Both Hollister High girls and boys cross country programs claim
to be improved since the last time the Balers ran against
Tri-County Athletic League favorite Salinas on Oct. 14.
Both Hollister High girls and boys cross country programs claim to be improved since the last time the Balers ran against Tri-County Athletic League favorite Salinas on Oct. 14. The Baler boys were soundly beaten while the Baler girls won by a single digit because a Salinas frontrunner took a wrong turn.
So the big question is, when Saturday’s league meet is held at Toro Park in Salinas, will the 19-day training session be enough for the Balers to overcome the talented Cowboys, who haven’t been sitting around whittling wood and lassoing fenceposts.
“The girls are running so much better as a team,” said Baler girls coach Jennifer Logue. “They all have improved. We haven’t had all six girls running their best race at one time. If they can do it on Saturday, they have a chance.”
The top Baler girl runner is Lee Ann Morales, who has a Toro Park best of 20:44.
“I’ve been training hard,” said Morales. “The girls are running more of a pack, more together. I’m hoping to take first. I feel stronger.”
Joining Morales are Kory Case, Nereyda Garcia, Katherine Parker, Briana Colorado and Teralynn Hill.
“I trained with these girls at Mt. Madonna last week,” said Baler assistant Jesse Morales, father of Lee Ann. “The girls ran well. I thought they were going to have trouble with it, but I had trouble catching them.”
Boys coach Randy Logue hasn’t given up hope for a first-place finish.
“Isidro Trujillo and Jonathan Rivera pretty much have to take 1-2,” said Randy. “The key is Josh Vasquez. We need Josh to finish ahead of their third runner. He can do it if he finishes under 17 minutes.”
Trujillo was first in the Balers dual meet with the Cowboys, who garnered the next five places.
“I’d like to take first,” said the senior Trujillo, who has a Toro Park best of 16:18. “I’ve been training hard the last two weeks. We have a chance.”
“If we run the way we’re capable of, we can win,” said Rivera, whose best at Toro is 16:22. “We have nothing to lose. Salinas can expect a surprise.”
Rounding out the Baler varsity boys entrants are Kyle Fowles, Victor Hernandez and Jeff Spencer.
With a second place team finish, at least, the Balers should qualify for the Central Coast Section Division I cross-country meet, which will be held at Toro Park for the first time on Nov. 16.
