Boys Cross Country: Perez outran them all
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Runner of the year: Jason Perez
School: South El Monte
Grade: Sophomore
Notable: The sophomore enjoyed a breakout season and finished with a steady performance at the CIF-State championships. Perez, despite his youth, was the area's lone qualifier to the state meet in Fresno, placing 31st in the Division III race with a solid run of 16 minutes, 20 seconds. His road to Fresno was paved by winning the
All-Area Team See the front page of the sports section
Mission Valley League title and qualifying for the state meet by finishing 11th with a time of 15:44 at the CIF-Southern Section championships. He also had the best time of his career with a 15:26 earlier in the season.
Quotable: "I was so thrilled to race at (the state championships). It was amazing. It started a whole new chapter in my life. It was a super year, and I'm only a sophomore, so I think next year I have a good shot at winning (a state title)."
Coach of the year: Sonia Ayala, South El Monte
First Team
Andrew Centeno, South El Monte, Sr.
Thomas Finnigan, Glendora, Sr.
Brad Hernandez, Los Altos, Sr.
Eduardo Hernandez, Rowland, Sr.
Ricardo Rodriguez, La Puente, Sr.
Second Team
Sean Davidson, Walnut, Sr.
Joey Divizia, Glendora, Sr.
Randy Gonzalez, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Micah Ramos, Western Christian, Sr.
Simon Wong, Arroyo, Sr.
Comments
Coach
We were at a lot of the same meets Los Altos was at, and while Lopez was a good runner, he never won any of those invites we were at, and he never ran under 16, where did you get your information?
Posted by: DonsRunner | January 3, 2008 8:41 PM
REAL LA coaches,
Thanks for the clarification about Brad. My team ran against LA and all they could talk about was how fast Chris ran and I was surprised that he was not given any recongnition by this paper. As a matter of fact, Chris beat one of our runners and most of the other runners who are listed as first team.
Posted by: coach | January 3, 2008 10:44 AM
I seen this guy run and for being his first year ever running(x-country,)I think he did a pretty good job! Who does that serious... goes all the way to state? Jason Perez that who... keep on running so you can take the state title!
Posted by: Sashita | January 2, 2008 6:54 PM
Brad Hernandez undoubtedly deserves to be recognized as an all valley runner, but his teammate Chris Lopez also had a great year and deserves equal recognition. They both had great seasons, and led their team to a 16-0 record (preseason and league). It is sad that the San Gabriel Tribune never recognized this during the course of the season.
Posted by: REAL LA Coaches | January 2, 2008 6:39 PM
I agree that Finnagan should have been Runner of the year. Chris Lopez from Los Altos raced him at the San Gabriel invite at legg lake and placed second to him. Brad from Los Altos also raced him and placed about 20th and he made first team all league. As a matter of fact, Brad never ran faster than a 16:25 on any course. Chris on the other hand ran several races below 16 minutes and won a few invites only to finish with an injury during leaque finals.
Posted by: Coach | January 2, 2008 2:14 PM
Great year to Perez, but he never "outran" Finnigan, nor did he win the MVL - that honor went to Simon Wong of Arroyo.
Finnigan had times of 15:16, 15:26, 15:26, and (injured) 15:32 at MtSac.
In those same meets Perez was dnc, dnc, 16:10, 15:44. His 15:44 at Finals was enough to advance him to State from D3, where he ran 16:20. Finnigan ran 15:45 on the same course in October.
Again, congrats to Perez on a great season, but the ultimate honor belonged to Finnigan.
Oh, the runner from Walnut should be Danny Voss.
Posted by: Tar'en Supporter | January 1, 2008 7:29 PM
Damien sweeps Glendora. Congratualations to all the Spartans and Coach Frank and Dan Lucero. Great job!
Posted by: Damien wrestling | December 31, 2007 12:48 AM
Congratulations to Perez. I witness him run as a freshmen on the track team. He has a huge heart and is a tremendous competitor. Hats off to S. Ayala as well. Well done.
Posted by: eagle20 | December 30, 2007 9:51 PM
Congratulations to Perez. I witness him run as a freshmen on the track team. He has a huge heart and is a tremendous competitor. Hats off to S. Ayala as well. Well done.
Posted by: eagle20 | December 30, 2007 9:51 PM
I saw yesterday's post on the blog re the mistake on the second team re Sean Davidson at Walnut High School. Who did you mean to name?
Posted by: sports fan | December 29, 2007 7:07 AM
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Posted by: Bill | December 28, 2007 8:04 PM
I'll admit I know little about distance running but my admiration for athletes willing to work their azz off has no bounds.
So in honor of the kids noted here for their achievements I want to say thanks from a guy who never saw you run but can only imagine the work and discipline it has taken to get you here.
Thanks because that hard work is going to translate to not only a better runner but a better and more disciplined citizen and a better member of the community.
You guy's are a great example of what HS sports are all about. Thanks for your contribution.
Posted by: Don | December 28, 2007 7:59 PM