluma into the battle for a state meet birth at NCS.
5. Bishop O'Dowd moves up from D-IV. The Dragons have a great tradition (D-IV runner's up last year and champions in 2001) and have a solid group of four returning. Based on her time from the D-IV meet last year, Anna Purcell (18:15) is faster than the defending champion (Saura-Miramonte) and an obvious individual favorite in D-III. Juniors Kristen Wheeler (20:17) and Emma Williams (20:20) were 23rd and 26th last year at D-IV NCS respectively. Typically BOD has a large group of girls training together over the summer, so if they end up better than 5th, it wont be shocking.
In the hunt: San Marin, Alhambra Top Individuals not on top 5 teams: Tanya Rosengren (Alhambra), Bonnie Chalmers (Las Lomas), and Courtney Dowdall (San Marin).
D-III Boys
Outlook: Last year at NCS, at least four teams toed the line with a chance to come home NCS champions. Adding the top two teams from D-IV (Moreau Catholic and Bishop O'Dowd) in to the mix will only increase the level of competitiveness. The DFAL has historically had good representation in D-III and this season should be no different with three DFAL schools in the top five and one more in the honorable mention area.
1. Moreau Catholic makes the jump up from D-IV and should hit the ground running. Returning five from last year's D-IV NCS Champion squad, the Mariners look tough. Moreau also was 4th at the (D-IV) State Meet last year. Based on times from last years NCS meet, Moreau returns four of the top 16 runners in D-III. Senior Brandon Carballo was 10th at last year's D-IV NCS meet, but really broke through in track recording personal best times of 4:21.94 and 9:40.98 for 1600m and 3200m. Backing up Carballo are seniors Jay Fragus (16:26 for 12th at NCS D-IV), and Taylor Graham (16:35 for 18th at NCS D-IV, and 4:26.02 for 1600m in track). In addition to the Mariner's top three runners, Moreau returns sophomore Antonio Quintana (16:41 for 21st at NCS D-IV), and senior Daniel Hannon (17:03 for 30th at NCS D-IV). With four seniors in the top five, this team is very experienced and should be a force.
2. Redwood brings back six from last year including the defending section champion (Sophomore Jake Schmitt). Jake had quite a freshman year, winning NCS in the fall and racing to great track times of 4:29.18 for 1600m and 9:33.97 for 3200m. Two seniors follow Schmitt in Michael Dooher and Andrew Garrett. Dooher (16:25) was 6th last year while Garrett (16:41) as 13th. Garrett hit 4:42 and 10:02 this spring on the track. Redwood is a program rich in tradition and after placing second last year, look for these guys to take a shot at #1. History may be on their since Redwood has won the last two NCS D-III Titles in even years (1998 and 2000).
3. Miramonte is the defending champion and should not be over looked. The Matadors return four, but will be young, as three are sophomores. Sophomore Andrew Gold (16:28 for 10th at NCS) and junior Joel Buscheck (16:28 for 11th at NCS) are the top runners back for Miramonte. Junior Daryl Zalan was next for Miramonte last year finishing 14th (16:41). Last spring, Buscheck cracked the 10-minute barrier in the 3200m running 9:57.97. If the Matadors are to defend their title, they will have to close the gaps after their top three.
4. Campolindo always has a solid group and this year should be no different. Justin Pines and Barry Fisher will lead Campo. Pines was a state individual qualifier last fall (16:20 for 4th at NCS) and Fisher ran a 9:34.62 3200m last spring. Traditionally, Campolindo has a very large team. With big numbers, Campo will certainly have some talented kids work their way up through the ranks to help the team.
5. Acalanes had some amazing gap times from their #1 to $5 runners last year, often putting their top five guys within 20 seconds. Three graduated from that team, but with four seniors returning, the Dons have the nucleus to do some damage. Alex Shogun (16:45 for 17th at NCS), Aaron Senter (16:52 for 21st at NCS), Cory Caldwell (16:58 for 24th at NCS) and Alex McDiarmid (17:07 for 34th at NCS) are an experienced, veteran group and should do well.
More Top 5 Contenders: Bishop O'Dowd, Freedom, and Northgate. Top Individuals not on top 5 teams: Abdullah Jamali (Ygnacio Valley), Ruben Mora-Roman (Analy), Steven Cozza (Petaluma), Marcus Johnson (Northgate), and Tim Wallach (Bishop O'Dowd).
D-IV Girls
Outlook: With four of the top six teams from last season's NCS meet moved up to D-III, the D-IV picture will have some new faces in the top 5. Piedmont returns five from the team that upset Bishop O'Dowd at last season's NCS meet and looks like a strong favorite to repeat. After Piedmont, it is unclear who is next in line with at least five teams seeming like they have a shot. UC-Berkeley-bound Bridget Duffy (St. Mary's) won the last three D-IV individual NCS titles and two state titles. Don't be surprised if someone with the same uniform is in front the next three years. St. Mary's sophomore Gabi Rios-Sotelo is the top-returning runner in D-IV and has the track credentials to back it up (5:06.83 and 11:12.61).
1. Piedmont is the defending NCS Champion and returns four of the top nine runners in D-IV. Sophomores Jehan Sparks (5:09.94/11:33.33) and Naomi Sparks (5:26.4/2:20.67) and juniors Marie Lindquist (5:21.2/2:24.1) and Allison Rowe (5:28.8/2:29.0) all return from last season's state medallist team. If Piedmont can get a 5th runner near these four, they will be very tough. The Highlanders have some candidates for that 5th spot in junior Danielle Geong (5:34 and 12:12 for 1600m and 3200m) and junior Jenny Lenahan (2:27.27-800m). Piedmont also returns senior Erica Simpson who had an injury plagued track season last spring, but has PRs of 5:34 and 12:08 for 1600m and 3200m respectively.
2. Marin Catholic returns a fine group of five from last season. Junior Natalie Joffe, 19:37 for 12th at NCS and 5:31.0 for 1600m last track season, is the leader for Marin Catholic. Clare Ayala (20:19) is the next returnee for Marin Catholic after placing 25th last year. Last track season senior Nicole Fish made her mark clocking times of 5:31.77 for 1600m and 11:59.49 for 3200m.
3. Healdsburg has a strong front-runner in Kelly Rodgers. Kelly (19:04) was 8th last year and is the #2 returnee in NCS D-IV. In addition to Rodgers, Healdsburg returns four sophomores who all have NCS experience. Kristen Komorowski (20:42) was 34th last year and leads that group.
4. Ursuline has been overlooked by some, but should be much improved from last season's 10th place finish. Five of the teams who finished in front of them are now in Division III. In addition, Ursuline returns five from last year. In addition, the early reports out of Santa Rosa indicate that Ursuline has a group of 12 to 15 girls running together on a regular basis. Ursuline had a group attend the Humbodlt running camp and could be better than 4th.
5. Arcata returns all seven from last years NCS squad. Junior Erin Hampson (19:21, 10th at NCS) is the #3 returnee in NCS and leads Arcata. As with #4 Ursuline, don't be surprised if Arcata ends up better than their pre-season ranking.
Lurking in the Shadows: St. Mary's, Terra Linda, Tamalpais. Top Individuals not on top 5 teams: Gabi Rios-Sotelo (St. Mary's), Stephanie Agapoff (Middletown), Robin Hextrum (Tamalpais), Megan Goedewaagen (Justin Siena), and Stephanie Farac (Terra Linda).
D-IV Boys
Outlook: Expect some new faces up at the front of this race. With the top two teams from last season (Moreau Catholic and Bishop O'Dowd) moved up to D-III and traditional powers from the Bay-Shore Athletic League rebuilding, Cardinal Newman appears to be the cream of the crop and could be dominant. Arcata has a solid group returning and could also contend for top honors. On paper it appears there may be some newcomers to the top five. Only time will tell. Due to graduation, division realignments, and transfers, only two of the top 20 individuals from last year's NCS race return for the 2002 campaign. Needless to say, the race for individual honors looks wide open.
1. Cardinal Newman's Cross Country program has steadily improved for the past three seasons going from 25th in 1999 to 8th in 2000 to 3rd in 2001. It won't be shocking if they find their way to the top in 2002. Junior J.K. Withers ran to a 4:21.70 1600m PR this past track season. Withers (16:53) is only the 7th returning runner in D-IV, but after his breakthrough track season, he should be considered one of the favorites to win NCS. As if returning six from last season's 3rd place team was not enough, Cardinal Newman had four freshman boys under 5:00 in the 1600m last track season.
2. Arcata has a strong tradition and boasts the top individual returning in the D-IV field. Although only 14th last year, sophomore John Figuriedo (16:26) is the highest placing returning runner. On the oval this past spring, Figuriedo ran 9:38.40 for 3200m and should be a contender for the individual title. In the past, Arcata has made few appearances down south, sometimes attending the Stanford Meet. Don't be surprised if the Tigers lay low and seemingly come out of nowhere in November.
3. Terra Linda returns all seven from last year's team. Although only 9th last year, Terra Linda looks ready to move up the ladder. Senior Brandon Sos (16:36) is the 2nd returnee in NCS D-IV and is the leader. Backing up Sos is another top ten returnee in senior Anton Jain (16:55). Jain has the 9th best time among returning runners.
4. Tamalpais also returns all seven from last year. Super sophomore Amanuel Ghebremichael (16:51) is the 5th returnee in NCS D-IV and is the leader for Tamalpais. Although D-III Redwood looks like the top team in the Marin County Athletic League, Terra Linda and Tampalpais could battle for 2nd.
5. Vacant. The 5th spot in this division will be filled by committee until someone shows they are the best of the rest. Some candidates are St. Mary's, St. Joseph's Notre Dame, Sir Francis Drake, and Piedmont. In recent history these four programs have had a great deal of success at the NCS D-IV level. These teams will have their work cut out for them this season, as the cupboard appears emptier than I can remember. One observer indicated he saw five or six St. Joseph's Notre Dame runner's running around Alameda this summer, so perhaps the Pilots will step up and fill that #5 slot. Time will tell.
Other Teams with a shot: See ranking #5 above. Top Individuals not on a top 5 team: Richard Elmore (Justin Siena), Alex Roedel (San Rafael), Kelly Clark (Willits), Tino Rodriguez (St. Mary's), Casey Colby (Middletown), and Sean Carey (Albany).
D-V Girls
Outlook: University's girls cross country team has won the NCS title every year D-V has existed. That is six straight NCS titles. In addition, the Red Devils are the defending state D-V champions and in the six years D-V has existed, University has won four state titles. The two years University did not win the state meet, they were second. Needless to say, University's tradition and success is unparalleled in D-V. Even with history on their side, this may be the year that University's streak at NCS ends and someone else gets to see the view from the top. Some inside sources have already predicted University's streak at NCS to end this year. Time will tell, but make no mistake, at best, University will be in a dog fight to win their 7th straight NCS title.
1. University. When you win six straight NCS titles, in this poll you get the nod at #1 to begin the next year. The Red Devils return five from last years NCS and State Champion team. University returns three from last year's team and senior Molly Treadway (20:31 for 12th at NCS) leads the way. Last spring sophomore Grace Hunter had some great times (5:32.20 & 12:20.80 for 1600m & 3200m). Add in Hunter to the returning three, and the Red Devils have a nucleus to build around.
2. Berean Christian has taken on the role of the favorite according to some people close to D-V. The Eagles have five back from last year's 3rd place NCS team. At the front of Berean's pack is senior Whitney Jacobsmeyer (20:19 for 12th at NCS). Last spring Jacobsmeyer ran 5:30 and 11:36 for 1600m and 3200m respectively. This team has state meet experience finishing 9th there last year. Expectations are that Berean Christian will be making a return trip to Fresno this November.
3. Lick Wilmerding also returns five from last year's team. Diana Best leads the way after finishing 9th at last year's NCS meet in 19:54. With a 4th place finish last year's NCS meet, look for Lick Wilmerding to move up this fall.
4. Urban was 5th last year and like Lick Wilmerding, looks to be ready to move up. Urban returns six from last year's squad including the top returnee in the section, senior Adriane Burwell (19:48 for 4th at NCS last year). Senior Sidney Russell (21:47) is next for Urban after finishing 29th at last year's North Coast meet.
5. College Prep was great last year finishing 2nd at NCS and 4th in the state. With three graduating from that team including two of their top four, College Prep will have some gaps to fill to compete for a state meet birth this fall. Seniors Breen Brynes (20:14), and Nika Dahlbacka (20:42) were 10th and 15th at last year's NCS meet and lead College Prep.
More teams with a shot at Top 5 Glory: Convent, Branson, Crystal Springs Top Individuals not on top 5 teams: Christina Rosetti (Convent) and Jocelyn Woolsey (Branson).
D-V Boys
Outlook: University's boys have been almost as dominant as the Red Devil girl's team. The boys from University have won the last three NCS titles and four of the last five. The Red Devils are a solid bet to contend for another NCS title this fall. Branson, College Prep, Lick Wilmerding and Berean Christian look like they may be tightly packed in the battle for state meet births.
1. University is loaded with four of the top seven returning runners in NCS D-V. Don't be surprised if the Red Devils dominate at the NCS level. Jonah Platt-Ross (16:49), a junior, is the top returnee for University after finishing 8th at NCS last year. Seniors Aron Walker (16:53), Sean Pont (17:03), and Nat Zingg (17:07) were 10th, 11th, and 12th at NCS last year.
2. Branson gets the nod at #2... but not by much. The teams that follow are not far behind. Leading Branson is senior Alexander Varner (16:37) who was 7th at last year's NCS meet. Varner is one of six returning runners for Branson.
3. College Prep also returns six from last year's squad. Senior Daniel Fisher was 4th last year (16:15) and should be an individual title contender this season. Senior Andrew Nguyen (17:21) was 14th last year at NCS and should be near the front with Fisher for College Prep.
4. Lick Wilmerding has their top runner graduate but return the next five from last year. Junior John Gaudette (17:42) was 18th last year and leads Lick Wilmerding. Seniors John Brennan and Chris Avery were close behind Gaudette last year finishing 23rd (17:55) and 25th (17:57) respectively at NCS. Without a solid front-runner, this team will need to tighten up the gaps to their #4 and #5 runners to contend with the teams ranked ahead of them.
5. Berean Christian returns their entire top 7 from last year's 6th place NCS team. Like Lick Wilmerding, Berean is without a great front-runner and will have to pack it in well to keep up with the teams ranked in front of them. Steve Mindrup, a junior is the top returning runner for Berean after finishing 15th (17:32) last year at NCS.
Lurking in the shadows: Head Royce and Crystal Springs. Top Individuals not on top 5 teams: Nick Neely (Crystal Springs), Ken Akiha (Head Royce), and Elias Feldman (Waldorf).
Overall Top-10 NCS Rankings Girls:
1. Montgomery 2. Maria Carillo 3. Campolindo 4. Ukiah 5. College Park 6. Piedmont 7. Miramonte 8. Northgate 9. Carondelet 10. Castro Valley
Boys: 1. San Ramon Valley 2. Castro Valley 3. De La Salle 4. Moreau Catholic 5. Redwood 6. Montgomery 7. Miramonte 8. Livemore 9. Santa Rosa 10. University
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