Cross Country Coach Jess Morales has been training his San
Benito Haybalers hard lately, looking to regain that mid-season
form in his cross country team.
Hollister – Cross Country Coach Jess Morales has been training his San Benito Haybalers hard lately, looking to regain that mid-season form in his cross country team.
Seeking better conditioning, as well as peeking at the right end-of-season moment, the ‘Balers and Lady ‘Balers have been running quite a bit these past weeks, training extensively in between meets.
“We did run some hard workouts,” Morales said. “What it comes down to at the end of the season is that you’ve got to dig a little deeper.”
On Monday, at Vista Park Hill in Hollister, San Benito fell to Salinas in both the boys and girls races. The ‘Balers lost 25-30, while the Lady ‘Balers fell 20-38.
“We’re expected to come in here, but Salinas was the better team today,” Morales said. “I like that we lost because the kids have something to drive for. There’s gonna be some fire underneath them now.”
Morales felt the boys team may have taken Salinas lightly, however. Despite the ‘Baler boys jumping out to an early lead at the start at Vista Park Hill, the top runner was Cowboy Robert Anderson, clocking a 17:39.
San Benito’s Lance Villasenor nabbed second, finishing just behind Anderson at 17:41, but Salinas runners took third and fourth place. Fifth place was Adrian Rodriguez, recording a 17:50, while sixth place went to Frankie Rivera at 17:51. Erik Rodriguez finished eighth in a time of 18:13, and teammate Curtis Wright rounded out the ‘Balers in ninth with a time of 18:19.
“Hopefully, it was a learning experience we got today,” Morales said.
Monday’s meet came at the heels of Saturday’s Chieftain Classic at Toro Park, as well as a difficult week of practices. ‘Balers Andrew Yacovone and Jhovani Contreras commented on the workouts.
“Last week, coach had us doing really hard workouts,” Yacovone said. “He’s just trying to get us to work a little harder.”
Along with 200-meter repeats, as well as mile repeats, the ‘Balers also trained in Vista Park Hill, where Monday’s meet was held. Said Yacovone, “It’s the hardest course in the Tri-County (Athletic League).”
The harriers noted the heat, the rollercoaster-like hills and the unevenness of the ground as some of the reasons why Vista Park Hill is difficult.
Added Contreras, “This is the hardest one. Toro Park is a lot easier. This motivates us to get up for Toro Park.”
As for the Lady ‘Balers, San Benito’s Courtney Allen obliterated her competition, taking first in 20:30, approximately 31 seconds better than second place.
“Courtney ran what she needed to and took care of what she needed to,” Morales said. “She trained in the summer, and that’s why she ran 20:30.”
Girls Coach Josh Morales could not be reached for comment.
After Allen, however, Salinas took spots second through sixth until San Benito’s Vanessa Farias finished seventh in 22:44. Annmarie Rich took ninth in 24:05, Elizabeth Moreno placed 10th in 24:12, and Kristina Vasquez finished 11th in 24:41.
“They have their work cut out,” Morales said. “Right now, we’re just trying to get back into the shape they need to be in. We’re behind, but what matters is the end.”
The cross country teams will compete on Saturday at an invitational in Madera.
“A true ‘Baler comes back and wins,” Morales said. “We always save the best for last.”
Chieftain Invitational
Varsity Boys
1 – Willow Glen, 49
2 – Aptos, 97
3 – Cupertino, 117
4 – San Benito, 118
*14 teams listed
1 – Mohamed Abdalla, Willow Glen, 15:13
15 – Frankie Rivera, San Benito, 17:01
17 – Adrian Rodriguez, 17:05
22 – Erik Rodriguez, 17:17
31 – Curtis Wright, 17:39
33 – Lance Villasenor, 17:44
34 – Andrew Yacovone, 17:48
*89 runners placed
Varsity Girls
1 – Aptos, 42
2 – Sobrato, 77
3 – San Benito, 95
*13 teams listed
1 – Marisa Ferrante, Aptos, 19:03
2 – Courtney Allen, San Benito, 19:15
15 – Vanessa Farias, 21:52
17 – Elizabeth Moreno, 21:58
30 – Kristina Vasquez, 22:31
31 – Annmarie Rich, 22:33
47 – Linnea Shorey, 23:28
*86 runners placed
