Monache High School Cross Country Season Preview

The Monache High School cross country team has high expectations for this upcoming season, as they aim to win the East Yosemite League, CIF Central Section, and qualify for the CIF California State Championship. Led by Coach Seth Ishida, the team is confident and determined to achieve these goals. In a recent interview, Coach Ishida shared insight on the team’s top returning players, new additions, and the team’s overall dynamics. When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Ishida highlighted the talents of juniors Conner Machado and Devin Marino, as well as seniors Alberto Andrade and Jake Estrada. These four athletes had a successful track season, placing 10th in the state in the 4x800 meter relay and winning the CIF Central Section Masters meet. Coach Ishida praised their dedication and adaptability, stating that they “know what they have to do to succeed.” These returning players bring experience and leadership to the team, making them stand out and play a crucial role in the team’s success. In terms of new players, Coach Ishida mentioned the immediate impact of juniors Conner Machado and Devin Marino, along with Alberto Andrade and Jake Estrada. These four athletes have joined the team after a fantastic track season and have shown great potential in their abilities. Coach Ishida believes that their dedication and hard work will make them valuable additions to the team. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Ishida looks for qualities such as dedication, resilience, and leadership. Senior Miguel Bedolla has been chosen as captain this season due to his tremendous dedication and overcoming various injuries. He exemplifies the team’s spirit and keeps everyone motivated to communicate effectively. Team chemistry and camaraderie are essential components of a successful team. Coach Ishida shared that the team will spend time at the beach during the Woodbridge Invitational to build strong team bonds. He believes that a good team dynamic will contribute to the team’s success on and off the field. To push his players to their full potential, Coach Ishida uses visualization to help them realize their dreams. He also mentioned that coaches run with the team and often have fun competing with them during training runs, creating a healthy and motivating atmosphere. The team’s schedule for this season includes tough opponents such as those competing in the Woodbridge Invitational and the Clovis Invite. These early tests will prepare the team for the Division 2 Central Section Championship, where they will face top competition.