By Leonard COUTIN

Every season has its turn-overs. Replacing seniors who were vital members of a program for their leadership and scoring brings a huge challenge for the coaching staff as it looks to juniors and sophomores who are moving forward in their grade levels. The Falcons prepared for their 2018 cross-country season by building on their running program during the summer to close with the program’s traditional Mammoth running camp experience. Returning and new athletes gained a valuable experience running in the high altitude on various mountain terrains and along the lakes as they built camaraderie among the new ranks.

It was no surprise to see CV’s seniors lead runners, Dylan Wilbur and Manan Vats, move to the front with lead runner Daniel Rush of Golden Valley as the Falcons prepared for their first non-league cross-country meet on their home course on Thursday against Newbury Park, Camarillo, Canyon, Golden Valley and El Camino Real. Crescenta Valley’s head Coach Mark Evans was pleased with their first results.

“Dylan and Manan had very good races to open the season on our course,” said Evans. “We are pleased with the way Erik Faeustle and Grant Lauterback stepped up. Both ran lifetime bests on the course. Ameer Mohammed had a very good race and also a personal best.”

The top 10 positions were: Daniel Rush of Golden Valley ran 15:48 taking first followed by Dylan Wilbur of CV (15:49), Man Vats of CV (15:52), Alfredo Deanda of Canyon (16:05), Giancarlo Puccia of El Camino Real (16:31), Erik Faeustle of CV (16:33), Grant Lauterback of CV (16:40), Anthony Khasho of El Camino Real (16:48), Brandon Lucas of Golden Valley (16:55) and Doutimi Fakrogha of Canyon running 16:56. CV’s Ameer Mohammed took 12th running 17:04.

Final boys’ varsity scores: CV 30, El Camino Real 55, Canyon 63, and Golden Valley 73

The CV girls got off to a good start facing some keen competition from El Camino Real. CVHS junior Sophia Atin and senior Jicel Fernandez Ramirez of El Camino Real fought a battle over the course. Ramirez was able to make her break during the final mile to take the lead and win with a time of 19:33.03 followed by Atin running 19:36.75. The following are the remainder of the top 10 places on the course: in third was Shana Mendelsohn of El Camino (20:23.44) followed by Angelee Berganio of Canyon (20:26.53), Sierra Klemann of Camarillo (20:33.15), Sarah Nakama of CV (20:38.25), Marisa Rodriguez of Canyon (20:39.53), Samantha Moore of CV (20:42.97), Gabby Borraez of CV (20:47.53), and Caroline Bates of El Camino Real (20:50.94). Other contributors to the CV team were McKenna Heeg, who placed 11th (20:53.12), Izzy Lieberman, 20th, with a time of 21:44.31, Ily Nelson, 22nd, running 22:02.44, and Melissa Owens placing 26th with a time of 22:29.53.

“The girls ran well. Sophia was very impressive in her opening race of the season going under 20:00. The next four were within 15 seconds of each other. We just need to move them up closer to Sophia. Sarah Nakama ran very well as our second girl,” Coach Evans said.

Final girls’ varsity scores: CV 36, Canyon 58, Camarillo 70, El Camino Real 72, and Golden Valley 118

Evans was also encouraged by his JV squad as well.

“Our sophomore group is very exciting to watch and it was great to see them take the first eight places in the JV race with two freshmen in that group,” he said. The CV team was led by Jack Myers who ran 17: 17.44 followed by teammate Chris Cubias (17:17.97), Nolan Brown (17:29.59), Alex Davis (17:35.38), Jace Milford (18:10.78), Rowan Fitzgerald (18:11.21), Bryce Bitetti (18: 15.18) and Dylan Haworth 18:16.53. Andrew Palacios of El Camino Real placed ninth and his teammate Yahir Benitez took 10th. Final JV’s boys’ team scores: CV 15, El Camino Real 63, Canyon 64, Newbury Park 111 and Golden Valley 151

Racing for the first time out, the JV girls performed very well.

“It was nice to see our freshmen take one, two and three of the top four spots,” said Evans. “This is a talented group.”

Ninth grader Emma Walch took the win with a time of 21:35.66 followed by teammate Reese Sion, also a ninth grader, 21:37.12. Canyon Milca Osorio placed third 21:45.18 followed by Taili Sherwood-kong (21:48.44), Kayla Young of Canyon (22:09.88), Victoria Gonzales of Camarillo (22:11.34), Carly Zahrt of Canyon (22:18.62), Emily Cruz Canyon (22:39.18), Sojeong Kang of CV (22:48.00), Andrea Gonzalez of Camarillo (23:13.25).

Final JV girls’ team scores: CV 27, Canyon 36, and Camarillo 73

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  Leonard Coutin