SALINAS—Jose Ruiz had waited for this moment for his entire running career.
As part of the Haybalers Big Three along with Elijah Changco and Juan Gutierrez, the trio has become synonymous with fast times, consistency and overall excellence. They’ve pushed each other for the last three years, with Changco and Gutierrez taking turns being the team’s top placer this season.
On Saturday, it was Ruiz’s turn. And he couldn’t have picked a better stage to do it on—the Monterey Bay League Cross-Country Championships at Toro Park. Ruiz’s second-place finish powered San Benito to a second straight league championship. The Haybaylers’ 31 points easily outdistanced Seaside’s 65.
San Benito next runs in the Central Coast Section Championships at Toro Park on Nov. 15.
“Elijah and Juan wanted me to go out with a bang for my senior year, and we made it happen,” said Ruiz, whose time of 16 minutes, 20 seconds put him 21 seconds behind winner Jose Gonzalez of Seaside. “The race was really hard, and not what I expected. But we’re ready for CCS in two weeks, because that’s where it all counts. We want to go to state.”
Ruiz was particularly proud of Rene Nunez, who is a senior but competing in his first year on the cross-country team. Nunez smashed his old PR at Toro Park.
“For Rene to hit 16s here in his first year of (competitive) running is incredible,” Ruiz said. “But he’s had some excellent training and has been willing to run hard with us, and it’s great to see.”
Here’s why the Balers think this will be the year they finally break through and make it to state: Their last two finishers on Saturday, Jacob Morioka and Nolan Sanchez, are quality runners who give the team a chance to score points.
Simply put, San Benito needs all six of its runners to have strong finishes at CCS, because in the past one or two extra spots would’ve vaulted them to state. At MBLs, Morioka finished 15th in 17:11 and Sanchez placed 18th in 17:16.
Talk about peaking at the right time: Four of the six San Benito runners set a new PR.
“We feel great,” Ruiz said. “Our workouts have been good, and now we know we have to take it to another level.”
The powerhouse Balers have only one thing missing from their resume: A state championship appearance. The program thrives because of supreme talent, a greater work ethic and coaches who care about getting the best out of their student-athletes.
“It’s a real privilege to be able to work with these kids and be a part of the tradition here,” first-year coach Chris Thompson said.
After finishing the race, Ruiz looked as if he could run another one. He credits his current and past coaches, along with his teammates, friends and family members for continuing to push him to achieve his potential.
Ruiz came onto the running scene as a sophomore—very late for a runner of his caliber—and is only beginning to realize his enormous potential. He expressed gratitude for having Changco and Gutierrez by his side, inspiring each other to new heights.
“My guys pushed me the whole way in this race, and it’s a great feeling when you have guys you can rely on,” Ruiz said. “We kept each other going.”
Just like they’ve been doing their entire careers.
