The
Watermelon Run is a 2.08 mile team time trial on the UCSC Campus and in it's 4th
year saw over 50 runners finish this year's run.
It is an informal affair: runners, parents, siblings, coaches, alumni and
anyone else interested can join in with the only stipulation being you hang out afterwards
and enjoy some well earned watermelon.
Despite the low key atmosphere there is a competitive edge that shines
through the cloud of dust that permeates the air after the hordes of runners
have trampled by. Adrenalin takes over, the
desire to be number one finally has it's stage after months of summer training. Athletes are eager to prove themselves, test their summer
fitness and see where they stack up against against their teammates and where
they were last year.
Running with something to prove was senior Eyobed Mesfun. Putting in the miles this summer Mesfun trained with a
purpose taking only a handful of days off that were specifically designated in
his training schedule. Running with the front pack
through the first mile Mesfun shifted gears and crossed the line first in
12:23, the third fasted time in the four year history of the event. His time drops nearly 55 seconds from his time a year ago,
an impressive improvement that demonstrates the importance of summer.
"I
didn't do to well at this race last year so winning it was a good start to the
mental aspect of the season," Mesfun said referring to the fact he was
throwing up at the starting line before last year's run and was not happy with
his performance a year ago. But to
Mesfun the most exciting part of the day was how the team performed as a
whole. "Everyone on the guys
varsity team looked good and I'm excited to see what they can do for the real
race next week."
The
enthusiasm for this year's team is echoed not just by Mesfun and Ensor but all
the returning veterans, "Why am I so happy?" Senior Alex Ascencio
posted after the first day of practice. "Because at Cross
Country practice there were many new freshmen guys and girls out today! I'm so happy, it's going to be a great season!"
Ascencio
is another runner who has an edge to him this season, running with something to prove. Whether
motivated by the potential of this year's team or just excited by the turnout
things are clicking at the start of the season for the senior, evidenced by a
one minute improvement over last year's time.
Leading
the charge of underclassman was freshman Jeremy Dong and sophomores Nathan
Lynch and Jason Li. While Li is a transfer who
ran an impressive 17:30 last season as a freshman, Jeremy and Nathan are
newcomers to the sport. This trio along with
sophomores Samual Han, Matt Lundy and David Ahmann make up one of the best
Frosh-Soph groups in years.
It was a
solid showing for the Warriors, as they prepare to officially open their season
this Saturday against over 2000 runners from over 50 schools at the Early Bird
Invitational at Toro Park in Salinas.
BOYS Results:
12:23 Eyobed Mesfun
12:54 Ryan Ensor
13:07 Alex Ascencio
13:13 Jeremy Dong
13:22 Nathan Lynch
13:37 Jason Li
14:22 Samual Han
14:34 Matt Lundy
14:51 Akhilesh Aji
14:53 David Ahmann
15:22 Dean DeMoss
15:45 Wilson Ye
16:37 Inigo Garcia
17:57 Alex Wang
18:55 Peter Enfantino
19:15 Zach Garcia
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