Team,
You guys were once again fabulous at the Desert Mountain League Finals at Vasquez yesterday. We handily won the varsity race despite a less than all out effort, plus our JV actually would have placed second in the varsity race if we had two teams. Congratulations to Scott Acton for a 3rd consecutive League MVP award, and to All Leaguers Bryan Curtis, Thomas Waters, Andrew Starksen, Ray Biggerstaff, and Josh DeVore. We had 9 out of the top 10 runners in the race, and the performances of our young runners were outstanding. Since this was the last race for our JV, let me focus on them right now.
1. Scott 16:43
2. Bryan 16:57
3. Thomas 16:58
4. Andrew 16:58
5. Ray 17:15
6. Josh 17:30
7. Jonathan 17:58
8. Kyle 18:00
9. Wyatt 18:29
10. Stephen 18:39
11. James 18:50
12. Joe 19:20
13. Jax 19:30
14. Michael G 22:30
15. John C 23:51
Kyle Pounder – Kyle had a marvelous and stunning season far exceeding my expectations, and he clearly finished well. Despite running a season best 17:39 at Bell-Jeff I think his best two races were his last two, finishing 3rd overall for the team at Mammoth, and 8th overall for the team at Vasquez (18:00). I wish I could take more than 9 to CIF because Kyle has clearly earned it. He ended the season as a running force for our cross country team. Kyle has clearly earned a varsity letter for cross country. While Kyle will not be on the CIF roster, he has earned the right to travel with and be a part of this team to the end if he wishes. Kyle is one of 3 athletes that ran every race this season.
Wyatt Carr – Wyatt is a 4 year lettermen in cross country, and as expected made his senior year his best. His personal best was an 18:03 at Bell-Jeff, but like Kyle, I liked Wyatt’s last two races the best. He finished strong at Mammoth and Vasquez. While not on the CIF roster, Wyatt will be staying with the team all the way to State. His helpfulness and ability to help the athletes stretch makes him a valuable asset to our team, and he will be greatly needed as we pursue a State Championship.
Stephen Crockett – Stephen is a remarkable distance runner and will clearly be very important to our pursuit of the State meet in 2012. As a freshman with very little summer training under his belt, he blazed to a 19:09 at Bosco in his very first meet. He finished well becoming one of our elite young runners down the stretch, and clearly his best race was his last (18:39). He ran a slightly faster time at Bell-Jeff, but he ran a faster race at the slower Vasquez course making his last race his best. With a good summer training base in 2012, Stephen will be among the top sophomores in the Division in 2012.
James Gibson – While James had his best races early in the season, that won’t be the case in 2012. James role on the team this year was to run all of the races hard to allow us to rest out our top runners at some of the meets, yet keep our team competitive. He had a huge summer training base, far more miles than we recommend for a freshman, and I burned him out by running him so hard so often. James ran every race this season, and his young body felt it at the end. As his coach I am very thankful for him. His willingness to sacrifice his finish for the goals of the team is a wonderful attribute in a fine young man. James is clearly one of the top 5 freshman in the Southern Section Divison 5 this year and will be an All-State contender by the time he is a junior. James ran the 4th fastest time ever run by a DCHS freshman on any course, and twice broke 18 minutes, Bosco (17:22) and at Bell-Jeff (17:32).
Joe Ricketson – As a first year cross country runner Joe showed remarkable poise and skill out on the cross country course. He was a shining example of consistency with several races in the mid 19 range. I thought his best race was at Mammoth where he was the team’s 6th fastest runner, but then again his race at Vasquez was also outstanding. With a good summer base in 2012, I’m convinced that Joe’s times will be at least 2 minutes faster in every race next year. Joe has the discipline and skill to be one of our top 7 in 2012, and his first season as a DCHS cross country runner proves it. His awesome attitude and servant’s heart are a blessing to his coaches. Joe is one of 3 athletes to run every race this season.
Jax Gorman – Jax is a prime example of how hard work pays off. As a freshman in 2010 he never broke 20 minutes. This year after a tremendous summer effort, and hard work throughout the season, he broke 20 minutes 5 times, and even broke 19 minutes twice with an 18:42 at Bosco and an 18:57 at Bell-Jeff. I have big plans for Jax in 2012 where he should be in our varsity. Jax struggled in his last race in 2010, but came through big with a great finish to the 2011 season with a time of 19:33 at Vasquez. Jax’s great attitude and loving heart alone make him a huge blessing to his coaches and teammates.
Michael Goodnight – As a senior and first year cross country runner Michael brought joy and enthusiasm to the team. He came out to use the sport for fellowship and conditioning for basketball. I cannot tell you how many times Coach Neil told me that “Michael was a lot of fun to Coach.” Michael joined the team after school started, and as his Coach, I’m glad he did. The season would not have been as much fun without him. Interestingly, I have never had a runner whose best and fastest race was at Pelona Vista, yet that was Michael’s. Congratulations Michael on a great season.
John Crocker – John was shattering all of his times from last year until he caught a sickness that put him out for two weeks. John ran by far his best race and personal best time (21:03) at Bell-Jeff to round out a terrific summer commitment and fabulous season. John is one of the most kind hearted person’s I have ever coached and was a true example of a young man that loves the Lord. I can’t wait to have John back for the 2012 season.
Mikael Mansini – Mikael did not get to run at League Finals because of a knee injury, but he came through big time for us at Mammoth the week before. Despite being in pain, Mikael adhered to his coach’s wish by running at Mammoth allowing DCHS to continue the 21st straight year of being undefeated in Junior Varsity. Mikael had an outstanding summer commitment and ran on average 3 minutes faster than he did at every race in 2010. Mikael had a personal best of 19:24 at Bell-Jeff. His dedication and commitment to his team and coaches was evident throughout the season.
Nick Nystrom – Unfortunately Nick was not able to run the last two races because of a knee injury suffered at Mt. Sac, but wow, what a season Nick had. He was remarkably faster everywhere than he was in 2010, and Nick had his best race and personal best at the tough Mt. Sac course (20:54) even after suffering the injury. Nick was getting better and better as the season progressed and had he not been injured, I can only imagine how he would have finished at Vasquez. Nick is a huge joy to have on the team and I look forward to coaching him in his senior year next year.
In His Service,
Coach Visokey
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