2022 XC PreSeason TEAM RANKINGS

 As if ranking and naming a PreSeason All StanCo Team wasn't speculative enough here is my shot at preseason team rankings.

 

On the boys' side:

1. OAKDALE--it is all Oakdale. They should clearly be ranked in the top 5 D3 teams in the State. They are the top D3 team in the SJS (likely in the top 5 in SJS regardless of division.) They list 3 boys under 9:31 for 3200m and 2 more that are sub 10 at 3200m...I ask, has there EVER been a StanCo team that has 5 sub 10 boys? It is likely that the combined time at State last fall was the fastest combined team time ever for a StanCo team...this year's team could be even better/faster. This season could be HISTORIC. They are also the only team with chili pepper shorts, could that be the reason they are so fast?

 

2. HUGHSON--the Huskies return 5 of there top 7 from a team that placed 6th at SJS in D4. I think last year's junior laden squad lacked the focus and drive leaving this year's seniors hungry. I expect them to win the TVL over a Ripon team (sorely missing Omar Alsaidi) and strongly challenge Placer, El Dorado ...for a berth in the State meet.

3. PITMAN--let's face it the Pride lost their top three boys. The top two of those boys (Garcia and Sanchez) were two of the best to ever run in this County. They are irreplaceable. Given all that, Pitman has some strong runners. One of them will need to step up and be the leader.   I would give Pitman the slight edge in capturing the title in a weakened CCAL. 

4. MODESTO--On paper there are some solid kids returning from last year's team. However some of them didn't run track. With a retirement and a child birth, there has also been a shuffling of coaches. Can the younger coaches inspire this group of runners to excel. If so, they could dethrone Pitman in the CCAL.

5. BEYER--the Patriots returned three of their top four from a team that surprisingly qualified for State. Their top runner will be missing a good chunk of the season. That doesn't help. Will the others be able to push to their potential in his absence? Will they be able to find 2 other quality runners to round out the varsity lineup? Obviously I have more questions than answers.

 

6. ENOCHS--it has been a long time since an Enochs boys team made any team list like this...but they have several young sub 11 runners who, under the leadership of alum/coach Blake Faria, should continue to develop. Will they all buy into the program and spur each other to greatness? Time will tell.

7. TURLOCK--in 2018 the Turlock boys won CCAL 1. They were talented and young. But as is the way sometimes things just never quite fell into line again for them. All of those veterans are now gone. Some of the younger Bulldogs believe it is now their time to shine. There are indeed some solid runners there. It is also historically one of the largest teams...and well it only take five guys to score, so the Bulldogs could make some noise. However I suspect that along with Enochs, they may a year away for their true potential

Girls, girls, girls...

This is a real guessing game. I almost just skipped the girls list. But for a sense of equity I'll give it a shot,.

1. MODESTO--they will likely put 3 in the top 10 at CCAL. Like Turlock, the school is huge. Hardly a year goes by when they don't produce a frosh-phenom and I think that could make all the difference in giving them the edge for the CCAL title.

2. PITMAN--they had a pile of F/S quality runners last season. With the graduation exodus of most of their varsity squad it is time for last year's F/S group to step up. If they do, they will be the top local team.

3. TURLOCK--they had many quality F/S runners last season. I would have put them as the #1 team; but they all ran the 800 in track, and the varsity 3mile race is a whole different animal. Can they make that leap? Will they push in practice and in races or just cruise along comfortably as a group. The CCAL will be won by which ever one of these top three teams fights the hardest. The definitely could be the Bulldogs.

4. OAKDALE--they qualified for State last season but the lost their #1 and #3 girls to graduation. This is now Kassidy Fmura's team. Does this group have enough drive? Even winning the VOL could be more challenging than it has in past years. Or they could develop into a juggernaut.

5. HUGHSON--this ranking is more based on my gut, on history, and on the fact that that Coach Bernard always has his team prepared to battle. I don't think they can catch Ripon in the TVL but they may be good enough the crack the top 5 here.