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Exemplar would be the best way to describe student athlete Marco Venencio.
Foremost Venancio has been a model student in the classroom. Entering
his senior year at Mission Bay he commands a 3.93 cummulative G.P.A. Taking
three advanced placement courses this semester.Coming from a very modest
background, Marco is a wondrous example of a kid driven to make a better
life for himself !
Last year Venancio finished 17th in division three running 17:10, not
a bad time, but a time far from being a known entity. He had been recruited
as a freshman by coach George Velarde and had great rapport, and respect
for him. In the summer when the team learned Velarde had taken a new position
in Orange County, and would not be returning, they felt betrayed. Venancio
had been training, and logging miles all summer staying focused preparing
him for his senior year. With hopes of making it to the state championships
that some alumni from the great Dan Ungricht teams of the 90's had told
him about last year.
New coach Mc Carthy said the first day was quite uncomfortable for everyone.
McCarthy decided it was best not to shake up anything at that point with
any dramatic changes. The first day of practice (without the usuall loud
vocal support Velarde always provided) "Marco went out and ran a
33:40 six mile all by himself. I immediately had respect for the kid"
From that point on McCarthy knew he had a gem in the rough. "The
team really look up to Marco, he is their leader and captain. I remember
one day Marco was ill, and not at practice, and everybody just kid of
looked dumbfounded wondering what to do."
In the first race of the year on the 3.0 Western League course at Morley
Field. Venancio validated himself as the new "kid on the crop"
in San Diego Section. Winning the individual race in blazing time of 15:51.
Against credible tough opponent;state ranked University City with Brad
Liber, Ken Huerta, and crew; and Hoover's two time state meet returning
seniors Yilikal Assefa,and Yafet Abraha. Next,In week two besting rival
La Jolla's # 1 Paul Coover, and USDHS's # 1 John Zimmer, individually
in an even better time of 15:47.
Last friday at the 55th running of the Mt.Sac, Invitational in race #10
Venancio ran a strategic gem. Setting an early pace, dropped off the lead
into second while patiently drafting close for about two miles. With less
than a mile to go on the backside of poop-out he surged into the lead
for good winning impressively on the difficult vertical course in 15:48.
This stanout senior has won all but one race this year where he ran a
very respectable 2nd to San Diego Section D-III's number one ranked Sean
Barrett of Saint Augustine who broke the Morley course record with a blistering
15:11 yesterday in dual action. It would appear that he is a lock to qualify
individually for the state meet in Fresno, I wish him the best of luck
he certainly deserves it.
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