2026 XC South SJS Distance PreSeason Discussion by League

I get antsy around the begining of August for XC to get going. I start compiling the overall schedule for the South SJS Distance teams. I contact coaches with questions. I order shirts for the Screamin Scott Showdown, and the Runners of the Week. I update the blog all-time lists with the marks from the previous track season...yes there is a lot more for me to do than simply show up to meet and take pics...but of course I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

So what is it about the start of a new season? For me it is the anticipation of the unknown. Who really worked hard over the summer and is ready to step up and make that leap to the next level. Who are the new runners who have the potential to be the next big thing....well I just don't know...yet. An that is what is so exciting about this time of the year.

 

Now let me state the obvious that everyone would appreciate it if the temperatures dropped 10-15 degrees!

 

This is my first year covering XC for the whole South SJS. It is a HUGE area with lot of teams and thus a lot of runners. That means I am more likely to miss something. Please contact me and let me know. And I'll just say that commenting on the blog is NOT the best way for me to see something. I am not notified when someone leaves a comment. So email me or text me if you want me to know about a mistake or overlooked piece of info.

 

On to the Preview portion. I am going to preview each league. My next post will rank some individuals. Much of what I am going off of is the results from last spring's track season.

 

CCAL (Downey, Enochs, Gregori, Modesto, Pitman, and Turlock)

Petty and Martin

On the BOYS side Turlock looks to repeat as the team champion with returning performers Zayn Hamilton (2:01), Gavin Martin (9:52), and super soph Porter Petty (4:35). The Bulldogs lost A LOT from last year's very experienced squad that walked through the CCAL and eventually placed 4th in SJS. MoHi returns Ivan Rodriguez (4:26/9:36) who on paper is the top male returner in the CCAL. He will be joined by Joe Travao and Charles Griffith. Pitman is led by the two senior Elis. Eli Scott (1:59/4:32) and Eli Pimentel (4:35/10:04) both have huge talent, but I have yet to see either one really step up and take charge of a race.  Enochs has some young talent led by soph Vince Wu (10:04 and 2nd in D1 SJS). Downey has some youth also that could ultimately develop and cause a stir.

PREDICTION: Turlock, Pitman, Modesto, Enochs, Downey, Gregori 

 

Dominguez

For the GIRLS Turlock won the varsity race and Gregori swept the F/S race last season. Even with Elle Williams moving to Sac, I think Turlock easily wins CCAL led by Gisela Hernandez (2:25/5:19) and Mylie Olson (2:18/5:20). They will be supported by Gretchen Nass, Claire Johnson and Adeline Walsh. Gregori has a host of descent girls, but most have shown a real reluctance to step up to the varsity distance and they didn't do much in track. If they had a quality summer they could challenge Turlock. Pitman was second in the league last year but lost their top three runners. Downey's top girl will be Edie Leach who placed 10th last season as a soph. The top returner and clear individual favorite is Modesto's soph Roselynn Dominguez (5:08/11:21).

PREDICTION: Turlock, Gregori, Pitman, Modesto, Enochs, Downey

 

 CCC (Atwater, Buhach Colony, El Capitan, Golden Valley, Los Banos, Merced)

Barragan-Reyes (left) with Gonzalez and Barron (right)

For the BOYS eleven of the top 14 are returning so I don't see a lot changing from last year's results. Atwater should dominate with both depth and up-front talent. Yair Gonzalez (1:59, 4:24, 9:27) and Ricky Barron should lead the way for the Falcons. They will be supported by Michael Garcia, Isain Vargas (4:36/9:56), Troy Manzo, Xavier Glenn, and Lucah Sherman. Last year's squad just missed qualifying for State, and I know that Coach Rhoades has high aspirations for this year's team. Golden Valley has some strong up front competitors. Dominic Urteaga (1:59, 4:23, 9:25) and James Barajas (4:29/9:40) which will keep them in the mix in every race. Isaac Barragan-Reyes (2nd place in CCC last year) and Aiden Deniz (10:00) will keep the Bears competitive. Unfortunately neither GV or Merced seem to have the depth that Atwater has. Los Banos has some youth and will be led by Luis Salvatier. El Cap's top returner is Mariano Ibarra who was 13th in the CCC. Buhach Colony has essentially nothing returning on the varsity level, but their F/S team had huge potential. This group is led by Giancarlo Gutierrez and Steven Kozman.

PREDICTION: Atwater, Golden Valley, Merced, Buhach Colony, Los Banos, El Capitan

Hampton

The CCC GIRLS should be dominated by Golden Valley who placed 5th in SJS last year. They return 5 of their top six from that squad. The Cougars will be led by Fernanda Cortes (10:50), Gabriela Hicks (11:40), and Aubri Villa (11:56). Atwater has limited up front running but will bring a solid team to the line led by soph Haily Hurtado. Buhach Colony could make some noise if some of their girls had a good summer. The Thunder will be anchored by Genevieve Trosen (2:32/5:43) along with Mariah Yanez and Camila Aguayo. Eleanor Hampton (10:49) will lead the Merced Bears and likely will be the individual to catch with her go from the gun mentality. 

PREDICTION: Golden Valley, Atwater, Buhach Colony, Merced, Los Banos, El Capitan

 

VOL (Central Catholic, East Union, Manteca, Mountain House, Oakdale, Patterson, Sierra

McGhee

The VOL BOYS have been dominated by Oakdale since COVID. Although the gap is narrowing I think the Mustangs likely will still prevail. They''l be led by Weston McGhee (1:59, 4:28, 9:26), Quinn Baca (4:35/9:34), and super soph Aiden Cavanaugh (9:59). Roman Moreno and Trevor Powell will likely round out the top five on what might be the shallowest Oakdale team in many years.  At Oakdale's heels is a hungry Patterson squad led by Jorge Hernandez-Alcala (4:39). The Tigers nosed out the Mustangs in the F/S VOL Champ last season and will be rounded out by Sergio Renteria, Aaron Zuniga, Ramon Ramirez, and Xavier Rios. Mountain House will piece together a team based on youth but led by senior Thiago Carneiro. Sierra's Max Perex (4:33) will certainly be in the mix at the front. Emmanuel Jauregui of Central Catholic had some encouraging races last season but will need to be more consistently strong if he hopes to be a factor.

PREDICTION: Oakdale, Patterson, Mountain House, Sierra, Central Catholic, East Union, Manteca

Dittman and A Wylie

For the GIRLS there are some strong individuals in the VOL but Oakdale still boasts the best team. The mustangs will be headed by Addison Wylie (5:13/11:22) and rounded out with sister Tenley Wylie (11:55), Kylie Fast (2:25/5:23), and Taylor Reams (12:10). Of course that means they still need a 5th runner but they are way ahead of the rest of the league as it relates to depth. Patterson will be led by Jaylyn Carrillo (10:50), and she could likely win the league title. Sierra's Anna Dittman (2:25, 5:08, 11:19) might have something to say about that though. For CC Emma-Lynn Hogan (2:20, 5:27, 11:48) will be completing her career. Manteca's Paisley Coenberg (5:32/12:25) and EU's Alysia Sinclair will likely crack the top ten.

PREDICTION: Oakdale, Sierra, Mountain House, Central Catholic, East Union, Manteca 

 

WAC (Beyer, Ceres, Central Valley, Grace Davis, Johansen, Lathrop, Livingston, Pacheco)

Mejia-Hidalgo

For the WAC BOYS they lost 13 of the top 20 boys from last season. That is a huge talent drain. Beyer emerges still as the strongest squad. They might even go 1-2-3 with the strength of Alex Mejia Hidalgo (1:53, 4:10), Ethan Samulski (4:33/9:50), and Gerald Gervacio (4:39). Livingston will battle for second with Claude Matos, Jesus Pulido, and Marcos Martinez. Central Valley's top returner is Enoc Reyes who'll be joined by an otherwise young group. 

PREDICTION: Beyer, Livingston, Central Valley, Lathrop, Johansen, Pacheco, Grace Davis, Ceres

 

Badea with Ruiz-Velasco over her shoulder

For the GIRLS it will be Beyer going away; this is a team vying for a spot in the State meet. This group is led by Anahi Ruiz Velasco (2:26, 5:09, 10:48), Tyleah Badea (2:12, 5:03, 12:00), Annie Servin (2:22, 5:20, 11:46), Maddie Viodes (12:05), ZoiAnn Moraitis (5:35/12:19), and Riley McCabe (5:45). The amount of talent there is almost embarrassing.  Lathrop led by Mackenzie Collins (5:50/12:30) and Morgan Emery (2:20, 5:14, 12:31) will battle Livingston led by Daisy Rojas (5:38/1226) and Alexa Gutierrez (2:29/5:40) for second place. Other notable individuals are Pacheco's Terra Campos (5:42/12:18) and Johansen's Carmen Gonzalez (5:35/12:20). 

PREDICTION: Beyer, Lathrop, Livingston, Pacheco, Central Valley, Ceres, Johansen, Grace Davis

 

TVL (Escalon, Hilmar, Hughson, Orestimba, Ripon, Ripon Christian, Sonora)

Wilson

For the TVL BOYS, Landon Wilson (4:29/9:18) of Sonora in the a class by himself. He will be joined by soph Asher Berg (10:09). They could go one-two in league competition but the team race will likely go to Hughson. The Huskies return a core of boys from last year's team that won the D4 section title. I know Coach Bernard has his sights on repeating that fete again this season. Mason Hoyle (10:07) and Manny Ruiz (1:59) will lead the Huskies charge. Ripon will be in the hunt with soph Carmelo Rodriguez and twins Lucas and Matteo de Vera. Orestimba returns Joseph Garcia (10:47). He will be supported by soph Benjamin Cerna (4:43) and junior Emmanuel Garabito (4:50/10:43).Carson Matos is Hilmar's top returner. Escalon returns their whole squad.

PREDICTION: Hughson, Sonora, Ripon, Orestimba, Escalon, Ripon Christian, Hilmar

 

Beccetti with Jung lurking

On the GIRL'S side the top four from last year graduated. Hughson lost three but return a strong core and a few are back from injuries. They should take the TVL and challenge for a State berth. They'll be led by Maggie Becchetti (5:37/11:46), Grace Benitez (2:24, 5:26, 11:59), and Jaelyne Anguiano (2:27/5:48). Sonora's Sadie Thompson (11:51) may challenge the Hughson trio for the overall title. Hilmar returns most of their team and should be led by Carson and Harper Dickey. Sopia Jung of Ripon (5:39/12:30) will be in the mix at the front.  Orestimba could be led by soph Jade Camora who has big talent but didn't run XC last season. RC should be headed by Elizabeth Rich who made the All South SJS Frosh team last season.

PREDICTION: Hughson, Hilmar, Ripon, Orestimba, Ripon Christion, Escalon 

  

MLL (Big Valley Christian, Bret Harte, Calaveras, Linden, Riverbank, Summerville)

Garcia

For the MLL BOYS there are some unknowns. Summerville went to State last year and would have returned most of that crew, but right now they have no coach and no schedule...are they even going to field a team?  The top returner is Riverbanks's Armando Garcia (1:58/4:34). He will be supported by soph Giancarlo Reyes. If Summerville has a team and they all return then Esai Vasquez would lead their charge. Malachi Arnold is BVC's fastest returner and likely will finish near the top. Bret Hart will be led by Matthew Nord and Calaveras by Iann Wendt. 

PREDICTION: Riverbank, Summerville, Bret Harte, Big Valley, Calaveras, Linden

 

Lee

On the GIRLS' side about half of the top twenty runners graduated.  Riverbank returns a young fairly inexperienced team. Emily Ramirez is the top returning runner for the Bruins. But I think it will be two incoming frosh for the RBK group that will lead them: Hailey Ramirez (5:43) and Zuri Golding. Calaveras returns their top three girls: Lisa Lee, Kendra McGee, and Lillan Faul. They could finish in the top 5 and make Calaveras very formitable indeed. Abigail Meza is Linden's top returner and Jocelyn Lloyd is Summerville's.

PREDICTION: Calaveras, Riverbank, Bret Harte, Linden, Summerville  

  

SAL (Delhi, Denair, Gustine, LeGrand, Mariposa, Modesto Christian, Stone Ridge Christian, and Waterford) 

 

Unfortunately the SAL is evaporating like a puddle after a storm. It wasn't that long ago when Waterford and Orestimba dominated the league and produced some high powered runners and teams. The Ripon Christian girls challenged in D5 to qualify for State. Orestimba and RC have been bumped up to the TVL. Mariposa, Gustine, Stone Ridge, and Modesto Christian regularly have no team and no runners. That effectively creates a league of only four teams. To make matters even worse Delhi was the only program last season that fielded a girls squad...

 

For the SAL BOYS it should be fairly close between Delhi, Denair, and Waterford. Omar Alberto will lead Delhi, Abraham Felix will lead Waterford, and Zane Simbalenko and Jose Ponce should head up Denair.

PREDICTION: Delhi, Denair, Waterford, LeGrand

 

Machado

For the GIRLS the top runner is without question Delhi's Adriana Machado (5:44). Additionally Delhi likely will be the only school to field a full team and thus will win the league.