CIF State Cross-Country Championships Preview: Local runners reach peak
FRESNO — Undoubtedly, the voice of Perry Como is echoing off the walls of many a dwelling at this time of year.
The 1954 single, “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays,” is a classic close to the hearts of many, reminding those of the comforts of home.
But as Thanksgiving came and went on Thursday, cross-country runners across California must have incurred internal conflict.
At any other time, home might be the preferred destination, but on this weekend, the top runners are all headed to the place that they set their hearts on for many months.
That place is Woodward Park in Fresno, where the CIF State Championships will be run on Saturday.
For those from the Southern Section, it most likely will feel nothing like home. The forecast calls for a cold morning (42-59 degrees) and possible wet weather for those in the later heats.
If there is a disadvantage, the conditions will be it. Not that anyone will be treating them as such.
Corona del Mar High Coach Bill Sumner certainly won’t be looking to make excuses, especially with 29 years of coaching stories to tell in his back pocket.
“We went to the national championships the first year that they were in Portland,” Sumner said. “The temperature was in the mid-30’s, and it rained all night.”
“I would say 25% of the course was under six inches of water, and we ran it. Christie St. Geme lost her shoe in that race and still ran the race.”
Running in the Southern Section is both a gift and a curse. Its stiff competition makes it tough to advance to the state meet, but for those who have done so, they know exactly what awaits them at Woodward Park.
The Southern Section contains nine of the 10 projected team state champions, and it also possesses five of the individual title favorites.
Costa Mesa’s Elliot Hachac has already raced against top-ranked Division 4 runner Callum Bolger (San Luis Obispo) three times this year.
“Having those guys in his race has made him more prepared to race them,” Mustangs Coach Steve Moreno said. “He’s learned a lot from them, but he’s also learned a lot about his own capabilities in that he can race with the best runners in Southern California and the state.”
Chino Hills Ayala senior Steven Khan is also a Southern Section product, meaning that the area’s other individual qualifier has already been exposed to his top competition.
Newport Harbor’s Alexis Garcia placed 10th in 15:06 at the CIF-SS Finals. That was 18 seconds off of Khan’s winning time of 14:48.
With the likes of “Roller Coaster Hills” and “Killer Hill,” Woodward Park offers its own obstacles to the runners. Sage Hill Coach Nate Miller says that another component presents the greatest challenge.
“One of the biggest challenges that I find having gone [to state] for several years is that everyone is really pumped up on adrenaline,” he said. “It’s really common to go out 15-20 seconds faster than they’re used to. Being smart in the first mile, I think, is one of our biggest challenges.”
The state meet is run on a 5K-course, so team time records will fall behind placing in terms of priority. Sage Hill’s girls’ team will be targeting a top 10 showing at state.
Having reached CIF’s final stage, Miller says the pressure is off of his girls at this point.
“We’re excited to go,” he said. “I think the girls are more relaxed this week than they were last week, and I think they’ll all run better because of that.”
CIF State Championships
Where: Woodward Park, 7775 Friant Road, Fresno CA 93720.
When: The first race is at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning.
Fan Info: There is no charge for parking, but spectators must purchase a ticket to enter the park. Tickets are $10 for adults. They are $5 for seniors and students with a valid ASB card. Rain is a possibility, particularly for the later races.
Locals Running at the State Meet:
Division 4 Boys, 8:30 a.m.: Elliot Hachac, Costa Mesa, Sr.
Division 5 Boys, 9:00 a.m.: None
Division 4 Girls, 9:30 a.m.: None
Division 5 Girls, 10:05 a.m.: Sage Hill
Division 1 Boys, 10:40 a.m.: None
Division 2 Girls, 11:10 a.m.: None
Division 3 Boys, 11:45 a.m.: None
Division 1 Girls, 12:15 p.m.: None
Division 2 Boys, 12:50 p.m.: Alexis Garcia, Newport Harbor, So.
Division 3 Girls, 1:20 p.m.: Corona del Mar
