Tulare Union High School's cross country team is preparing for an exciting season ahead, with a fiercely competitive and dedicated group of young athletes. I had the opportunity to speak with Coach Jeremy Monitz about the team's returning players, new additions, and their overall goals for the season.
The top returning players from last season are Waylon Elliot, Oscar Sanchez, Julian Aguirre, Alex Ruiz, Ryan Rutledge, Tristan Jimenez, Angel Garcia, and Elijah Cabrera. Coach Monitz describes these players as special because of their hard work, accountability, and determination to be the best. These players have shown their dedication by putting in extra hours running on their own on weekends and pushing each other to be their best.
This level of commitment and camaraderie is a key strength that will help the team achieve their goals this season. There are also some new players that Coach Monitz believes will make an immediate impact on the team. These players include Dereck Frausto, David Lopez, Adrian Espinoza, and Dilan Vega-Leon.
Coach Monitz is excited to see how these new additions will push the top players for a spot in the top 7. It is important for the team to have a healthy level of competition, as it will motivate each individual to push themselves to their full potential. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Monitz looks for high character individuals who can lead and motivate their peers.
Currently, the team captains are Waylon Elliot, Oscar Sanchez, Landon Koeppe, Alex Ruiz, and Ryan Rutledge. These players have shown their commitment to the team and the sport, and they serve as role models for their teammates. However, Coach Monitz also mentions that there are other players, such as the new additions mentioned previously, who are also battling for a leadership role on the team.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial elements for a successful season. Coach Monitz believes in selecting young men who are not only talented athletes but also high character individuals. These individuals must have bought into the team's mission and be able to communicate, model, and compete at high levels. To strengthen their bond, the team participates in activities such as team lunches, ultimate frisbee games, and distance runs followed by a shared meal. This not only helps the team bond, but it also promotes a positive and supportive team culture.
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