After experiencing last season’s up-and-down campaign,
redemption this year will be sought with the same group of
harriers, who enter this season ranked in the top 10 in the CCS in
several preseason polls, and even as high as No. 3.
HOLLISTER
It was difficult to gauge where the San Benito boys cross country team stacked up last season.
Hampered by injuries and illnesses seemingly one after the other, which plagued the Baler boys with inconsistencies all season, San Benito would often post positive glimpses of what could be, only to be followed shortly thereafter with disappointing performances.
The team’s runner-up finish at the Serra Invitational in October, for instance, in which San Benito took second place behind powerhouse Bellarmine, was considered the team’s best performance during the regular season. But competing in a Tri-County Athletic League dual meet just a few days later, the Balers lost to rival Salinas, 20-37.
Even during the postseason, San Benito finished a disappointing fourth at the TCAL Championships, despite being ranked No. 6 in the Central Coast Section in some polls. Two weeks later at the CCS Championships, though, the Balers boys finished with a strong statement, taking sixth in the section.
Injuries up and down the roster, coupled with a flu bug that affected several members of the team, kept the Balers teetering all season.
“If one guy took off, the other guy came back,” San Benito head coach Jess Morales said. “We never had a full squad.
“But you could see, when we all came back at CCS, we were running better. But our season was over at that point.”
Second chances aren’t always granted at the high school level. Graduating seniors and incoming freshmen can often alter the chemistry from year to year, leaving success tied to the shoulders of a team’s returning players.
But for San Benito’s returners, they wouldn’t want it any other way.
After experiencing last season’s up-and-down campaign, redemption this year will be sought with the same group of harriers, who enter this season ranked in the top 10 in the CCS in several preseason polls, and even as high as No. 3.
Graduating nobody from a team that finished sixth in the CCS last year, Morales said, “It’s a good problem to have.”
“We have everyone coming back this year, so it’s our turn now,” added Morales, whose team will be led by seniors Jose Castillo, Eddie Guzman and Sergio Alcala.
It was Castillo and Guzman who led the Balers during last season’s CCS Championships at Crystal Springs, where the two then-juniors recorded a 16:13 and a 16:19 to finish in 21st and 26th place, respectively.
At TCALs, which was held at Toro Park, Castillo clocked a 16:34 to take third, and Guzman recorded a 17:04 to finish 12th.
“This year we feel more together because we’ve been running together for four years,” Guzman said. “[Jose Castillo] and me have been on varsity for four years, so we have the experience.”
A strong offseason regimen by Alcala, though, has vaulted the senior harrier forward and will give the Balers a tough trio at the top.
“Sergio’s been running really, really good right now,” Guzman said. “So is the whole team. We look solid.”
San Benito’s senior leadership, which was technically non-existent last year, will look to offset any unforeseen challenges down the road. Upcoming juniors Said Hernandez and Omar Vasquez have also been strong, Morales said, while sophomore Ricky Esqueda will enter his second season at the varsity level.
“And he’s running very good,” Morales said of Esqueda.
With the talent there and ready to run, the season may just come down to preventing injuries and illness. San Benito will officially start its season on Sept. 4 at the Madera Relays, with seven scheduled races, including the TCAL Championships, to be held at Salinas’ Toro Park.
Morales said he may limit his varsity runners to fewer events this season in order for them to stay healthy, though, which could pay dividends come the postseason. After all, San Benito’s goal this year is to win the CCS and advance to the state championships.
“We look pretty good,” Alcala said. “We’re just working as a team and we’re gonna keep it up.
“And we’re gonna try not to get sick.”
Check out Tuesday’s edition of the Hollister Free Lance for a season preview of the San Benito girls cross country team.
