If the San Benito High track and field team can achieve as much success on the track as it can off the oval, it’s going to be another solid season for the Haybalers.
Bob Rawles, who coaches the girls’ team, said the program’s March 13 fundraiser at the Running Rooster was such a smashing success that he was told it was one of the best fundraisers the restaurant has ever done.
“The kids did a great job of spreading the word through the use of social media,” Rawles said. “It was super successful because of that and the commitments made by all the families. We’re looking forward to our April 2 fundraiser at Progresso (Tamale Parlor). It’s (literally) going to be an all-day event, and we’re looking for the same type of fundraising success.”
All of the proceeds go straight back into Baler Backers, the organization created to help support San Benito athletics. On the track, San Benito features a number of top individuals who should contend for individual Central Coast Section titles.
On the boys’ side, senior Chris Cook has the talent and mental toughness to make a repeat trip to the CIF State Meet. Last year, Cook qualified for state in the long jump, finishing 18th in the preliminary round.
San Benito boys’ coach Iran White said he expects another strong season from Cook, who won three events — the long jump, high jump and 400-meter run — in last week’s 85-42 win over North Monterey County.
“We’re hoping for a top-5 finish or so from him at state,” White said. “Chris is a really hard worker, has a good deal of talent and he’s smart. You put all that together, and it makes for the total package.”
Other standouts include senior Steven Velarde and sophomore Elijah Changco, who are both distance runners; Matt Reikowski, a junior who competes in the pole vault; and senior Frankie Gutierrez, who has been impressive in throwing the shot put and discus.
“I think we’ll have a great season,” White said. “We’re young, but at the same time we’ve got some veterans with a lot of talent.”
On the girls’ side, the numbers are up — there are 115 athletes on the team, partly due to the fact that Rawles doesn’t make cuts and partly because San Benito always has a high number of turnouts for girls’ track and field — and the talent is spread out over all four grade levels.
Rawles said the senior standouts include Breanna Lowther (CCS qualifier in the shot put and discus last year), Jessica Anne Fernandez (pole vault, sprints), Bernadette Forbush (hurdles, high jump, pole vault) and Dakota Manley (hurdles).
The top juniors are all distance runners: Amy Quinones, Gabby Alvarez, Anjelica Collins, and Kess Rule. The sophomore standouts include Shannon Skowbo, Kaylie Voechting, Nonnie Coelho, and Laura Chatham, who compete in the sprints and long jump.
Freshmen to watch out for include Marisa Villegas (distance) and Catie Gonzalez (throws).
The Balers graduated three athletes who are competing in college, including Vanessa Estrada (Northern Arizona), Simone Cooper (New York University), Elizabeth Reikowski (Haverford College in Pennsylvania).
Despite the losses, the girls’ team still has high hopes to win league and shine in individual events.
“We graduated an immense amount of talent, but we still have some leaders and some future stars,” Rawles said. “It’s going to be another interesting year, and there will definitely be some exciting meets to watch out for.”
