Last year, the Arcadia boys won everything, including the massive Woodbridge Invitational Sweepstakes race. They graduated four of the seven athletes who ran at WXC last year, but return Ryan Vargas, who was an easy winner at AHS’s opener at Laguna Hills, and Sergio Gonzalez, who was off last week. On paper, and in computer pixels, the Apaches remain ranked #1 in the CIF-SS Div. I, and several strong performances behind Vargas last week indicate they’re ready to stay there. But that’s why we run the races.
California, 9th here last year, will also run in the Sweeps race with Div. IV leaders Don Bosco, as well as Michale Munoz (Sr, La Serna) and Kevin Ramirez (Sr, Santa Fe). CalHi got off to an excellent start in Cerritos, led by junior Sam Bautista and senior Tim Guzman. Senior J.J. Dominguez was the top man for Bosco in their strong opener. Don Bosco Invite Champs Damien, led by senior Tom Ebiner and supported by a fast rising crew, should contend in the Rated race, where they’ll be joined by South Pasadena in the Tigers season opener.
On the girls side Bonita take a step up in class in the Sweepstakes race where they’ll be joined by Arcadia and fast rising Claremont. The Bearcats feature junior Marissa Scott – 5th last year at CIF Div. III finals and 25th in California, but will be looking to replace two returning scorers who left the team to focus on soccer. The Apaches ran a limited team in their opener but should be at full strength here. The Wolfpack were CIF finalists last year, and opened well led by soph Megan Renken. They’ll be joined in the Sweeps by Anna Barcelo (Sr, Nogales), SGV #1 at Don Bosco, and Taylor Jones (Jr, La Mirada) and Kellian Hunt (Sr, Whittier Christian) in their first races of the year. South Pasadena will run in the Rated race.
The larger schools Blue and Gold divisions will run earlier on Saturday before the Sweeps and Rated races. El Rancho should contend in the Blue division. Senior Henry Rodriguez ran very well in the Dons opener at Don Bosco. Nogales and Arcadia’s non-varsity teams will also compete in the blue division. The Gold division has rebuilding State and CIF placers Claremont boys, Santa Fe and Califorina. Senior Nick Rivera and Rowland will be looking to finish high up in this division.
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