Covina led took a big step forward last year with league titles for both the boys and girls, and followed up with strong track performances. They return almost their entire team this year and expect to defend both titles and to make their presence known in the CIF Div. III. Full preview after the jump
The 2010 Covina girls team will be attempting to win an unprecedented third straight Valle Vista League title as well as making some noise in Division III at CIF. All seven of the Colts’ varsity squad return, and the girls have shown some added depth throughout the summer months.
Covina is led by senior Rachel Falomir, the 2009 League MVP. Falomir was undefeated in all three league meets last season including a 19:54 runaway at league finals. In the spring she was league runner-up in both the 1600 and 3200. Junior Natalina Lopez was second to Falomir in those three league meets, and has already been to CIF twice in the 800 meters. Senior Sam Alvarado, senior Stephanie Fuentes, and junior Denise Arciniega were All-League in 2009. Also returning is senior Nancy Contreras, who struggled with health issues all through 2009, but has consistently trained in the top 5 all summer. Monica Gonzalez (2010 CIF qualifier in the 800 meters) has also looked strong as have sophomores Ruby Medina and Kim Lamadrid.
The 2010 Covina boys team comes off of their first Valle Vista League title in 16 years, and they hope to make it a repeat with most of the varsity squad back and ready to establish themselves in Division III in November.
Sophomore Kevin Mejia was solid in 2009, staying in the top 5 as a 9th grader all season long. But he has emerged as the Colts clear front-runner after a very focused summer of training. Senior Kevin Medina will join the other Kevin up front. Medina was All-League in 2009, including running away from the field in 16:30 in the first of three league meets last season. Also returning are seniors Richard Stephenson and Justin Salcedo (2:01 in the 800 meters in 2010), and juniors Enrique Hernandez and Paul Gonzalez who had terrific sophomore track seasons. Looking to join the varsity team will be junior Chris Maldonado who has two track seasons under his belt, but will be running cross country for the first time, finally leaving football behind. All seven boys were between 4:40 and 4:54 during the 2010 track season.
The Colts begin their season on September 11th at the Don Bosco Tech Invitational.
The team website is at www.leaguelineup.com/covinaxc.
Thanks to coach Erik Starkey for this preview
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