2024 XC All StanCo PreSeason Boys

 

Every year I attempt to pick an All StanCo team prior to the beginning of the season. And every year by the end of the season it comes to light that some of my selections were spot on and others definitely missed the mark. The biggest factor in my missed selections is injuries...hopefully it is obvious that I can not predict that. I also rely heavily on times from the previous track season,  and some athletes just do better in track than XC (or vice versa). And finally I rely on my eyes and my gut. I have seen all of the runners many, many times and I have hunches about who is ready to breakout. Anyway here we go...you may notice I am supplying a lot of opinion here. I am not reporting times from a race. I am predicting and trying to explain my predictions. If you don't agree with what I've said, please go out, run fast and prove me wrong. Surprising results always make my smile.

 

THE TOP 10

 

ISMAEL DOMINGUEZ (OAKDALE) 12th--Ismael once labeled himself (to me) as the second coming of German Fernandez. He started out at Gregori and then moved on to Oakdale. Most of Oakdale's superstars have graduated. It is time from Ismael to show what he is made of. His top track times last year of 4:20 and 9:40 earn him the top spot in this PreSeason group, but everything else this season will need to be earned out on the course. The big question is can Ismael lead Oakdale to a VOL title? Kimball placed 3rd in D3 sections last year and only lost one runner. I would put them (Kimball) as the preseason favorite in the VOL, so Oakdale and Ismael certainly have work to do and respect to earn.

 

PARKER WHITEMYER (OAKDALE) 11th--If Oakdale is going to return to State and repeat as VOL champ this dude willl need to play a major role. There is no doubt he has the competitive drive to be the "next big thing" out in Oakdale--and even push Ismael. Parker ran 9:36 last track season while he pulled double duty playing tennis and running track. Hopefully being able to solely focus on XC will enable him to further improve.

 

DIEGO CIBRIAN (GRACE DAVIS) 12th--injuries continue to hamper Diego and other GD runners. The talent is no doubt there, but can he stay healthy...He ran 4:28 and 9:51 last season before getting injured. I expect him to run stride for stride with Beyer's Hayes Terry in WAC competitions.

 

TEDDY SANTOS (TURLOCK) 12th--well the Bulldogs went to State last season in XC and Teddy was part of that. After much of that group graduated, Teddy will need to be more consistent in producing a high-level effort. He tends to float through some races. He should be challenging for the top spot in a weakened CCAL this season. His top track times were 2:05, 4:27, and 10:09

 

PATRICIO KEARNEY (ORESTIMBA) 12th--Orestimba moves up to the TVL this season and Pat should benefit directly from facing real competition in league races. He ran 2:03, 4:34, and 9:59 in track. He is very goal oriented and I know he has his sights set on qualifying for State.

 

HAYES TERRY (BEYER) 11th--Hayes top times of 2:04, 4:35, and 9:51 show his versatility. What they don't show is he hates to lose. He and Diego will likely battle in WAC races but HAYES CAN KICK! If he can stay close, he will likely take the win. What Beyer will need from Hayes though, is for him to step up and be the leader. They still have a nucleus of runners that will likely win the WAC title.

 

LARSON WEJMAR (TURLOCK) 11th--Larson ran 4:37 and 9:54 in track. It is certainly possible that he could emerge as the top Bulldog and maybe the top CCAL runner (Logan and Teddy will need to do real work if they don't like that idea).

 

MATT SANTANA (RIVERBANK) 11th--Matt like many of the others is a competitor. You can see that look n his eyes, he does not like to lose. With RBK moving to the MLL this season he will see different courses and competition. His 4:39 and 9:53 point to his potential.

 

JACOB CAVANAUGH (OAKDALE) 12th--Jacob ran 9:52 and 4:37 last track season but as I said, for Oakdale to even repeat as VOL champ let alone win SJS or State they will need a lot more from Jacob and he is capable of more.

 

JACOB NGUYEN (GRACE DAVIS) 12th--ugh so many injuries for this guy yet so much potential. At 2:07 and 4:31 all of the factors are in place for a great XC season. Perhaps he needs this season is a little luck, my fingers are crossed.

 

THE NEXT 11

 

LOGAN PETTY (TURLOCK) 12th--Logan could be the CCAL champ...or not. Consistency has been the issue (and injuries). In a partial track season he ran 2:05. For Turlock to have any hope of returning to State they will need Logan to be the best version of himself.

 

COLVIN HAMEL (PITMAN) 11th--Colvin ran 2:01 and 4:37 in track. He could out-kick his CCAL competitors if he can stay close

CESAR BOJORQUEZ (DOWNEY) 11th--4:40 and 10:03 credentials indicate that Cesar will be in the front group in CCAL

ALEX MEJIA HIDALGO (BEYER) 10th--2:07, 4:41, 10:32 are his time as a Frosh. Alex would benefit from some of Hayes' competitive spirit rubbing off on him. He has the talent...he needs more of that desire to win.

HASAN MODAN (GREGORI) 10th--he ran 10:02 as a Frosh and then got sick and missed the rest of the season. My understanding is that he is currently injured. He was on the Nor-Cal Frosh team last year. He is GOOD--probably the best returning runner in the CCAL, but health and fitness may be his biggest obstacle

GRANT FAHRNEY (GREGORI) 11th--Grant ran 10:07 last season and came on at the end of the season just missing a qualifying spot for sections. If he matures and realizes that he does belong with these top runners he could do some damage in the CCAL.

PAUL CASSAGIO (DOWNEY) 12th--Paul like many of these guys ran in the low 10s (10:07) last track season. Success this XC season will all depend on who did the work over the summer.

DIEGO GALLARDO (PATTERSON) 12th--last season Patterson won the CCC and placed 10th at SJS. Much of that group graduated. This season Patterson moves to the VOL. Diego will be facing much better competition against Kimball and Oakdale. He ran 2:06 in track, but to be relevant in the VOL it will take more.

ARMANDO GARCIA (RIVERBANK) 10th--2:04 in the 800 for Armando last season means he is capable of helping Santana out in what will be a tough MML

SERGIO TORRES (CERES) 11th--2:02 in the 800 in track says he has talent, but 800 times don't always translate well to top XC times. If he put in the work during the summer, he could be relevant in the WAC this season.

DANTE RON (MODESTO) 12th--MoHi has a proud history in XC. Dante ran 2:06 in track and should be their top runner but will need to have his best year to be in the top ten and CCAL.

 

PRESEASON TEAM RANKINGS

1. OAKDALE

2. TURLOCK

3. BEYER

4. PITMAN

5. HUGHSON, GRACE DAVIS, DOWNEY

Don't agree? Did I miss someone? Tell me about it...leave a comment, send me a message, use it to fuel your spirit and prove me wrong