LEGENDS PAST AND FUTURE

 

One of my greatest joys in covering StanCo XC and track is when an athlete makes one of the all-time lists. In essence, in doing so, they are cementing their legacy as a runner. In the future their mark may be the standard that other runners strive to achieve.

 

LEGENDS PAST

Yep they are graduating, and I will miss seeing them. They have represented their schools and County with true dedication to the sport. Their placements on the all-time lists is impressive. There may never be another trio from the same local school to produce results like these.

 

OMAR ALSAIDI (Oakdale)--after transferring from Ripon HS he crossed the county line and has surely left a permanent mark. He is #2 at Willow Hills and #3 at Woodward. With him as a Mustang, Oakdale placed 1st last year and 2nd this past Fall at State in XC. In track his 4:10.26 in the 1600m ranks #3 and his 8:57.29 is #4 in the 3200. Over the past 50 years only 4 StanCo runners have broken 9 in the 3200m and Omar is now one of them

 

JACKSON OLIVEIRA (Oakdale)--in XC he ranks #3 at Willow Hills and #2 at Woodward. Along with his brother he helped the Mustangs to one win and two other top 5 finishes at State in XC. In track he ranks #8 in the 3200m at 9:11.48. He placed 4th at SJS Masters barely missing the elusive spot in the State meet.

 

MASON OLIVEIRA (Oakdale)--in XC he is #7 at Willow Hills and #6 at Woodward. In track he is ranked #17 in the 3200m at 9:21.18. Along with his brother he helped the Mustangs to three straight top 5 finishes at State in XC.

 

LEGENDS FUTURE

Well maybe they haven't all quite reached "legend" status (Natalie has) but they are well on their way. Hopefully being mentioned here will encourage them (and others) to continue striving for greatness and not rest on their past accomplishments.

 

NATALIE ARRIAZA (Patterson) 10th--already ranks as #3 at Willow Hills, #2 at Woodward for cross-country. In track she is #18 in the 1600m at 5:07.79 and #3 in the 3200m at 10:456.42.

GISELLE FERNANDEZ (Riverbank) 10th--in XC she is #18 at Woodward. In track she is now one of only seven StanCo runners to break 5 in the 1600m. Her best time of 4:59.52 ranks as #7.

ZOE LEACH (Downey) 11th--she is ranked #17 at Willow Hills and #13 at Woodward in XC. Her 11:06,49 in the 3200 launched her up the list to #9