Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Davis Shatters Record In Debut; Boys Team Set Top Mark

Davis ran a team record 15:54 at the Early Bird Invitational
Sean Davis didn't know what to expect in his first cross country race but the energy and excitement of lining up against nearly 200 runners from over 40 schools from Northern California was a lot to take in.  He wasn't alone, 4 of the 5 upperclassman on the Varsity team are first year runners and heading into their first race they knew there would be a huge learning curve.  "It was a new experience running in a pack of 20-25 runners through the mile," Sean Davis said reflecting on his first race.  "You really have to be strategic and confident in your race plan."

It may have been his first ever race over 2 miles but the inexperience didn't show.  Running with the lead pack he followed the leaders as they made their move on the "Camel Humps," a series of 3 steep uphills right before the 2 mile mark.  Passing in 10:40 at 2 miles pushed into the top 5 and made a big push the final mile to finish 5th in the Senior race in a school record time of 15:54.

As hard as the last mile was Davis negative split and ran like he has been doing this for along time.  "The last mile was hard," Sean said after his race.  "I know know what to expect from the crowded finish to running in a huge pack... It was a lot of fun and nothing like I have ever experienced."

Davis led the team with his 15:54 but the core of Varsity runners all had solid performances helping the Warriors to its best team time in school history.  Ryan Ensor was looking for redemption and he got it improving 1:20 over his race from last year.  Working hard this summer Ensor has been looking forward to this race since last year in which he cramped up and felt like he left a lot on the course.  This year was a different story though has he broke the 18 minute barrier for the first time this season.

Eyobed Mesfun at the 2 mile mark at the Early Bird Inv.
Another first time cross country runner is Eyobed Mesfun.  Mesfun has a superb track season running solid times from the 400 meters up to the 2 mile.  Carrying that performance into the fall Mesfun ran impressively in his first race finishing in 18:28 for the 3 mile course.  Another first year runner is Eric Ortiz, who has been one of the hardest working athletes on this year's team.  Running 19:44 for 3 miles Ortiz showed that he is capable of stepping up and being a key member on this year's Varsity team.

Missing veteran runner Dustin Laucella newbie Corey Bently stepped in and picked up the slack in what was also his first race finishing in 20:00.  Alex Ascencio rounded out the team with a time of 20:08.

"While the Varsity team is made up of Juniors and Seniors only 3 of the 7 runners have previous experience so we are going to have a steep learning curve," said Coach Josh Small.  "I am excited to see what these boys are really capable of once they get a few races under their belt."

The boys will compete in the RLS Relays this Saturday and then travel to Portland Oregon to compete in the Nike Pre-Nationals on September 24th.

Team Results: CLICK HERE

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