And finally Murillo breaks 9:20 at CCS prelims. Again not to sound like that guy but I still don’t understand how someone who runs 15:12 took forever to break 9:20 and how someone who ran 15:14 the previous xc season couldn’t even break 9:20 last season. Again, just saying if you can run below 15:15, I’d assume you at least be able to sub 9:20
I believe Blade was a soccer player so that's expected to protect your line. Blade did that to Holly at the CIF SS XC Finals in 2024 multiple times. You see that in Formula 1 all the time.
I believe Blade was a soccer player so that's expected to protect your line. Blade did that to Holly at the CIF SS XC Finals in 2024 multiple times. You see that in Formula 1 all the time.
PoMan, if you're talking about the start of the girls D1 1600, I just saw the replay. I'll call it "aggressive", but not necessarily 'dirty' since there was no contact.
However, as a former XC coach, I'm all for being competitive and making big moves, as long as they're not dangerous. XC is a team sport and track obviously isn't quite as much, but I'd definitely have some words with a kid who did that to a teammate. Kinda tells me her and her teammate might have a bit of a rivalry - which probably drives them both on a daily basis as they train together - But there's no need to cut an opponent off at the start of a distance race - and especially not a teammate.
I just watched the Hedengren/Alder start for the 800 and those teammates were definitely far more 'considerate' of one another. Blade's moves at XC finals ahead of Holly were far more conservative, as she just shifted herself on the trails to not be as easy for Barker to pass. That strategy didn't really work that day, though. Barker pulled off the upset in XC Finals, then did it again in the 3200 and so did Combe in the 1600 where that move was made.
My money is still on Blade to put on a beat down in the 3200 at Masters and State, assuming she scratches the 1600 like last year. She looked like she just wanted to survive and advance last weekend. Chiara Dailey waits in the wings with a target on both of the Santiago girls for both the 1600 and 3200. She has boldly called her shot to double and win both. Should be pretty exciting.
Got to call it, Daily has never stepped up on the biggest stage...yet. Watch out for the girl from Montgomery High, as she has run sub 10 before and ran 4:41 at league.
Got to call it, Daily has never stepped up on the biggest stage...yet. Watch out for the girl from Montgomery High, as she has run sub 10 before and ran 4:41 at league.
I'm not mad at that. Hanne is the most unheralded and humble superstar in Cali, and an outstanding person.
Speaking of good people- if we start a list of the nicest, most professional and most joyful kids in the sport (just based on interviews and "aura" when you see them at events) Engelhardt, Thomsen, Combe, De Brouwer, and Packard are the type of girls a college can build a team culture around. On the boys side, Noonan is a manchild. So professional, well-spoken and kind. So are Jubak and Zavaleta. Those are the type of young athletes that make me want to get back to coaching again.
I’m confused, what do you mean by man child in this context? Manchild usually holds a negative connotation. I will say, watching Noonan’s interviews, he seems very humble
I’m confused, what do you mean by man child in this context? Manchild usually holds a negative connotation. I will say, watching Noonan’s interviews, he seems very humble
Maybe not universal, but many refer to a manchild as anyone who is young, but acts older, but I know it can also mean the opposite. My intent is all positive.
Pretre and Fitchen-Young also fit this description in interviews. Hell, Fitchen-Young has the tendency to always be a little overly thankful, something I respect. Aydon seems like a fun guy in interviews and kind of reminds me of myself when I was younger (I think it’s just his goofy and hyper energy, and how he kind of always seem to keep it real interviews, maybe a little too real (like the f bomb slip up in his Arcadia interview)- as in, he doesn’t seem to be playing a character in interviews- he seems like someone I’d be friends with irl).
Pretre and Fitchen-Young also fit this description in interviews. Hell, Fitchen-Young has the tendency to always be a little overly thankful, something I respect. Aydon seems like a fun guy in interviews and kind of reminds me of myself when I was younger (I think it’s just his goofy and hyper energy, and how he kind of always seem to keep it real interviews, maybe a little too real (like the f bomb slip up in his Arcadia interview)- as in, he doesn’t seem to be playing a character in interviews- he seems like someone I’d be friends with irl).
Pretre and Stephanopolous definitely have a little more swagger than most. Fitchen-Young has much more humble vibe. All great kids, though.
I was just curious. Is there any runners competing right now in CIF who come from a under privileged background and are doing pretty good right now; on their way to state? I know all the good runners right now from southern section, but if I’m correct they all come from pretty respectable communities; middle income. Seems like you gotta have at least a little money to be good at the sport or knowledge. Correct me I’m wrong. Trying to see if theirs any relatable runners who are currently “making it out”.
I’d say check the central section. Most stories about under privileged runners come from there. Examples being Lalo Herrera and Evert Silva (both are either born to immigrant parents or are immigrants themselves and had to work in the fields).
Griffin Kushen also has some seriously underrated interviews- seems like a very humble and ambitious guy (I mean he has been an underdog up until his break out season this year).
