2017 XC PreSeason Girl's Team Rankings

There is so much that I don't know about this up coming XC season...exactly who is running, is anyone injured, how do any new runners fit in...never-the-less I will take a stab at some PreSeason StanCo rankings. As always this list should not be viewed as an ultimate goal for any team or runner. It is not a substitute for a personal best time, a league championship, or a SJS or State meet berth.

the 2016 Huskies

1. HUGHSON
The Huskies return 4 or their top 5 runners from a team that easily won the TVL and qualified for State. Their top 4 all made the StanCo Preseason team. In track they had 3 girls under 12 min for 3200m (and a 4th barely over 12 min). The only question (and it is a minor one) is who will be their #5 girl. Barring a major injury they will make a return trip to State. Top runners: Emily Fife, Esmeralda Campos, Kinsey Langley, and Elizette Ysais.

the 2016 Knights

2. DOWNEY
The Knights have won the past 3 MMC championships, but failed to qualify for the SJS meet last season in a very competitive D2 bracket. With a pile of senior and underclassmen talent this could be their season to crash the D2 party. Although they have no runners who have broken 12 in 3200m, they have at least 6 who have broken 13 in 3200m. So they have DEPTH (and more depth). Top runners: Makaelyn Bickel, Esme Aguayo, Katie Krieger, Hayley Correia, Alondra Cardoza...

3. PITMAN
This is a bit of a leap of faith for me. The Pride have one of the top female StanCo runners from this past track season, Mavleen Mann. Add to that some solid seniors and they could make some real noise in the CCC. So what's with my uncertainty? Well their track coach and their XC coach are two different people with different philosophies. They have not historically had the strongest XC program, but this could be that break through year. Top runners: Mavleen Mann, Priscilla Bazan, Mikayla Perry, and Bianca Garcia.

the 2016 Bulldogs

4. TURLOCK
The Bulldogs placed 2nd in the CCC last season. They have three strong returners, but of course XC takes 5 to score. So that will be a question that will need to be answered. Aug 23rd Turlock and Pitman square off to begin the season mono y mono (which should provide some real answers about who is serious about running this year). Top runners: Hope Salsig, Macie Ericksen, Sofia Andres.

5. GREGORI
 The Jags have Briseida Garcia! That in itself is more than a building block for a team. They have some other talent and beat a veteran MoHi team last year at MMC 1 (and then the younger ladies ran F/S the rest of the season). Top runners: Briseida Garcia, Eva Rodriguez, Sienna Espinoza


Others to consider:
MODESTO--the Panthers are always ready to compete. They return Aryana Perillo (the only StanCo runner to defeat Briseida Garcia last season. Additionally Adele Dumars showed great growth during track.

OAKDALE--the big question surrounding where to place this team revolves around whether Karino Prado is running or not. With or with out her there is some talent there. Kayden Legan had a huge XC and track season last year and will certainly lead the Mustangs with out Prado around.