2003 North Coast Section Meet of Champions
Cross-Country Rankings and Race Preview
By: Shabba Ranks

Welcome to the 2003 North Coast Section Meet of Champions Cross Country Championships! This year we are back at the 5000 meter course at Ukiah High School, where the Meet of Champions has been run twice before. This challenging layout promises to test every aspect of the runners’ fitness today, with several terrain and altitude changes interspersed within this multi-looped course. Meet Director Jerry Drew and his crew have done an excellent job of preparing the course for adverse conditions, so rain or shine, you can count on some quality races throughout the day.

There are a total of 10 races slated for this year’s championships, and they feature some of the best teams in all of California. The teams and individuals running today will be vying for coveted spots at next weekend’s CIF State Cross Country Championships in Fresno.

A total of 17 boys teams and 18 girls teams will be awarded positions on next week’s starting line, along with as many as 50 individuals. The top-2 teams from the Division I races will qualify for the state meet, while in most of the divisions--except for Division III boys, which will only qualify 3 teams to the state championships--the top-4 teams will earn a trip to Fresno. As for individuals, to qualify for the state meet, a runner who is not on a qualifying team must finish as one of the top-5 individuals within the top-12 overall finishers in order to gain a berth to the state meet. It promises to be quite a battle for the precious positions.

Today’s course is a wonderful venue for spectators, and with so many fine runners and teams on hand today, you will not want to miss a single step! Enjoy!

DIVISION I GIRLS – 9:00 A.M.

Current NCS Rankings
1. Monte Vista
2. Deer Valley
3. Castro Valley
4. Clayton Valley
5. Antioch

Individuals to Watch: Emily McGregor (Monte Vista), Tamara Torlakson (Deer Valley), Jessica LaPonte (Castro Valley)

The Mustangs from Monte Vista are yet again the team to beat in this division, and they will be tough to catch. Led by EBAL runner-up Emily McGregor, Monte Vista is seeking redemption after being eked out at last year’s championships by Deer Valley. This group has been impressive this year, and should fare well in today’s race. Deer Valley, the BVAL runner-up, is led by Tamara Torlakson (2nd @ BVAL Championships), and they will be fighting hard to hold down their #2 ranking here against hard-charging teams from Castro Valley, Clayton Valley, and Antioch. Castro Valley will find the Ukiah course advantageous, being hill-dwellers themselves, and they could make a run at that final qualifying spot for the state meet. Jessica LaPonte leads the Trojans, who were the HAAL runner-up. Rounding out the top-5 here are BVAL rivals Clayton Valley and Antioch. Although they seem too spread out to threaten the top-2 teams here, they could be up for a battle royale with Castro Valley for the 3rd place team medals.

Individually, McGregor seems to be the class of this field, with Torlakson and LaPonte being the two most likely to give chase.

DIVISION II GIRLS – 9:30 A.M.

Current NCS Rankings
1. College Park
2. Maria Carrillo
3. Amador Valley
4. Carondelet
5. Montgomery
Look Out For: Alameda, Granada, Eureka

Individuals To Watch: Lindsay Allen (College Park), Shelby Leland (Ukiah), Phyllis Blanchard (Rancho Cotate), Kim Conley (Montgomery), Ashleigh Montgomery (Carondelet), Ashton LeSieur (Casa Grande), Nicole Pennes (College Park), Amy Robinson (Maria Carrillo)

At 9:30 a.m., shut off your cell phone, break off from all conversations and distractions, and glue your eyes to the action on the course. The Division II girls race promises to be the highlight of the meet, with the #8 team in the nation, the College Park Falcons, claiming center stage, while some of the state’s finest female distance runners will be duking it out up front. This College Park squad, headlined by all-everything girl Lindsay Allen and her young protégé Nicole Pennes, is rolling. No team has proved to be as dominant in California as the Falcons, who collected big wins at Stanford and the highly-competitive DFAL Championships. They are ranked #1 in the state in this division, so look for the College Park battalion of purple to continue its assault on the scene here today. . The NBL champs from Maria Carrillo are not ready to submit the title, as the Pumas look to climb the ladder and gather momentum for a run at the state meet. Ranked #4 in the state in Division III leading into this week, Maria Carrillo was bumped up to this division following a clerical error that landed them in the wrong division for the majority of this season. This team has a solid group of young talent, led by Amy Robinson, and they should not be overlooked. Amador Valley looks like they are running well at the right time, fresh off a convincing win at the EBAL Championships. The Dons, ranked #9 in the state, will rely on their high-placing pack to separate them from the rest of the challengers. Vying for a state meet berth as well will be the Cougars from Carondelet, led by Ashleigh Montgomery. The Cougars were the BVAL champions, and have been ranked in the state’s top-10 during this season. The Vikings from Montgomery will look to continue the tradition of Santa Rosa success at these championships, as they are led by front runner Kim Conley. The Vikings were a distant second to Maria Carrillo at the NBL Championships, and they will be in a heated battle here for a spot at the state meet. Threatening to throw a wrench in the works are the Hornets from Alameda, led by Kristin Wheeler. Alameda has managed to stay under the radar for much of this season, coming out only to run well at Mt. SAC and at the BSAL Championships, where they were second behind Piedmont. Lurking dangerously on the edges here are Granada, second at the EBAL Championships to Amador Valley, and Eureka, who seemingly came out of nowhere to defeat favorite Arcata at the HDNL Championships. These two teams are capable of making some noise, so keep your ears open.

This race has the best of the best individually, with familiar NBL foes Shelby Leland (Ukiah), Phyllis Blanchard (Rancho Cotate), and Conley looking to lock horns with the East Bay talents of Allen, Pennes, Montgomery and Elizabeth Ottenheimer (Granada). Blanchard was the NBL champ, Conley the runer-up, with Leland seeming to be saving herself for the more vital late season meets like she has done traditionally. Allen is the DFAL champ and the defending NCS champ, with Pennes playing the role of heir apparent, and Montgomery and Ottenheimer each claimed top honors in their respective leagues. Throw in SCL champion Ashton LeSieur of Casa Grande and former NBL champ Amy Robinson of Maria Carrillo, and you have a stew of studs that could be too hot to serve. This race promises to be one for the ages, so don’t miss it.

DIVISION I BOYS – 10:00 A.M.

Current NCS Rankings
De La Salle
Monte Vista
Berkeley
Clayton Valley
Antioch
Looking To Be A Factor: Castro Valley

Individuals To Watch: Alex Enscoe (Berkeley), Yosef Ghebray (James Logan), Carey Matthews (De La Salle), Adam Chandler (Antioch), Will Moser (Clayton Valley)

After enduring a flash flood at the BVAL Championships, the Spartans of De La Salle are looking to continue their current stint atop the podium of championship races. Led by Carey Matthews, the Spartans have stepped it up in recent weeks as a team, after early season #1 runner Tom Cox was felled by a foot injury. With or without Cox in the line-up, the Spartans are good, holding down a #7 state ranking, and they will look to claim yet another NCS pennant on this day. Monte Vista is the most promising team to topple the Spartans, as they continue to put on fine displays of the importance of pack running in cross country. The Mustangs were a narrow second in the EBAL to San Ramon Valley, and with a 1-5 gap of just :47 at those championships, they will be tough to beat. Leading the battle for the last spot on the awards stand will be Berkeley, led by NCS 1600 meter champ Alex Enscoe. The Yellow Jackets were surprised by Piedmont at the BSAL Championships, taking second by just 4 points. Look for them to seek retribution in this race. Clayton Valley nabbed second place in the BVAL Championships, just 2 points ahead of #5 Antioch. Look for these two teams to settle their local war in this section-wide competition. Hill-loving Castro Valley will be coming on strong at these championships, led by senior ace John Yano.

The race up front should be interesting with James Logan superstar Yosef Ghebray filling the role of the favorite. And why not? He is the defending champ. He will be ably chased by Enscoe and Matthews, followed soon thereafter by the likes of Antioch’s Adam Chandler and Clayton Valley’s Will Moser.

DIVISION II BOYS – 10:30 A.M.

Current NCS Rankings
College Park
San Ramon Valley
Maria Carrillo
American
Santa Rosa
Lurking Dangerously: Alameda

Individuals To Watch: Scott Bauhs (San Ramon Valley), Dallin Rosdahl (San Ramon Valley), Mitchell Steves (College Park), Ryan Lewis (Ygnacio Valley), Tim Quiroga (Ukiah)

Looking to make a clean sweep of this division will be the men of College Park. After claiming the NCS crown last year in Division I, the Falcons return to their proper enrollment division (via the new CIF rule) only to do the same thing—take home another championship pennant. The Falcons are currently ranked #2 in the state, and they are fresh off a solid victory at the DFAL Championships, weher they unseated a very tough Campolindo squad. Interestingly enough, the Falcons ran on the same course on the same day for their league finals as their nearest competitor, San Ramon Valley. While San Ramon’s tough twosome of Scott Bauhs and Dallin Rosdahl seemed well within themselves in their victorious effort there, it is hard to ignore the tremendous difference in team times between these two squads. College Park, led by Mitchell Steves and Kent Henry, boasts a two minute-plus better team time than the Wolves. However, with Bauhs and Rosdahl going full throttle, and #5 man Justin Arnold improving quickly after returning from injury, do not count out the defending Division II champs from San Ramon Valley. They are the EBAL champs, ranked #4 statewide in this division, and they will not go down easily. The NBL champs from Maria Carrillo log in next here, and carry with them a #8 state ranking—but from the wrong division! However, led by soph Michael Brew, the Pumas will do well in their new Division II home. Unlike the previous two teams, the Pumas are new to team success, winning their first ever league title. However, new or not to this team battle, the boys from Santa Rosa are gunning for a solid finish here and a ticket to the state meet. American is back in the rankings after taking the MVAL title, and if they continue to pack well, they could be on their way to Fresno. However, they will need to keep an eye on the Panthers of Santa Rosa and the Hornets of Alameda. Despite not running up to snuff at their league finals, Santa Rosa does pose a threat here. They are very familiar with the Ukiah course, and could be looking at this meet as their return to glory. Also posing a threat as a state qualifier is Alameda, a team that placed third at the BSAL Championships. This team packs well and could be looking to take advantage of some of the other teams’ gaps between runners.

The individual race will be a fine one, with teammates Bauhs and Rosdahl working towards a 1-2 finish here. They will be challenged by the hard-driving Steves, as well as by BVAL champ Ryan Lewis of Ygnacio Valley, and the NBL runner-up Tim Quiroga of Ukiah. Bauhs and Rosdahl will work well together to fend off the rest, but don’t be surprised if the other three runners are lurking near the front as the race heads into its later stages.

DIVISION III GIRLS – 11:00 A.M.

Current NCS Rankings
Miramonte
Campolindo
Bishop O’Dowd
Acalanes
Northgate

Individuals To Watch: Jenny Bergren (Miramonte), Rebecca Yau (Miramonte), Vera Ross (Campolindo), Jillian Ochs (Campolindo), Mo Huber (Acalanes), Ariel Wright (Bishop O’Dowd)

The Division III Girls race promised to be the closest, most competitive, and most thrilling team race of the day, as state powerhouses Miramonte, Campolindo, and Maria Carrillo were going to square off once again on this Ukiah layout. Back in October in the preview meet, Miramonte busted out huge with a narrow win over each of these teams. However, as the rematch of this tough trio of teams seemed to be on the horizon, a late change at the CIF offices led to Maria Carrillo being shifted into Division II, and thereby being shifted out of this mighty duel. And yet, one can imagine that the girls from Miramonte would feel secure in their #1 ranking one way or another. For you see, only the indomitable squad from College Park has been able to get the best of the Matadors, who are ranked #1 in the state for this division. They are led by surprising freshman Jenny Bergren, who apparently needs to put her soccer gear away in favor of her flats. Bergren ran dangerously close to College Park’s Lindsay Allen at the DFAL Championships, and along with her tennis-playing cross country teammate Rebecca Yau, led the Matadors to an impressive second place finish. Look for this twosome to be too tough to top. But if the Mats are going to be defeated, no team is more eager than the Cougars of Campolindo, who will be looking to rebound from a third place DFAL finish. The Cougars are ranked #3 in the state, and have had luck here in the past—taking the 2000 Division III crown on this very course. Next in line are the Dragons from Bishop O’Dowd, who busted out huge with a victory at the HAAL Championships. They are led by sophomore Ariel Wright, who is backed by a pack of four runners that could be solid enough to hold off Acalanes. Speaking of the Dons, they boast a front three that is tough to beat in Mo Huber, Ann Thomas, and Drusia Dickson. They do fall back a bit from there, but if inspired, they could certainly take that final state spot away from the Dragons. Lurking at the edges is Northgate, with their patented pack looking to fill the holes that these other teams may leave open.

Individually, Bergren and Yau have the capability of going 1-2 here, with a pack of runners lining up to give chase. Vera Ross and Jillian Ochs lead Campolindo, and can possibly get in the mix here, as can Huber and Wright. It should be a great battle, with both individual and team bragging rights on the line.

DIVISION IV BOYS – 11:30 A.M.

Current NCS Rankings
Cardinal Newman
Piedmont
Arcata
Tamalpais
Moreau Catholic

Individuals To Watch: John Figuerido (Arcata), J.K. Withers (Cardinal Newman), Ricky Griffith (Piedmont), Gus Gibbs (Tamalpais)

Although they have held the top spot in this division for most of the season, the Cardinals of Cardinal Newman, ranked 6th in the state, know that holding onto the #1 position can be difficult. Newman went into last year’s championships in the same position, and managed to narrowly edge out Piedmont and Terra Linda for second place. However, that was one year ago, and this is a much-improved Cardinal Newman team, led by the red hot running of NBL champ J.K. Withers. If Cardinal Newman’s front three run to their potential, this will be a tough team to beat. Piedmont, ranked 7th in this division statewide, is showing its traditional peaking prowess, toppling Berkeley in the BSAL Championships, led by an impressive ensemble of underclassmen. Ricky Griffith headlines this group of youngsters. Arcata, the defending champions here, were defeated by Eureka in HDNL action and have not shown the kind of pack running that earned them the crown last year. They do, however, have the defending champ John Figuerido leading their charge towards a state berth, and that ain’t too shabby. Tamalpais, runner-up at the MCAL Championships, could rise above this ranking and break into the top-3. They will follow senior Gus Gibbs into battle today, and they will be looking to arise from the rubble with a qualifying spot in Fresno. Moreau Catholic benefits from some solid pack running, and is poised to upset some of the teams listed above them. Second-place finishers in the HAAL, the Mariners have run well traditionally at these championships, and will look to do so again this year.

This race is sizing up to be a showdown between Figuerido and Withers, with the two only meeting once this season at Stanford, where the Arcatan got the best of the Cardinals’ ace. Look for Figuerido to use his sub-9:20 3200 meter strength to try and run the :51 400 meter speed out of Withers before the final stretch. It will be a duel of the two-miler versus the miler, and it should be fun to watch. Griffith and Gibbs will be duking it out while giving chase here.

DIVISION V GIRLS – 12:00 P.M.

Current NCS Rankings
University
College Prep
Berean Christian
Lick Wilmerding
Head Royce
Lurking On The Edges: Convent Sacred Heart

Individuals To Watch: Grace Hunter (University), Diana Trump (College Prep), Charlotte Gjedsted (Lick Wilmerding)

The tradition continues in Division V for University, as they look to claim the blue ribbon here yet again. Grace Hunter leads this squad, which is ranked #2 in the state. An interesting toil is set to take place behind them, however, as College Prep will do battle with the likes of Berean Christian and Lick Wilmerding. College Prep, led by BCL East champ Diana Trump, is running well, but does have some spaces between their top-5 runners, leaving possibilities open for the Ruth Adameic-led team from Berean Christian. Lick Wilmerding, out of the BCL East, is next to check in and seems to have the inside track on the final state qualifying spot. However, do not count out the ladies from Head Royce, who could sneak in and steal away a trip to the show. Convent Sacred Heart could make a bid here as well, although they will need some improved packing among their top-5 to do so.

In the individual race, Hunter is the class of the field, while Trump may be the nearest non-University runner to the favorite. Look for Hunter to be running in familiar company out front in this one.

DIVISION III BOYS – 12:30 P.M.

Current NCS Rankings
Campolindo
Miramonte
Bishop O’Dowd
Redwood
Acalanes

Individuals To Watch: Jake Schmitt (Redwood), Joel Buscheck (Miramonte), Justin Pines (Campolindo), Ryan Mason (Concord), Chris Wong (Bishop O’Dowd)

Ranked #2 in the state, Campolindo is certainly deserving of top billing here, with a very dangerous group of runners that have seemed merely separated by an arm’s distance from one another. The Cougars packed their top-5 within :25 of one another at the DFAL Championships, and they will look to do the same here in a winning effort. They will be dogged along the way by familiar foe Miramonte, the #6 ranked team in the state. The Matadors have been running well all season and will continue this trend on through these championships. The Dragons from Bishop O’Dowd exploded at the HAAL Championships, routing the rest of the league in a dominating effort by their top-4 runners. If they want to make a run at a state meet berth, the Dragons will need a great effort from their #5-#7 guys. Giving chase and surging at the right time of the season are the Giants from Redwood, led by the heavy individual favorite Jake Schmitt. Redwood claimed the MCAL title, and is eager to continue their winning ways here in Ukiah. Acalanes, led by Harlan Lopez, will hope to put their pack running strategy into play on this day in hopes of stealing a berth to Fresno. Without previous NCS #3 Maria Carrillo out of the picture due to a paperwork mishap, this divisional picture has a whole new look to it, which will make the action only more exciting.

As previously noted, Schmitt is the outright favorite, but he will be pursued valiantly by Joel Buscheck of Miramonte, who was the DFAL champ. Ryan Mason out of Concord looked strong at those DFAL Championships, where he placed fourth despite being tackled by a spectator’s dog mid-race. Justin Pines of Campolindo has the ability to make a statement here individually, while HAAL champ Chris Wong of Bishop O’Dowd is certainly in the mix.

DIVISION IV GIRLS – 1:00 P.M.

Current NCS Rankings
Piedmont
Arcata
Tamalpais
Sir Francis Drake
St. Mary’s
Don’t Count Out: Ursuline

Individuals To Watch: Gabi Rios-Sotelo (St. Mary’s), Jehan Sparks (Piedmont), Naomi Sparks (Piedmont), Yasmine White (Arcata), Katelyn Calvelli (Sir Francis Drake), Thea Sutton (San Rafael)

The Highlanders, ranked #2 in the state in this division, should feel very good about this championship race. Piedmont boasts two of the section’s finest runners in the Sparks twins, and they also have some fine runners filling the supporting positions. They are heavily favored to take home the pennant here. Arcata, looking to regain its composure after a shocking defeat to Eureka in HDNL action, will be looking to improve upon last year’s 4th place team finish. Lead runner Yasmine White, who fell during her league finals race, will be the key here. Tamalpais, the second place team in the MCAL, is poised for a trip to the state meet, and they will be eagerly followed by league rival Sir Francis Drake. Drake is led by frosh sensation Katelyn Calvelli, who was the MCAL individual champion. St. Mary’s, despite having perhaps this division’s finest runner in Gabi Rios-Sotelo, will need superlative efforts from its other six runners to attempt to take on the top-4 teams in this division. The Bears of Ursuline, 3rd here in 2002, are not to be discounted, but they too will need some monster efforts from their pack if they wish to return to Fresno again after Turkey Day.

The individual race will be an impressive duel between Rios-Sotelo, the Sparks twins, and Calvelli, with White and Thea Sutton of San Rafael looking to hitch a ride. Rios-Sotelo has been injured recently, but she is the savvy veteran here, so do not be surprised if she pulls one out of her hat on this day. Calvelli is the unseasoned rookie who may be too brash and fast to realize that she is supposed to yield to her elders. Look for her to make some noise, as will the Sparks twins.

DIVISION V BOYS – 1:30 P.M

Current NCS Rankings
University
Head Royce
College Prep
Berean Christian
Lick Wilmerding

Individuals To Watch: Jonah Platt-Ross (University), David Lee (University), Ken Akiha (Head Royce), Steve Mindrup (Berean Christian), Alex Wa (Lick Wilmerding)

University, ranked #2 in the state, is lined up once again to make it a clean sweep of this division, as their boys team looks as strong as ever heading into these championships. Led by individual favorite Jonah Platt-Ross, University packs well, showing only a :37 gap between 1-5 at the BCL West Championships. Head Royce, boasting a #7 state ranking, has been waiting all season for the performance they turned in at the BCL East race, as they dominated the field, led by the solid front running of Ken Akiha. College Prep, second to Head Royce at league, has a good pack as well, but lacks a big gun up front to score low points. Berean Christian, guided by ace Steve Mindrup, should show better than they did at league, and will have to if they want to be on the podium at the end of the day. Looking to key on the mistakes of the other teams will be Lick Wilmerding, who will be taking a shot at upending one of the teams above for a berth to the big show.

Aaron Megazzi (Ferndale) has to be the favorite for this race, demonstrating tremendous ability over hill and dale, as well as on the oval last spring. Megazzi is a 4:21 1600 meter runner with incredible strength, and he will be the one to catch in this race.

The race for individual honors will also be between Platt-Ross, his teammate David Lee, Akiha, Mindrup, and Lick Wilmerding’s head honcho Alex Wa. While Platt-Ross is the favorite, look for Akiha to make a serious bid for top honors this afternoon.