From an early age, Elli Kliewer and Samantha Cortez realized they had running talent. But their potential wouldn’t be realized without developing a true love for running. And that’s exactly what the two San Benito High juniors have: a passion for cross country.
Kliewer is the team’s No. 1 runner, and Cortez along with sophomore standouts Hailey Cross and Mariah Changco, junior Makenna Parks and reliable senior Brianna Martin solidify a lineup that is expected to contend for a top-three finish in the Central Coast Section Championships later in the season.
In fact, the goal to get to state—the Haybalers must finish among the top two teams in the Division I race to earn a state berth—provides a driving force for the squad.
“We talk about it constantly,” Cortez said. “We remind ourselves that is one of the things we are working for.”
Cortez and Kliewer didn’t love running at first, but in time they’ve become passionate about it. Not coincidentally, their times have lowered as a result of putting in more miles. Kliewer actually didn’t run her freshman year, opting to play volleyball instead.
But a conversation with her mom, Julie, helped sway Elli in a different direction.
“My mom told me I should do cross country in my sophomore year because I was a natural runner and God gave me a talent to run,” Kliewer said. “I was still reluctant at that point, and was still thinking about doing volleyball in my sophomore year. But I decided to run, and I’m glad I did.”
In last Saturday’s Lowell Invitational at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, Kliewer finished 11th in a time of 18 minutes, 34.3 seconds, and Cortez was 18th overall in 19:00.6.
“I felt like I could’ve done better,” Cortez said, “but I feel like every runner has that feeling. Right now I’m healthy and feeling strong.”
Cortez would love to run Toro Park in Salinas—site of this year’s CCS Championships—in 19 flat, or close to that. She has yet to go under 20 minutes at the course, but she’s confident going 19 is doable. Ultimately, Cortez wants to keep on getting faster, because she knows it’s possible.
Cortez said the key is having the proper mindset.
“At first when I started running, I always questioned why I was doing this,” she said. “I would say to myself, ‘It’s running. Come on, who wants to do that?’ Now I’m passionate about it, and it’s something I do whether I’m mad or happy.”
Kliewer has also become mentally tough, a vital ingredient in a sport like cross country.
“I actually like cross country and enjoy it,” she said. “That helps me to do well. Sometimes training is hard, but when you see the results in the meets, it’s worth it.”
Cortez and Kliewer enjoy coming to practice because of the team’s camaraderie.
“We’re like a family,” Kliewer said. “We hang out, laugh together and have fun. We act like sisters, and we’ve developed a real nice bond.”
In her first year of competing on the cross-country team last season, Kliewer won the MBL Championships before placing 17th in the CCS Championships. Armed with a year of experience, Kliewer expects to be better than ever.
“I want to win MBLs again and improve in CCS,” she said.
During a race or training run, Kliewer focuses on her form—being light on her feet and making sure her arms are swinging in a smooth motion—while also being cognizant of her mile split times. If Kliewer keeps on improving her times, it’s likely multiple four-year programs will offer her a scholarship. Cortez also sees a bright future, and she’ll reflect on just how far she’s come.
“My biggest accomplishment is where I’m at now, because I never imagined myself running this fast,” she said. “I didn’t have as much passion for running before, and it’s all different now. I want to keep running as long as long and as fast as I can go. A lot faster.”
