The Canyon High School cross country team is gearing up for another exciting season, and head coach George Velarde has high hopes for his athletes. With a mix of veteran runners and new talent, the team is ready to tackle their goals and make an impact on the championship courses.
When asked about the top returning players for this year, Coach Velarde had no hesitation in naming the boys' and girls teams' goals for the season – placing in the top 7 at CIF Finals and going to State and placing in the top 7 overall. To achieve these goals, consistency in training will be key, and the top returning players from last season have shown their dedication and hard work.
On the boys' side, the top returning players include Carlos Villa, Jeremiah Torres, Nick Sawyer, Max Ramirez, and Beto Osorio. Coach Velarde points out that their consistency in training sets them apart and makes them special. These runners will be the backbone of the team and will set the bar for the new players joining the squad. As for the girls' team, the top returning players include Abby Racancoj, Ashley Kpachavi Jassmine Enamorado, Jazlene Herreres, Raquel Revilla, Jocelyn Cruz, and Brooke DuPont.
Coach Velarde shares that they have set high goals and their solid summer training has already shown promising results. Their pack racing will be their biggest strength this season. When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Velarde looks for qualities such as respect and accountability. The team captains are chosen through a vote among the athletes, ensuring that they are leaders who are admired and trusted by their teammates.
Only one player, Owen Souther, currently holds the role of team captain. This shows his dedication and qualities as a leader, but Coach Velarde is open to others stepping up and taking on the responsibility. Team chemistry and camaraderie play a significant role in any team's success, and Coach Velarde acknowledges this. He works hard to build a family atmosphere within the team, organizing team dinners, pool parties, a San Diego trip, and a training camp at Mammoth.
These activities create a strong bond between the athletes and motivate them to push themselves to their full potential. This year's biggest challenges in preparing for the season lie in maintaining consistency in training, showing improvement every few weeks, and understanding that each individual's running journey is personal.
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