2007 CaliforniaState Finals

A wonderful finish to our season...our 93.31 team time at the California State Finals is the tenth fastest all time in the history of the meet ,dating back to 1987, and earned our girls a third place finish in Division 1 AND the entire state of California. Our effort earned the girls consideration...we were in the conversation...for an at-large (two teams, Saugus and Esperanza, received automatic berths, we were third) to the Nike High School National Championships of Cross Country in Portland next weekend; however, we were not selected, losing out(by a point system thatawards teams points for defeating teams during the season that qualified forNTN) to four teams from Alabama, New York(2), and New Hampshire. The girlswere extremely disappointed upon hearing the news; nevertheless, this doesnot detract from a memorable season, from Seaside to State Finals. I can not state enough positive comments about the girls decorum andpreparation the entire weekend in Fresno. Focused, settled, determined, thegirls "managed the moment" of competing in a State Final to the utmost, andthe proof is in the results. Sure, we would have loved to have defeatedEsperanza, we were only seventeen points away. The fact is, Esperanza ranwell, very well as a matter of fact, and my hat is off to them. We offer no excuses, never will, and to the girls credit, all were gracious to Esperanzaat the award's stand. All week Mama Clemons and myself were confident ourteam would run well, we did just that, and I could not be prouder as a headc oach than I am today. A huge thank you to the athletes who arrived in Fresno, ten or so, to cheeron our athletes. It was much appreciated by the athletes, believe me. The girls also appreciated the loud cheering section...parents, friends, andfans...at the award's ceremony, three teams are accorded the privilege ofclimbing the award's stand, and we were one of them. I also appreciate the numerous phone calls, emails, and correspondence to myself from parents ofvarsity or non-varsity athletes that have offered congratulatory comments onour accolades. Thank you!!! To the girls who traveled to Fresno: Kristin Arkin(12), Ximena Cruz(11),Lindsay Enright(11), Lori Hoffman(11), Rachel Moore(12), Hayley Niles(11),Sabrina Rathor(11), and Makenna Smith(10)...congratulations. The future isbright with five of our seven runners who ran Saturday returning, and a slewof enthusiastic and talented juniors, sophomores, and freshmen on thehorizon. I expect the competition for the seven varsity spots to be intensein the 2008 season, and the returners will be told on Monday that there are284 days until the Seaside Invitational on Friday, September 12, and their preparation begins immediately. To our two departing seniors and captainswho competed in Fresno, thank you. Kristin and Rachel's exemplary leadershipwas one of the reasons for our success this season, not to mention each oftheir respective running prowess. I will miss, appreciate, and never forgetthe 2007 Trabuco Hills Girls' Cross Country team. You have set the bar forfuture teams, no THHS Girls' Cross Country program did it better, and thankyou for the memory.

2007 CIF Finals

No one can say that a Trabuco Hills High School Girls' Cross Country teamhas not ever qualified for the California State Finals. This morning, wedid. Instead of ecstasy reigning supreme on the girls' faces, thecelebration was a tad subdued, to say the least. Our goal was to finishsecond, the standard in C.I.F. for recognition on the award's stand, and aC.I.F. Runner-up patch; however, we finished third, behind Saugus(the bestteam in the nation in my opinion) and Esperanza, who ran a wonderful race.Am I disappointed??? Not in the least...This morning, we were the third bestgirls' cross country team in all of C.I.F., not just Division 1, and thegirls ran and performed their hearts out in a presssure-packed setting. AmI, Coach Mama Clemons, or the girls satisfied with our race??? No, we arenot, because although we ran well collectively, we believe that we did notrun our best race. Kudos to all seven: Kristin Arkin(18.06), XimenaCruz(18.30), Lindsay Enright(20.38), Lori Hoffman(18.39-PR), HayleyNiles(18.55-PR), Sabrina Rathor(18.16-PR), and Makenna Smith(18.50). Yourepresented our program with class, you fought the good fight, and nowonward to Fresno...departing Friday morning around 8:00A.M. Thank you to the thirty-five or so girls who traveled on the 5:10A.M. bus,painted their faces, cheered and ran their lungs out, and were a hugeassistance to our efforts. Parents, thank you for taking the time to driveyour daughters to THHS and supporting our cause. I was proud of our crosscountry program this morning. I have witnessed an evolution over the lastfour years in this sport that has been a joy to witness...and I look forwardto the future of the program. Keep encouraging your daughters, insist thatshe never misses practice, and remember..."Anything worth doing, is worthdoing well...," and this morning, we did it well...Thank you...

2007 CIF prelims.

What a difference a year makes. Last season at C.I.F. Preliminaries, we rana team time of 97.03, including: Sabrina Rathor(18.57), WhitneyWiles(19.18), Carissa Brown(19.19), Kristin Arkin(19.44), LoriHoffman(19.45), Michelle Wicker(20.22), and Lindsay Enright(21.33). OnSaturday, we ran 92.25, including: Kristin Arkin(18.03), MakennaSmith(18.19), Sabrina Rathor(18.28), Ximena Cruz(18.30), WhitneyWiles(19.05), Hayley Niles(19.12), and Kristyn Summers(19.30). The girlsearned the second fastest team time in all of C.I.F. by a consistent day today work ethic the last twelve months, and an overall dedication to thesport of cross country. As I have stated numerous times in the past twelve months, C.I.F Finals isnot good enough anymore. Our performance at last year's finals wascollectively the worst performance by any team in the four years I have beencoaching the girls, and everything we have done as a coaching staff and teamhas been dedicated to that day. Coaches are driven by their failures, andCoach Mama Clemons and myself are no different. Our training was enhanced,every nuance of the program was evaluated and adjusted, and the girls haveresponded. Our goal of achieving the State Finals has been heightened tobeing one of the two teams on the podium for team awards, and I believe wehave the capability of being the C.I.F. runner-up, behind whom I believe isthe best team in the country, Saugus High School. Our competition will befierce...Dana Hills, Redlands, Fountain Valley, and Eperanza High Schoolsare all capable of beating us, as we are of them. When you are the OrangeCounty champion, ranked #2 in C.I.F. Division 1, and sixth(we've defeatedtwo of the teams ranked ahead of us) in the state of California, people aregunning for you...; however, the girls have proven to be resilient, and Ibelieve this Saturday will be no different, no matter the result.

A big thank to to the thirty girls who traveled with the team to cheer onnot only the girls, but the boys as well. A special thank you to juniorsRebecca Murillo and Hannah Giclas who coordinated the cheer efforts...makingsigns, paint on faces, etc. Kudos to Coach Liam Clemons...his boys' varsityteam ran their strongest performance of the season and finished with thesecond fastest team time in all of C.I.F. Preliminaries, and also have highaspirations this Saturday. Good luck to them. To say I am proud of ourgirls' accomplishments this past season would be an understement...from Seaside to C.I.F. Preliminaries, it has been quite a ride, full of numeroushighs. However, the memory of last year's C.I.F. Finals, the bitterdisappointment(as well as mine) on the girls' faces, is still a vividmemory. We will prepare this week, as we have the past twelve months, tosoothe that memory. We look forward to the competition, wish us well, andthank you for your support.

GO BLUE!!!

We Will Not Wilt In Walnut...

Sea View League championships

A big congratulations to all three levels: varsity, junior varsity, andfrosh-soph, for their respective back to back Sea View League championships.Our varsity is currently the #1 ranked team in Orange County, #2 in C.I.F.Division 1, and #5 in the state of California. Our goal is to place secondat C.I.F., and become the first team in THHS history to qualify for theState Girls' Cross Country Finals, held over Thanksgiving weekend in Clovis.Congratulations to the following girls who were top seven for grade level atleague finals: freshmen-Danielle Brabender...sophomore-Makenna Smith,Kristyn Summers...junior-Sabrina Rathor(#1), Ximena Cruz, Lindsay Enright,Lori Hoffman...and senior-Kristin Arkin, Whitney Wiles, Rachel Moore, andMeredith Suman. Remember, all girls are to dress out for the next two weeks during ourrecovery time and will average one mile per day(release time is 3:00) untilNovember 16...On November 19, we will begin pre-season track and fieldtraining and release time will be around 3:45 until further notice. This isa year-round program, and as such, training never stops. Thank you for your support, good luck to varsity at C.I.F., and GO BLUE!!!

Mt. S.A.C and OC fires

---On Thursday, October 25, the eight girls(one more to be added after SeaView League Finals) that have earned the privelege of representing ourgirls' cross country team in C.I.F competition completed a workout at L.A.Fitness in Lake Forest...a Mt. S.A.C. simulation of HARD running for sixminutes, on a treadmill, at race pace, immediately transitioning to threeminutes hard on an incline, recovery running of two minutes, three minuteshard on an incline, recovery running of two minutes, then finish with threeminutes hard on an incline, and after a five minute rest, repeated theworkbout two more times. This was followed by corework. Friday's workoutwill be one and one -half miles of swimming. ---A big thank you to the parents who encouraged your daughters to trainthis week by visiting a local fitness center...L.A. Fitness($5 per visit),or 24-Hour Fitness(Free if you stay...), as has been communicated to youearlier this week. I saw numerous girls' cross country athletes at L.A.Fitness on Wednesday, and my fervent hope is that the girls take theinitiative to discipline themselves to workout. As I have stated manytimes...success at the level Coach Mama Clemons and myself aspire to has aprice, such as personal accountability. ---Our tradition of traveling every season will continue in 2008 with a tripto the Stanford Invitational on September 27, 2008...the top fourteen willfly to San Jose on Friday, September 26, visit Stanford University, workout,race the next day, and be driven to San Francisco(Pier 39) for Saturdaynight fun. ---Congratulations to the girls' varsity team for their continued #1 rankingin Orange County, #3 in C.I.F. Division 1, #4 in the State Division 1, andfor being ranked #5 in the entire state of Caifornia, and one of the teamsranked ahead of us we've defeated(Fountain Valley at the Orange CountyChampionships). ---A residue of team success is an athlete being recruited. Senior KristinArkin, who has experienced an individual epiphany of sorts with breakthroughperformances at O.C. Championships(third), and Mt. S.A.C.(18.08-best ever bya THHS runner), is being heavily recruited by the University of Nevada, LasVegas...University of Nevada, Reno...and the University of California,Davis, with more schools sure to follow. Kristin's 4.25 cumulative gradepoint average, including a rigorous college- prep curriculum, doesn't hurteither. ---As I type this in my local public library in Seal Beach(much differentair quality, by the way, than what I experienced this morning in MissionViejo), I do not know if there will be school tomorrow; however, I do knowthis...all outdoor practices are prohibited until Monday...so it isincumbent for your daughter to do all she can to visit a local fitnesscenter and treadmill(45 minutes at 7-9 speed depending on ability), swim,jump rope, do something...I have no idea when we will practiceagain...Please be part of the solution, not part of the problem...

OC Champs

When I sat down one year ago to type after the Orange County Cross CountryChampionships, I stated, amongst other tidbits, that seventh place...running93.16, was "not good enough."Actually, I borrowed that quote from one of the varsity athletes, who echoedthose sentiments. One year later, here we are, Orange County VarsitySweepstakes Team Champions, and the Frosh-Soph and Novice did likewise. Themeet organizer estimated(2.82 miles yesterday, conversion to three miles)our team time would have been 89.08, adding eighty seconds per runner, a4.08 improvement over last year, which would be the second fastest(justahead of Corona Del Mar-89.22-2006) ever in the thirty year history of theevent, alas, we will never know for sure. I am CERTAIN we would have bested the third fastest team time(Fountain Valley-90.39-2006).Individually...converting times...we ran 17.21(Kristin Arkin), 17.45(MakennaSmith), 17.48(Sabrina Rathor), 17.56(Ximena Cruz), and 18.18(Lori Hoffman).Last year, we ran 18.14, 18.15, 18.52, 18.53, and 19.02. Moreover, ourfrosh-soph, utilizing conversion, ran 18.39(Kristyn Summers), 18.40(DanielleBrabender), 18.54(Kamilah Foley), 19.04(Jessica Varela), and 19.18(AmandaSummers)...94.35...a 5.01 improvement over our 99.36 last year. KristinArkin...third fastest senior---Sabrina Rathor...third fastestjunior---Ximena Cruz...fourth fastest junior---and Makenna Smith...secondfastest sophomore in Orange County, garnered accolades for their efforts.Congratulations. Our fastest freshman was Danielle Brabender...again,18.40...and she is making rapid strides through this program from week toweek. The size of our team and the time schedule yesterday, not to mention ouraccomplishments and the subsequent interviews from Dyestat.cal and theOrange County Register, made it impossible to devote much individualattention after the races. Perusing the results, there were numerousoutstanding efforts...too many to list. I will be chatting with many of theindividuals who ran Saturday and recognize each of their accomplishments.This is one of the negatives of coaching a large team, sometimes it isimpossible to devote the amount of time desired the day of the race to theathletes given my responsibilities...Heck, I barely made the start of thejunior varsity race...losing track of time while talking to a reporter(Ihope that does not sound pompous, it is not meant to be...). Nevertheless,our program effort, not just the winning efforts, on Saturday, wasexemplary, and that is a testament to the amount of effort your daughter hasdevoted to this sport. Our attention now shifts to the Mt. San Antonio College(Walnut) Invitationalon Saturday, October 20, the largest high school cross country meet in thenation. Our top thirty athletes have practiced on the course three timesthus far, and if it wasn't for the P.S.A.T. make-up this Wednesday, we wouldhave practiced at Mt. S.A.C. on Wednesday, instead, we will be at R.S.M.Lake for mile repeats. One mile into the course, the girls will encounter a331 meter hill, known as the "Switchback," and later will be met by twoother tough hills. This is also the site of C.I.F. competition, and FootLocker West will hold their regional competition on the famed Mt. S.A.C.terrain, which ultimately crowns a national individual champion. I ran Mt.S.A.C. numerous times in high school, remember it well, and I look forwardto the girls testing their wares on this renowned course. Our varsity hasentered the Sweepstakes Race, which will include Saugus High School, ranked#1 in the state, and second in the nation, plus other elite teams inCalifornia, such as Torrey Pines High School from San Diego. Our decision toenter the Varsity Sweepstakes Race is a change in philosophy from previousseasons, where we "low-keyed" Mt. S.A.C. and ran all of the girls in gradelevel races, forgoing varsity competition. Coach Mama Clemons and myself,given our performances at C.I.F. Finals the last two seasons, believe achange was necessary, and we look forward to the opportunity for our girls.Also, Mt. S.A.C. will feature a State Team Champion Junior Varsity race,whereby all teams entered in the Sweepstakes Race will run their next sevengirls in a junior varsity race that will crown an unofficial State JuniorVarsity Team Champion...We look forward to that race, also. Many of you took the time to either email, phone, or personally congratulatemyself or Coach Mama Clemons for our team accomplishments at O.C. Champs.Thank you...Also, a heartfelt thank you to Jeanette Murillo for helping toorganize our team barbecue at O.C. Champs. It was a resounding success, andknowing Jeanette for a few years now, I am not surprised. I attended afamily wedding on Saturday, as well as my girlfriend's twenty year reunionthat evening, and needless to say, I was sort of floating the entireafternoon, and late into the evening. The cruel reality of this sport;however, is we are only as good as our previous workout...Take care ofpractice today, results will transpire tomorrow. My focus now is to motivatethe girls to practice efficiently on Monday, and beyond, because that is thefoundation on race day. Am I happy...rather, ecstatic, for the girls and theprogram, absolutely...Are Coach Mama Clemons and myselfsatisfied...NO...because there is always room for improvement. We push on,and I look forward to the rest of the journey. Trabuco Hills High School Girls' Cross Country-Orange County VarsitySweepstakes, Frosh-Soph, Novice Team Champions...Thank you for yoursupport...

Sea View League Cluster Meet

A wonderful Thursday afternoon for our girls...Varsity, junior varsity,and frosh-soph were all victorious...in the frosh-soph-junior varsity combined race, we garnered 15 of the top 20 individual placings, including the top four. Sophomore Kristyn Summers won the race, with junior Lindsay Enright, senior Rachel Moore, and sophomore Kamilah Foley 2, 3, and 4. Top three freshmen were Dani Brabender(19.40), Sarah Daily (20.19), and Shelby Niles (20.33). Our top 5 girls ran 96.20, we ran 100.22 in 2006, a 4.02 improvement.
Our varsity ran 91.05 to win the race...we ran 94.45 in 2006, a 3.40 improvement, quite impressive for five girls. 2006, our top five times were18.32, 18.32, 19.09, 19.16, and 19.16...yesterday, we ran 17.57 (KristinArkin), 18.02 (Sabrina Rathor), 18.11(Makenna Smith), 18.13 (Ximena Cruz), and18.42 (Hayley Niles). The girls deserve this, all have worked diligently toachieve our current success; however, today is another day, and now ourfocus is to practice well this afternoon, and prepare for the Orange County Cross Country Championships. Coach Clemons and myself will tell the team this afternoon our goal is to win the varsity team championship, as well asthe frosh-soph and junior varsity...because we both believe we have the capability to capture any of those titles.---53 girls ran in 2006, 69 in 2007. 0(2006) broke 18 minutes, 1 in 2007,2 (2006) under 19 minutes, 5 in 2007...9 (2006) broke 20 minutes, 14 in 2007,15 (2006) under 21 minutes, 24 in 2007, 23(2006) broke 22 minutes, 33 in2007. Coach Clemons and myself are both proud of these statistics.---Notable individual improvements from 2006 to 2007...same course, sameThursday: Amanda Lee, 24.34-20.27...Kamilah Foley, 22.00-19.19...KristinArkin, 19.21-17.57...Ximena Cruz, 20.18-18.13...Brittany Hernandez,22.58-20.13...Sarah Brewer, 22.06-20.31...Taylor Mujica, 23.38-21.19...Katrina Otto, 23.30-22.27...Sabrina Rathor,18.32-18.02...Kristyn Summers, 19.59-19.00...Rachel Moore,22.12-19.14,...Amanda Summers, 20.42-20.11...Kasie Dorr,21.04-20.36...Hillary Rush, 22.19-21.50...and Alanna Denton, 23.40-21.35.

Bob Firman Invi. Boise, ID

"Gosh, your girls are so nice." This was a comment stated to me by the
United Airlines stewardess on the plane flight home. Funny, just before
that, Coach Mama Clemons and myself were commenting to each other on the exact same sentiments. We were both chatting to each other on the airplane ride home, and one of the subjects was how well behaved our girls are, and their overall decorum: airplane rides, van rides, hotel, restaurants, race site, social activities, how exemplary it was. Oh sure, there were moments of hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. The captains made a decision to have a 6:45A.M. breakfast time for all of us Saturday morning, then go back to the rooms to dress for the race and an 8:15 departure...rather than meet dressed at 7:45(extra hour of sleep), eat breakfast, and leave. This was greeted by more than one terse comment from various team members early that morning...However, all in all, the girls co-existed well, we raced well, and it was a positive experience for all. Again, we raced well...very well. Our varsity sweepstake's team placed
third...roughly two and one-half minutes behind Mountain Brook, Alabama...ranked #21 in the country. Davis, Utah, finished second. Our grouping was phenomenal, the girls competed their hearts out...and we improved as a team. Our #2 team won Varsity Division 1...easily, defeating Mountain Brook #2 who finished second, and received a nice Nike banner and trophy to boot. This team also competed mightily, the grouping was also outstanding, and the girls received commendations from the officials at the meet, including Bob Firman himself. Our #3 team finished fourth, missing third by five points in Varsity Division 2, a change of plans from running junior varsity, and handled the competition more than satisfactorily for
their first-ever varsity experience. The girls were understandably nervous upon hearing of the change; however, all rallied and rose to the occasion. Kudos to top twenty finishers: Lindsay Enright, Whitney Wiles, Emilie No, Kamilah Foley, Meredith Suman, Kasie Dorr, and Sarah Daily...who all were
handed Nike backpacks for their efforts.

Again, a positive experience...A true cross country course, replete with
various terrain...grass, gravel, dirt, concrete...hill and dale...weather
was truly Idaho...cloudy, misty...a different vibe. We knew no one...the
competition was tough...of course after running against Saugus two weeks in
a row nothing phases us...and the girls rose to the occasion. The team was
told that this was a business trip, a chance to better themselves
individually and collectively...and all in all we accomplished this. Now
it's on to Sea View League cluster on October 4, no race this week...and a
chance for our varsity to race Foothill...who defeated us at Woodbridge,
they're ranked ahead of us in Orange County, and are the #1 ranked team in
C.I.F. Division 2, and Woodbridge. We look forward to the competition.
Parents, thank you for your support of this trip, we plan on taking
twenty-one girls again next year...if you were there you' d know why, and
Coach Mama Clemons and myself look forward to the rest of the season.

Woodbridge 2007

A big thank you to all of the parents who stayed last night to support ourtwo varsity teams who ran at 7:20, and in the Sweepstake's Race at 9:15. Our#2 varsity team finished third(ran 92.40, thirty-five seconds slower thanlast year's #1 team) to Fountain Valley#1 and Saugus#2(top ranked in thestate, #3 in the nation), and our Varsity #1 team finished sixth(89.48,averaging under eighteen minutes per girl) in the Sweepsake's Race, wherethe second through sixth place teams were within forty-six seconds of eachother. Makenna Smith(10)-17.41(19.07 last year), SabrinaRathor(11)-17.44(18.30), Lori Hoffman(11)-17.53(18.39), KristinArkin(12)-18.05(19.25), and Hayley Niles(11)-18.25(19.31) combined for aforty-four second gap, while Rachel Moore(12) continued her rapid ascentthrough this program, running 18.29(20.19). Our #2 team witnessed XimenaCruz(11) run 18.09(20.11 last year), Whitney Wiles(12), in her first raceafter a long rehab, ran 18.23, Emilie No(10), in her FIRST YEAR of crosscountry ran 18.29, Kamilah Foley(10) ran 18.42(21.37-a 2.55 improvement from2006, WOW!), and Meredith Suman(12)-18.57(19.55), all post solid efforts. Asyou can see, and echoing my comments after last year's season, thecompetition for the seven varsity spots is fierce...six seconds separatedour numbers six through nine girls(Wiles, H.Niles, Moore, No) last night,and I expect this to continue the entire season.
The junior varsity race saw Kristine Andersen(11) run 20.08, verycommendable after an extended rehab, and Rebecca Murillo(11) run 20.27, asolid PR in her first year of cross country. The second place sophomore teamcombined Brittany Hernandez running 19.47(22.00 in 2006), KatelynLockwood-19.55, her first solid effort of the season, Amanda Lee-20.00, abig PR, Justine Rea-20.01 in her FIRST YEAR of cross country, and AmandaSummers-20.12(21.04) to a more than respectable finish. The second placefreshmen team were led by Dani Brabender-19.36, Sarah Daily-19.42, ShelbyNiles-19.43, Jessica Lee-20.49, and Taryn Davis-20.54, kudos on theircollective efforts, and our NOVICE team was led by AmberMosier(9)-23.18(Previous PR 27.12), and Karina Nurmberg(9)-23.19.
There were other notable occurrences...Kristyn Summers(10)-19.30(20.24 in2006), Kasie Dorr(10)-20.21(20.59), Sarah Brewer(10)-20.26(21.59), andKatrina Otto(10)-21.52(23.38) all enjoyed noticeable improvements. JessicaVarela(10) fell during the varsity race, sustained a nasty abrasion near herknee, got up, finished, and ran a respectable 19.16. Coach Mama Clemons andmyself are proud of not only the above-mentioned accolades, but our entireprogram's accomplishments last night as well. We ran well, the girls lookedlike winners, and the program conducted itself with class. We did not justrun in the Sweepstake's Race(our FIRST in the program' history), we made astatement in the process. We belong, and we plan on staying; however, ourtask is far from finished. Foothill, a Sea View League rival, benefittingfrom a key senior transfer(#2 runner), and her freshman sister(#3 runner)from Corona del Mar, defeated us last night. We meet on October 4. Seventeams qualify for State, and five(Saugus, Esperanza, Redlands, MurrietaValley, and Fountain Valley) all defeated us last night; although, otherthan Saugus, we were on the radar of the rest of the teams. My number onepriority as of this moment is Monday's workout, I will let future resultstake care of themselves, and it's now on to Boise, Idaho, and Dana Point.Again, thank you for your support last night, I look forward to the rest ofthe season, and GO BLUE!!!

Seaside Invitational

I love number crunching...Here I go...
---32 competed at our last Seaside Invitational(2005), 71 in 2007. Our
team(top five girls) time in 2005 was 98.34, 92.55 yesterday, a 5.39
improvement. 92.55 is the seventh fastest team time in the history of the
twenty-five year Seaside Invitational...The team that defeated us yesterday,
Saugus(89.51), is the top ranked team in the state, and top five nationally.
So, so many girls ran well yesterday, I do not no where to start...so I
won't. 1 broke 19 minutes in 2005...5 in 2007, 3 eclipsed 20...11 in 2007, 7
under 21...22 in 2007, 15 under 22...31 in 2007...Coach Mama Clemons and
myself are proud of our accomplishments. Like Coach Clemons told the team
this morning..."I was proud to be your coach yesterday. We ran well, you
looked good, and you conducted yourself as you should." I echo those
sentiments. If you are curious of our top ten individual performances...go
to www.dyestatcal.com...
---A nice workout this morning...10, 9, 8, 7, 6, or a 5 mile run...recovery
pace, and the athletes ran well. 7:00A.M. for virtually the entire
team...5:30A.M. for Makenna Smith...and again, a solid workout this morning
considering the day we endured, and I mean endured, yesterday. Parents,
thank you for your support of this morning's workout...very, very few
unexcused absences...
---20 girls have been notified of earning a trip to Boise, ID. for the
September 22 Bob Firman Invitational. The last spot will be awarded to
either Sarah Brewer, Katelyn Lockwood, Rebecca Murillo, or Shelby Niles.
Good luck to all at Woodbridge.
---All of the athletes are expected to stay for the Varsity Sweepstake's
Race at the Woodbridge Invitational on Saturday, September 15...the race
will begin around 9:00P.M. The rest of the girls will race around
4:30-6:30P.M. Please support this. All parents are encouraged to transport
their daughter home from Woodbridge High School.
---Seven girls have earned the privelege to represent our program in the
Woodbridge Varsity Sweepstake's Race through a series of evaluations,
including Intra-Squad Race, Idyllwild 2X800 Relay, Idyllwild Race, and
Seaside. The seven will be announced to the entire team after practice on
Monday.
---Sweepstake's Race...Sweepstake's Attitude...Sweepstake's Mentality...

Parent meeting Tuesday, August 28, THHS Theatre

---Practice on Saturday morning is 6:00-8:45A.M., at R.S.M. Lake. Please
park near Starbuck's. Team breakfast to follow at I.H.O.P. in
R.S.M...9:00-10:30 A.M. Please encourage your daughter to attend the
breakfast and to download a flier.
---Practices next week are 7:00-9:45A.M. If you are involved in Link Crew on
Wednesday and Friday, practice is 5:00-6:45A.M.
---All girls' cross country runners have the option of attending "Round-Up"
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday at 11:30A.M., which is the official
time for any THHS student involved in a co-curricular activity. Your
daughter is not allowed to skip practice to attend "Round-Up," nor may she
tell me that she wants to look nice for "Round-Up," so she can not practice.
Please pay A.S.B.($40 to THHS) and transportation($85 to S.V.U.S.D.) fees at
"Round-Up."
---Parent meeting this Tuesday, August 28, THHS Theatre, 6:30-7:30P.M., to
discuss any and all aspects of cross country. Please be there!!!
---Please check our website...runningmustangsxc.com...for updated
information, including the spirit pack, which you can download for your
convenience. Spirit pack fee is due by August 31...uniforms, etc. to be
handed out Saturday, September 1, after practice.
---Sweepstake's Race...Sweepstake's Attitude...Sweepstake's Mentality...

A super pair of workouts

---A super pair of workouts this morning. Vista Del Lago hills for the THHS
group, and Switchback repeats at Mt. S.A.C. in Walnut for the later in the
morning group. Senior Kristin Arkin led group one with ten repetitions of
our hill loop at Mt. S.A.C. in forty-five minutes, while freshman Sarah
Daily led group two with nine loops. All of the athletes in both groups
performed a commendable workout, and tomorrow's practice is 7:00-9:45A.M. at
THHS. Do not forget a beach towel.
---Parent meeting this Tuesday, August 28, THHS Theatre, 6:30-7:30P.M., to
discuss any and all aspects of cross country. Please be there!!!
---A.S.B.($40 to THHS), and transportation($85 to S.V.U.S.D.) fees are to be
paid at "Round-Up," August 27-30...Spirit pack fee...$225 for new athletes,
$105/? for returning athletes, is due to Coach Kelly before August 31. A
hard copy of the spirit pack costs will be distributed on Friday, August 24.
---Please refer to our website...runningmustangsxc.com...for updated
information regarding our girls' cross country program...
---We Will Not Wilt In Walnut...

Senior Captians 2007

---Congratulations to senior Meredith Suman, who was named our fourth senior captain for the 2007 season...joining Kristin Arkin, Rachel Moore, and Whitney Wiles. Meredith is a four year participant in cross country,possesses the requisite character and leadership skills to perform the job well, and she will be an asset to our program, to say the least. Kudos to Meredith, the distinction is well deserved.

2007 XC Camp

---Well, we made it...Not only did we make it, but we also experienced anextremely successful and gratifying running camp in Idyllwild. 54 girls, byfar our largest turnout to date, 49 boys, scenic runs, wonderful meals,swimming, softball, and a walk to town, competitions...Speaking of competitions, congratulations to junior Sabrina Rathor for winning our camprace, covering 3 miles in 18.56, very commendable after a tough week oftraining, and junior Hayley Niles finished second in 19.07. Aaren Cadieux was the top freshman with Sarah Daily finishing second...Emilie No was the top sophomore, Kristyn Summers was second, and Kristin Arkin was the topsenior, with Michelle Reed second. A big thank you goes out to the parents of Kristine Andersen and Tegan Tingley...Brett and Kelly Andersen and Tracy Tingley...for their volunteer work the entire camp...from shopping tosupervision to cooking...and all points in between...thank you. Idyllwildwill now be our annual destination, and our 2008 camp is scheduled forAugust 11-16...Please set aside those dates now. ---Practice is 7:00-9:45A.M. this week, except Thursday and Saturday.Thursday's practice is either 8:30A.M.-2:30P.M.(includes the sixty minute bus ride) at Mt. S.A.C. in Walnut for our current top twenty girls, or5:30-8:30A.M. at THHS. We are restricted as to the number of athletes thatcan practice at Mt. S.A.C., or I would transport everyone. Saturday'spractice is 6:00-9:00A.M. at R.S.M. Lake, with a team breakfast to follow atI.H.O.P. in R.S.M. ---Please pay transportation ($85 to S.V.U.S.D.) and A.S.B.($40 to THHS) feesat "Round-Up" the week of August 27-31, and the spirit pack fee($225 to THHSfor new athletes...$105/? for returners) is due to Coach Kelly the week of August 27-31. Thank you... ---A parent meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 28, 6:30-7:30P.M., THHSTheatre, to cover any and all aspects of girls' cross country. Please planto attend... ---Nineteen days, Friday, September 7...our first competition, the Buena High School Seaside Invitational at Ventura State Beach...second day ofschool, bus departs at 6:30A.M., we will return at 10:00P.M. Schedule isfreshmen-2:00...sophomores-2:30...juniors-3:00...seniors-3:30...The boys'races will follow ours...Our second competition is the Woodbridge HighSchool(Irvine) Invitational on Saturday, September 15...all races are4:45P.M. or after, and exact times will be forwarded at a later date. ---Anything worth doing is worth doing well... Coach Kelly GO BLUE!!!

Sea View League dual meet season

A satisfying end to our Sea View League dual meet season...defeating Northwood on both levels, Varsity and Junior Varsity. Varsity ended the dual meet season 4-1, while Junior Varsity finished 5-0. Satisfying as it was, I am certainly not satisfied with the level of prowess our overall program has attained. Most coaches never are. We need to mature emotionally to rise to that next level, and I will do everything in my power to see that this takes place. Sea View League Preliminaries and Finals are next week, Tuesday and Friday, at THHS. Our Varsity can grab a share of the Sea View League championship if we can defeat Woodbridge at league finals. Scoring is on a 10-8-6-4-2-1 basis, so six places count. Sixteen events, and they all count the same. Can we win...YES...Will we win, that is another question. We will be prepared, the girls will be ready, and as always, we look forward to the competition. Thank you as always for your support. This is always a melancholy time for me...As corny as it sounds, I deplore the season ending...I enjoy it so, so much. Be that as it may, I look forward to the next few weeks with much, much anticipation...and may the Mustang in the sky be with us...

Houston, we have a problem...

"Houston, we have a problem..." Early in the meet, this is what our team experienced after unexpected negative results in both the 4X100 meter relay and the discus events. Our varsity team fell behind early, witnessed some outstanding individual accomplishments throughout the meet; however, it was for naught as we were defeated by Woodbridge in a first place showdown, 73-63. Could haves and should haves do not count in this business, results do. Excuses such as running on a dirt track are just that...EXCUSES. Bottom line, we did not garner enough positive performances to win. Woodbridge did, I congratulate them, and their team is certainly deserving of a #2 ranking in Orange County. We are a work in progress, both physically and emotionally.

Yes, this team is the most talented individually in the four years I have been the head coach, and next year we will be even more formidable. We lose four senior point scorers from yesterday, and will return a host of skilled young athletes. The task at hand, however, involves much more than ability. A year-round approach to this sport is necessary to maximize one's potential. Too many of our athletes are seen only three months of the year; consequently, the results are not what could have been. I want to clarify my "three month comment." I am not speaking about the athletes involved in other sports. I certainly support the participation in other athletic endeavors. Success at the level we are striving for requires a year-round commitment to track and field...at the very least participating in our pre-season track and field class during the Winter quarter.

It was reported to me upon arriving at THHS after the meet that some girls were being "bullied" by other athletes during the ride home on the bus. This disturbed me, because frankly, I believed the sincerity of the girls who had the courage to report the incidents. This will be invesigated, scrutinized carefully, and will NOT be tolerated. I apologize, as the head coach of this program, for the actions of some of my team members. Nothing bothers me more than people who bully people...whether it is children or adults. Again, this will be taken care of.

Now it is on to the Orange County Track And Field Championships at Mission Viejo High School. 39 girls and 26 boys will showcase their talents and I wish them well. Parents, thank you for your support of track and field, and I look forward to the rest of the season. I love track and field...

Victories against El Toro

The victories last night against El Toro were gratifying, to say the least. We have not defeated El Toro's varsity in the last five years, so that was especially noteworthy...not only for myself and the rest of the coaching staff, but for the ten seniors who have participated in the program for the past 3-4 seasons: Carissa Brown, Nicole Doherty, Brittany France, Shannon Lane, Samantha Lee, Erin McInnis, Christina Murillo, Jillianne Naval, Jacklyn Stribling, and Brooke Watt. This now places us in a position to capture a Sea View League championship. The opponent will be Woodbridge, ranked third in Orange County, also undefeated in the Sea View League, and boasting one of the top three 1600 meter runners in the nation.

Parents, thank you for your support of last night's track and field meet against El Toro. The crowd was estimated at five times what we usually receive at a home meet. The fans were loud and supportive, on both sides, and the athletes I spoke with today were appreciative. The competition ended around 9:45P.M., which means the athletes did not arrive home until after 10:00. We started last night's dual meet at 6:00 for running events, 5:00 for field events...next year we will adjust the starting times to 5:00 for field events, 5:30 for running events. All in all, the concept of a night meet against a local rival is a sound one, both for the athletes and the parents, and it will continue.

This weekend we travel to Arcadia High School for the prestigious Arcadia High School Track And Field Invitational. In its fortieth year, or thereabouts, Arcadia attracts the best of the best from not only southern California, but around the country as well. We will send around twenty-five girls and boys, running and competing in a variety of relays, field events, and distance races. J.T. Sullivan, one of the top high school distance runners in the nation, who is considering Notre Dame and Harvard, will run the invitational 3200 meters, with a legitimate chance to win, and we wish him well. Scotty Blair, one of the top 1600 meter runners in the state of California, will run the 1600. Good luck, Scotty, and to all of the athletes fortunate enough to participate.

To the 110 parents and the 60 or so freshmen(A-L) and newcomers who volunteered their time at last weekend's Trabuco Hills High School Distance Carnival and Invitational, THANK YOU!!! 98 schools, over 1900 athletes, and the positive feedback we received is a residue of your hard work and selfless attitude. A special thank you to the many parents who assisted in the supervision of volunteers...Mrs. Doherty, Ed and Teri Durst, Sandy Grose, Dorian Hinesly, Tom and Linda Lucero, Patty McLure, Jeanette Murillo, Briggite Otto, Jack and Becky Recla...just to name a few...and to the parents who assisted in the day of construction of the meet: Bob Blair, Tom Grose, Greg Hopper, Mr. Mosier, Mr. Nguyen-Le, Steve Wicker, Mr. Zupancic...again, just to name a few.

I hope you enjoy your Easter and Spring Break...I love track and field...and GO BLUE!!!

Coach Kelly

4.01.07 New individual records set at THHS Invitational

New individual records set at THHS Invitational

A new school record was established by sophomore Ximena Cruz in the 1600 meter run...5:15.03..., the old record was set by Lindsay Grose in 2001, who ran 5:16.00. This is Ximena's second school record in less than two weeks, running to a 3200 meter record of 11:27.62 at the Distance Meet Of Champions on March 24. Freshman Percylla Nared set a new freshmen 100 meter record...12.60...and freshman Kelsey Wilson bettered her own freshmen pole vault record...jumping 9'6". Great job Ximena, Percylla, and Kelsey...and GO BLUE!!!

Second Sea View League victory

Our second Sea View League victory in as many tries. Next up, El Toro(April 3, THHS, 6:00 first running event)...who will be a much stiffer test than our previous opponent. This is the best track and field team, on both levels, since I began this head coaching gig four years ago. Are we talented enough to capture a Sea View League championship...I do not know; however, I do no one thing, we will not be out- prepared. My coaching staff and myself will do everything in our power to attain a league title, and I look forward to the competition.

Some outstanding individual performances against Foothill, including a PR by freshman Jessica Varela in the 1600(5:31.6), Kamilah Foley(5:37.4 1600 PR), Brittany Hernandez(12:40.6 3200 PR), Amanda Olsen(4'8" High Jump), Michelle Wicker(17.5 100 Hurdles PR), Christina Murillo(37' Triple Jump PR), Percylla Nared(12.3/26.0 100-200 PR), Lori Hoffman(11:43.1 3200), and Kathryn Loper's 16.8(PR) victory in the 100 hurdles. Have I left some people out...absolutely...and hopefully I did not ruffle too many feathers. This week does not lend itself to time.

Thank you for your support of the girls' track and field program. From 76 athletes my first year(2004), to the current 155, this program will move forward not only in numbers, but spirit as well. Thank you to Toki Rathor for his painstaking work on our new and improved website. I love track and field. GO BLUE!!!

Sea View League competition

A super effort, both collectively and individually, to begin Sea View League competition. Our 88.5-47.5 varsity win included individual wins for: Brittany France(Discus), Shannon Lane(800, 1600 relay), Kathryn Loper(100 Hurdles), Christina Murillo(Triple Jump, 1600 Relay), Percylla Nared(100, 200, 400 and 1600 Relay), and Monica Todd(400, 300 Hurdles, and 400 Relay). Others turning in strong performances to assist our cause were: Margot Cuero, Nicole Doherty, Lori Hoffman, Kenyatta Long, Rachel Mahler, Tia McFarlane, Nicole Miller, Jordan Sharon, Katie Simone, and Jerrilynn Stanwood.

Our junior varsity 108-28 triumph was highlighted by individual wins for Sara Johnson(100,200, Long Jump, and 400 relay), Autumn Purkey(High Jump), Sabrina Rathor(1600), Makenna Smith(3200), Makenzie Stade(100 Hurdles, 400), Jessica Varela(800), and Kelsey Wilson(Pole Vault). Other notable efforts were performed by: Sara Brewer, Tiffany Charters, Melissa Christiansen, Rachel Eckes, Kolini Faagata, Kamilah Foley, Marie Friedel, Melissa Higgins, Amy Linzmeier, Katelyn Lockwood, Katelyn McLeod, Amanda McNeill, Kim Meredith, Rachel Moore, Elizabeth Nguyen, Amanda Olsen, Amanda Summers, Carley Wells, and Michelle Wicker.

Great job girls, and GO BLUE!!!

Next dual meet is Wednesday, March 28, 2:45P.M., versus Foothill, at THHS. I love track and field!!!

Kudos to our runners...3.16.07

Kudos to sophomores Ximena Cruz(5:21.0 1600) and Lori Hoffman(11:46.2 3200), and junior Kristin Arkin(5:21.2 1600), for being listed in the Friday, March 16, Orange County Register Sport's page top Thursday marks for track and field. Ximena's 1600 meter effort is her second school record in five days, breaking the old sophomore 1600 meter record of 5:26.0, ran by Lindsay Grose in 2000. Kudos also to freshmen Makenna Smith(5:39.1victory), Jessica Varela(5:40.9), Amanda Mc Neill(5:52.5), and Sarah Brewer(5:58.1) for their effort in the
1600, to freshmen Katelynn Lockwood(12:29.4 victory), Kamilah
Foley(12:45.1), and Amanda Summers(13:00.3) in the 3200 meters, and to
freshman Michelle Wicker, who won the 800 meters in 2:40.2.
Our distance program is off to a great start, and the best of luck to all
competing at the Katella Relays at Santa Ana College on Saturday...

Distance News...3.12.07

Unfortunately some news is not positive. It was reported to me this
afternoon(Monday) that a significant number of girls either cut the run by
going down streets that lessened the miles, walked significantly, or were
seen sitting on a bench near the high school during the run. The workout was
described by Coach Clemons as "one of the worse ever..." The girls involved
are not in group one...our more experienced girls; rather, most were our
less experienced girls. Nevertheless, please be advised that there will be
consequences such as being confined to the track during subsequent road
runs, or being cut from the program. Parents, we are in the supervision
business...Please impress upon your daughter, as will we, that an honest
effort is paramount to our success, and is essential for their safety and
well being. There are around 90 distance runners, and two coaches...and for
us to succeed your daughter needs to listen, perform the run described, and
do so with appropriate effort. Thank you for your cooperation...

GO BLUE!!

Track Distance news...3.12.07

Kudos to Ximena Cruz for breaking the sophomore 3200 meter track and field record last Saturday at the Millikan Distance Carnival, running 11:36.1., and winning the race in the process. The old record was 11:48.0, ran by Lindsay Grose in 2000. Ximena did not run a single varsity cross country race last season; however, her workout diligence in the off-season and consistent day to day work ethic is obviously paying dividends. Ximena ended her day anchoring the victorious Distance Medley Relay team, running the 1600 meters in 5:24.1. Other team members were Whitney Wiles(1200), Carissa Brown (400), and Lori Hoffman(800). In that same 3200 meter race, sophomore Lori Hoffman ran second in 11:49.0. Lori is the freshmen 3200 meter record holder at 11:42.24, and the effort on Saturday is also an indication of a diligent work ethic. Kudos to Lori. Last Thursday at San Clemente, 16 girls ran 5:50.1 or faster in the 1600 meters, 10 broke 5:40, and two broke 5:30. Top times were recorded by Ximena Cruz, Kristin Arkin, and Shannon Lane. All credit go to the coaches...Liam, Melissa, and Micah Clemons, for their expertise, hard work, and dedication. Remember...success in cross country involves a year-round commitment and many, many girls(53 are running distance in track and field) have bought in to that philosophy. Encourage your daughters to keep up the hard work.

Dennis Kelly
GO BLUE!!!

Cross Country News...3.01.2007

Parents,
Last Saturday, February 24, six girls(Kristin Arkin, Ximena Cruz, Margot Cuero, Lori Hoffman, Shannon Lane, and Megan Racine) ran times that rank in the top fifteen for our 4.5 mile tempo run, a benchmark workout performed throughout the year in both cross country and track and field. Three(Cruz, Cuero, and Racine) are new to the list, while the other three(Arkin, Hoffman, and Lane) improved an already existing top- fifteen performance.

The top 15 are:

1.Whitney Wiles (11) 29.51 (9/2/2006)
2. Kristin Arkin (11) 30.24 (2/24/2007)...Previous Best...32.18...(7/31/06)
3. Sabrina Rathor (10) 30.24 (9/2/2006)
4. Lindsay Enright (10) 30.34 (9/2/2006)
5. Lori Hoffman (10) 31.08 (2/24/2007)...Previous Best...31.15...(8/7/2006)
6. Hayley Niles (10) 31.13 (7/24/2006)
7. Claire Fleming (12) 31.21 (8/1/2005)
8. Carissa Brown (10) 31.22 (10/2/2004)
9. Shannon Lane (12) 31.28 (2/24/2007)...Previous Best...31.59...(8/29/2006)
10. Ximena Cruz (10) (2/24/2007)...First Attempt Ever...
11. Kristin Glen (12) 31.31 (10/2/2004)
12. Stephanie Armstrong (12) (8/23/2005)
13. Christine Hughes (12) (10/2/2004)
14. Margot Cuero (12) (2/24/2007)...First Attempt Ever...
15. Megan Racine (10) (2/24/2007)...Previous Best...34.24...(9/2/2006)

Tempo times have been carefully recorded since the 2004/05 school year
involving approximately 125 runners. Kudos to all on the list, and those
running the miles to improve yourselves. Keep striving. GO BLUE!!!

THHS XC 1.24.07

A big thank you to the girls' cross country parents for your support of our practices Wednesday and Thursday during finals week. 52 girls are involved in pre-season track and field distance workouts...48 ran the workout (steady 40 minutes on the track) this afternoon(Wednesday), solidifying the term student/athlete...Of the four who did not...two are injured, one informed us of a DMV appointment in advance, and one left school early. Not a bad percentage...

Practice tomorrow...Thursday...and I expect the workout to end no later than

3:00...Again, thank you...

Pre-season track...1.10.07

Parents,

Track and Field distance running pre-season conditioning is well underway, in its eighth week to be exact, and 52 girls are participating. Liam Clemons is overseeing all workouts, I am assisting him until the second semester begins, and at that time Melissa Clemons will become the assistant coach. A two week workout plan, devised by Coach Clemons, was distributed to all of the girls before the break, a significant number of the girls reported performing most, if not all of the workouts, and this was evidenced yesterday(Tuesday) during a team 1200 meter time trial. The results, especially for early January, were promising, and the next eight weeks will be geared solely to prepare your daughter for the upcoming season which begins Thursday, March 8, at San Clemente. Another ten girls are playing soccer and also plan on running distance events for the track and field team. Their goal is to run three workouts per week at their convenience, a steady state run of 50-60 minutes, so as to be better prepared for the rigors of training for the 800-1600-3200 meter events. All athletes will be encouraged to run a workout on Saturdays, on her own, until the regular season begins on Monday, February 12. Please...please encourage your daughter to do so...

I look forward to the upcoming track and field season...GO BLUE!!!

PS Inclement weather is not a reason to not bring your gear for a workout.
We practice rain or shine...