He has been affectionately nicknamed the "Flyin' Filipino" because when Joe Casco laces on the spikes that's what he does: He flies!

It has not always been so, in fact if you look at the record of his freshman season running the 800 and the 1600, his times don't shout for a lot of attention. High 2:20's and a PR of 5:07 that 9th grade year, Joe's season was fine but it didn't herald the things to come.  Since then, his terrific racing tenacity and sheer determination has been constantly on display.  Last Fall while running cross country, he earned All-CIF honors, placing 14th overall in the D1 CIF Finals race. Here in the Spring, he's been a mainstay at the front of races, all while notching some impressive marks. He's the #2 all-time 3200 runner in school history and was a key leg in the SR 4x1600 relay that is currently the 4th fastest in the nation this year. Perhaps his most inspiring moment came this season against Corona where he willed himself to victory in an 8 lap dual with Corona's David Aguilar.

Those marks of 9th grade have been obscured by the greater marks of maturity and four years of applying himself to the great task of distance running. Well done, Joe, you Flyin' Filipino!

Nikki Cleope and Tyler Nichol are like two peas in a pod. Oh, they have different personalities and  they competed in different events during their four seasons with King Track and Field-Nikki in the high jump and Tyler in the throws but in many ways they are very much the same.

Both have competed under the shadow of their more talented team mates over the years but they never let that get in the way of their participation; their belief in the ideals of the program and their efforts to get better. They contributed wherever they could, including leading and guiding younger team mates  in what the program was about;  and never once backed away from the challenges that faced them, even when ill or injured.

Four years ago, "Fatty" - as she's called with great affection by just about anyone who knows her - joined the track team and competed in the 400 meters.  Her success was modest there, but it was clear real quickly that the if we could get her to embrace distances a bit longer than a lap, that there might be a greater measure of success for the talented runner.

So, with some trepidation, Katy started running cross county in the Fall of her sophomore season and then in track began running the event that would be her specialty, the 800.  As a sophomore, her times were impressive, far more than they had been when she did the shorter race. She ran most of the time in high-2:20's.  

But her high school experience has been marked by improvement.  This season, in fact, she has put down her best-ever mark, 2:21 and change, which sits her at the 6th-fastest time in school history!  You should have seen how excited she was when that race was done. She was over the moon!  Her performances have been consistent and consistently good.

We're also excited to see that she's going to be competing at the collegiate level as well. Katy recently signed to run for Bethel College in Kansas and is excited to take that next step.  The steps she's taken thus far have moved her in the direction of success, and those of us who call her Fatty, will be the first to cheer the strides she'll take from here. 

If memory serves right, there was a book that came out years ago called “The Joy of Running.” That title certainly applies to the way Tayler Fleming has approached her four years of competition here at King High School. A lot of times, even the most successful of athletes detests the competition; the hard work; the successes and failures. From day one, Tayler has embraced all of that, especially in her specialty - the hurdles - and taken that joy, that love really – as far as she possibly could.

Tayler is one of the most decorated athletes to have ever worn the King Track uniform. She is a City Champion; a 4 time CIF qualifier; an Inland Empire Champion and record holder; she has All- CIF and Master’s Meet honors and last year, was 10^th in the state of California in the 300 IMs. She has been a mainstay on our relays and she is all over the record books in accomplishments. She is also the most highly recruited female athlete we’ve ever had (Lane Werley would be the male in that category). Some 60 colleges and universities - large, small and in between - have contacted her about attending their campus upon graduation. With all the honors, awards and attention, it would be easy for her to become all about winning; to become self centered or stop working hard at her craft. None of that has happened. She's the same goofy, got a comedic comment for almost everything but still working her tail off kid she was 4 years ago. Very little has changed, including her appreciation for what it is she gets to do every Spring—Run Track.

As the season wound down and she was nursing some small nagging injuries, she was told that she didn’t have to run  against Santiago. Her answer? “I’ve got to run!! It’s the last time I’ll run the hurdles in a home meet.” A week later, she was told that we would hold her out of a road meet against Norco.  Again, came the answer, “I’ve got to run. It’s my last dual meet ever!!!” However this season ends up; we know that this UCR-bound hurdler will joyfully continue to those hurdles and love it!!!

The writer of this account has had the privilege of being part of Lisa Garside's high school life in both the classroom setting and the arena of sport. In both areas of her successful endeavors, she has shown herself to be a quiet, steady performer that leaves one impressed.

She is not showy or loud. Lisa goes about the business of being a good student and runner and for four years, she has done both well.  Disciplined and tenacious, her classroom resume is stained with high achievement.  Her grades are not very creative however, they pretty much read "A's" across the years, variety of letters are not her thing. She'll graduate this June with a GPA way beyond her peers and the magical threshold of 4.0.  Her time in class here at King was marked by a quiet skill that will serve her well in the rigorous confines of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University where she'll be next fall; taking engineering courses and competing.

On the track (and in cross country for four years as well) her demeanor was the same ... quiet, steady and aimed at accomplishment.  Her running career at King is one of the better ones, with solid marks in both sports, notably a sub 5:20 1600 meter run during her junior year. 

But what made her accomplishments fun for those of us who worked with her, was how her eyes would light up when accomplishment was gained.  Her face breaks into a big grin and the joy of doing something significant overwhelms her countenance and posture.   Whether it was passing AP exams or running fast times, you could tell immediately that Lisa recognized fully that something cool had just happened and the happiness was uncontained.

May there be many more moments of grin and light as the years go by. We're confident there will be.

Kiazha Ginwright finishes her 4 year stint with the King Track program in almost a 360 degree position from where she started.  That is to say, she started out strong and she hs finished strong.finished strong.  As a freshman, she was a hurdler and despite the fact that she was only a freshman, she made it all the way to the inaugural Big VIII Finals in the 300 Hurdles. She seemed to have a nice future in both hurdle races. and was a consitent scorer for the team.

There's an old saying that goes like this: "If it doesn't kill you, it will only make you stronger."  Perhaps, this is a line that can describe Emma's time with us running four years of track, as well as cross country.

She's been blessed with above-average talent and that gift allowed her to run some quality times and experience the likes of the cross country State meet and invitationals like Arcadia. But if you look at the four years of her running in its entirety, you'll quickly note that for every mountain top experience she's enjoyed, there has been equal time spent in the shadows of the valley. Her Junior season was lost to persistent health concerns, and the dismay she felt from that experience was visible.

Emma will be the first to tell you though, that the heart ache of those dark days have cast the more cheerful light on her current days. Her senior season has been one of growth, improvement, joy and accomplishment. Her fastest times have been recorded. Her smile has returned.  From the darkness of defeat, Emma has emerged with a new bounce in her step and a focus that has been an inspiration to those who have shared this season with her.  Remarkable even more as this rollercoaster track she's journied hasn't affected her joy, neither has it touched her smile. Whether darkened by shade or standing in light, Emma's character and integrity is clearly visible to all.

A strong, ever-focused young lady will graduate from King this year and based on both the highs and lows she's experienced during her time here, she's more than ready to face the challenges of college.  Headed to Pt. Loma University, she can look back at her time at King and see that through both the highs and the lows, her life is stronger as a result.

For Annie-these 4 years have been up and down; some successes and some disappointments but she has borne it all with a grace and dignity uncommon for one her age. Her specialty for her time with the program has been the 400 with a few 800’s thrown into the mix. She spent almost most of her junior year injured and didn’t get on the track very often. When she was named a team captain, Coach Corona had felt that her years in the program and her experience would help the team move forward. She was so excited about the confidence that had been placed in her and she vowed that she not only would make an impact o the track but in her new leadership role as well. Then came the news from her doctor. “Your feet aren’t made for running,” he said thus explaining the year and half of pain and difficulty in competing. Further competition might cause irreparable damage. She was besides her self.”Now what?” she asked herself, “ How do I contribute if I can’t run?”

Well, she found a way to do just that. She was at very practice; she was at every meet; she helped in whatever needed to be done; she encouraged her teammates-especially the younger ones. In short, she LED. She did not fall away from the program as she very could have but rather held it tighter to herself than ever before. Annie did get in 1 race in this her senior year. It would be 4 X 400 relay victory in our last home meet. She ran her leg, handed off the baton and then came to the infield where she broke into tears.

Those were tears that carried a lot of emotions-happiness at having been able to run and help the team win; sadness because she didn’t get to do it enough and contribute like she had wanted to. Tears because of the realization that, yes, the ride with her team was over. However, Annie’s experience leaves us with a lesson to be remembered and that is, you can always find a way if you care enough to look. Fortunately for our program, Annie McKell cared enough to look.

Bayleigh Porter has been one of the steady and consistently gracious and kind athletes to ever wear the King uniform. Her four years here have been marked by accomplishment, hard work, and an ever-present willingness to apply herself, grow as an athlete and mature as a person. These past years have therefore been a joy for those of us in the King XC and Track programs who have had the opportunity to work with her and witness the changes she made to her life. 

She wasn't naturally drawn to the distances, but a group of friends brought her in and from the tentative steps taken as a freshman, she has risen, grown and changed. Her last two seasons of track have been especially noteworthy, as she's placed herself among King's all-time best 800 meter runners and, as a surprise bonus, one of King's best 1600 meter runners despite rarely racing that distance.

Bay has a quiet persistence about her that is admirable, it makes one think of rivers and the effect they have on their boundaries. The river keeps running, and the boundaries keep growing, slowly morphing into new shapes.  Though the river's name may not change, its form, its breadth, its pace always does.  I'd imagine that the "Bayleigh" who first laced on a pair of racing shoes back in 2009-2010 is not the same "Bayleigh" we watch gracefully circling the track today. She's changed, much like a river moves its shore; slowly, quietly, almost imperceptably.  But the transformation is real and going back to the path she once took is inconceivable ... no, its impossible.

We don't take the credit for the Bayleigh we see today, so much of that work has been on her. But count our joy complete for having been witness to the last four years; watching Bayleigh Porter moving,  changing,  growing, and reshaping her shores.  Remarkable growth, remarkable change, remarkable young lady.

For Cecilia Rojas, her four year journey has been a road looking for her niche….where she can best make her contribution. It is a road that many kids will wander and sometimes they never find the answer. For Cecilia, her first three years were in many ways they were frustrating. Her search led her from the high jump to the 400. In both of those events, she made some contributions at the JV level but her times never seemed to get better. She was basically stuck in the same place. It would have been easy for her to quit or t be satisfied where she was .

Then, as the 2013 Winter Camp opened up, Cecilia decided that this was it-senior year- and she was going to go for it! Go for it she did!! This season, she has dropped her PR from 1:06 to 1:02. She has been a point maker on the varsity team in both the open 400 and the 4 X 400 relay and seemingly every week her times have inched downward. She would finish 6th in the Big 8 Finals –a place nobody expected her to be a year ago and she also finished 4th at the City Championships. She has earned the right to be an alternate for our CIF qualifying relay.

All this because she wasn’t going to settle. She wasn’t going to let the past dictate the future. All year long, Coach Corona has said to the Seniors -“Finish the Fight.” For three years, Cecilia traveled the road and fought the fight. As she heads off to graduation with her classmates, one can say that not only did she finish the fight—she won it! Class-Character-Courage----and Cecilia.

There was a moment this past winter in which Lauren Soholt faced a crossroad of decision.  Having run the distances for four years, and looking at the calendar that finally read the year of her graduation, the intersection of choice yelled out, "Now's the time to turn! Now's the time to quit!  Now's the time to do something else!"

That place is visited by many a senior who suddenly see on the horizon a thing called graduation, and suddenly training hard and staying focused seems less and less attractive.  After all, what's a senior year supposed to be?  All work and no play?  Coupled with sagging emotions about the task ahead, Lauren thought about hanging the spikes up and calling it a career.  

But she didn't.  After some discussion and soul-searching, she recommitted herself to the goal of finishing what she started four years ago; and not just coasting across the line but soaring across it.  

We're so glad she reconsidered! In Janurary, what seemed like was going to turn into a dirge, her final track season has instead become a dance!  Reinvigorated by choice, Lauren has seen her fastest marks come in this senior season.  Once a 1600 meter runner who couldn't crack 6:00, she has now dropped that PR to 5:34!  Her positive and pleasant spirit has inspired not only her coaches, but also those teammates who have been aware enough to notice the quiet and unassuming senior with the feirceness of a tiger in her eyes.  Though there are no plans to compete in college, she'll take her academic and vocal skills next Fall to Vanguard University in Orange County where she's excited to start down the next road of her life.

To her credit, she has run this road quite well, and when she came to that proverbial crossroad we all face;  where a decision between what's hard and what's easy was presented clearly, Lauren took the path that has brought her to this well earned finish line with success.

Well played, Lauren, well played. 

Spend any amount of 100 meters watching Nathan Torres you'll see immediately that the guy is fast. Wicked fast. Beautiful fast. He floats across the ground, arms and legs in perfect form. He is fluid. He is a quickened form of grace and skill. It's really fun watching him at full speed.

His resume is impressive, obviously. He owns the school record for the 800 meters and competed at CIF Finals last year in that event.  His name is attached to the school records in the 4x800, 4x1600, 4x400 and distance medley relays.  His 2:02.28 run as a 9th grader is still the fastest time in that event for that grade level in school history.  Perhaps even more remarkable though is his range; as good as he is at running short, his 15:28 5000 meters is the #2 time in school history and his accomplishments running 3 miles over hill and dale in XC each Fall is equally notable.  The guy can run.

But, spend any amount of time with Nathan and you'll be laughing with him and at his antics in less time than it takes for him to run a half-mile.  He's insidiously funny and witty (they are different, the latter is harder) and his infectious smile and personality draw people to him.  He can strum the guitar better than most and loves to sing and will sing for you if you ask.

We'll miss him, but his future at UC Santa Barbara is bright.

Without question, one of the most devoted and hard working athletes to wear the King uniform has been Raelyn Werley. Her time spent with us has been productive, accomplished and -- most importantly -- one marked by grace and kindness and team spirit.

She made a mark very quickly, running at the varsity level even as a freshman.  Her specialty quickly became the 1600 and the 3200, and by her sophomore year she had already put down a very impressive 5:12 for the 1600 on her resume.  But then came her junior year, when a serious health issue shut down her season in March in order to give her time to heal. Heal she has!  After a very good cross country season last Fall, she has been a dominant force this season of track, especially in the 3200 where she has run 11:07, one of the five-best marks in school history.  In fact, her name appears on five of the all-time lists or records we keep. Very impressive.

We have high hopes for the future of this accomplished young lady, who is leaving King High with "the job well done", and having left a positive impact on her teammates and coaches.

Taylar Amiot remains a huge success story among King High School runners. Like many of her varsity predecessors, Taylar catapulted herself from barely making the team standards to a varsity team captain her senior season.  Her tiny frame has progressively produced big results and a stronger mental attitude throughout her tenure at King High. Taylar’s maturity, perseverance and willingness to improve will take her to Cal State San Bernardino next season as a runner for its women’s cross country team.

Monique's tenure with King Track and Field has been anything but easy. Beset by injuries almost every season, she has had a hard time finding traction athletically and discovering what she could do. As we would hope in an unfortunate situation however, Monique hasn't let the adversity rob her of her sweet smile, pleasant disposition and willingness to try again at the dawn of a new season. Thankfully, this final campaign has bloomed with the sweet fragrance of health and she's enjoying the opportunity to run basically unhindered all season long. And that's pretty cool, and appropriate for a girl as cool as Monique!

Mitchel Cleland has bookended his four-years on campus with successful campaigns, running relatively injury-free and gradually improving.  Sandwiched in between, Mitchel ran with pain- growing over a foot and feeling its effect daily in his knees. Despite the pain, Mitchel continued to train and race. Mitchel’s fortitude was evident and his diligence paid off this year with a huge 10:09 PR in the 3200. Mitchel’s character should be admired by all- by battling through your pains and difficulties success will come.  His coaches are extremely proud of his efforts to contribute to the team.

For three years, Tiara was in in the shadow of Jessica Wiese, the best thrower King Track has ever had. For some kids that would mean frustration and disappointment. Not for Tiara. She just plowed ahead intent on being the best thrower she could be. Her work ethic has never been in question and she contributed mightily to the success of our team.  This year as a three year letter winner and a team captain she stepped up to the plate and assumed Jessica's role as a leader and as our main threat in the shot and discus. She has tossed PR's in both the shot and discus and consistently has scored for the team. She has been an inspiration to our team with her dedication and her discipline. Tiara is living proof that though you may be in the shadows, you don't have to stay there.This season, she certainly stands in the sun.

Nathan Meier has grown tall in stature and in maturity throughout his four years as a King High School runner. Like many freshman, Nathan was not quite sure the work involved in running was going to suit him. Despite this, he improved each season both in cross country and in track- most notably in dropping over two minutes from his freshman season two mile time of 12:36 to 10:18. Nathan’s friendship and personality will be missed amongst his teammates who will cheer him on next year as he competes as a Bulldog for the University of Redlands.

As a team, we have seen the likes of several siblings follow in an older brother or sister’s footsteps and join the running program. Tyler Parrish literally followed step-by-step in whatever his senior brother did, to the point of not wanting to separate during the training runs. Tyler went under the radar his first year on campus, but has done anything but that ever since. Establishing himself as top varsity runner with a true desire to compete, lead, and work hard, Tyler continues to improve.  What we are most proud of is his willingness to grow from a quiet and shy freshman to a team leader wanting to succeed one step at a time.

For the first two seasons at King, JT raced sparingly. His freshman season was spent on the "development squad" and it apparently did what it was supposed to do, for JT has developed into a fine runner since then. He ran the 800 and 1600 for his sophomore and junior years, then transitioned to the 400 as a senior.  If there was anything that was obviously noticable in JT, it was his leg speed and solid form.  He's enjoyed a fine senior year running the lap in the low 50's and as always, doing it with a smile and good cheer. A good season indeed, but an even better four years of developing into a fine young man.

A willingness to try, a commitment to the team, and the desire to give 100% of what you are capable of giving are three maxims that have been preached to the distance team this entire year. It’s a way of life that we should all live by and in the sport of running that becomes difficult when you are a senior as the eagerness to leave the world of high school awaits you, you are tired of the day to day routine and most frustrating of all, you are injured.

This season, Aubrey gave what she could as she continued to battle through the nagging injuries she suffered with in cross country. Unfortunately, shin splints seemed to control her path this year and with that, a difficult road to get back in shape in time for track. It’s tough for any four-year runner to finish out their senior year with the same youthful enthusiasm as they may have had as freshman and combine that with injuries, many runners would have quit. Without a tangible goal to reach, running is the type of sport and creates that type of pain that just makes it not worth it for many who can’t feel good on a consistent basis. Aubrey, however, made a commitment to the team and for that her teammates were blessed with having a great friend to support them and the coaches were grateful for her helping hand.

Aubrey’s legacy will remain her lasting friendship to each individual on the team. Aubrey Bowman’s four years of running did not end up as she had anticipated, but she endured, practiced and carried out her commitment to herself, her coaches and her King family.  Her willingness to try, give and help others has always been the most important traits we can ask of our runners and we are grateful Aubrey decided to give us just a little bit more.

There can be no question that Kelli is one of the most versatile and accomplished athletes to have ever wore the Wolf uniform. In her time here she has been a Riverside City champion; a multiple league champion; a four year letter winner; a four time CIF qualifier; a two time CIF Finalist (finishing 6^th in the HJ and the TJ a year ago); and a Master’s Meet qualifier. Her name is all over our top five lists and she has been named our most outstanding field event athlete for the past two seasons.  This year, she is a team captain. Yes, she has done a lot and the ironic part is that because of her grace and her personality, it all looked so easy.

What people saw did not tell the whole story. What people did not see were the injuries that dotted her career and often held back her progress. What they did not see was the frustration of trying to deal with those injuries and sometimes, the self doubt that came with them. What they did not see was how hard she was on herself when she did not accomplish what she felt she was capable of or live upon to the expectations hoisted upon her.  It was tough at times, but you never knew it because she continued to go about her business. She often smiled through the adversity. She never ”big-timed” her team mates and instead embraced them.  

Just this year, as newcomer Asia Johnson reached her PR in the high jump at Rancho Bernardo, Coach Corona tried to offer her some advice. Kelli, who was also competing that day, admonished him with a smile saying, “I’m her coach today!.”  Asia got that PR.  Kelli is headed off to Fresno State in the Fall, track scholarship in hand. She leaves behind a great number  of accomplishments, that’s for sure. However, her legacy will not be all those numbers and statistics. Instead, Kelli will be remembered for her faith, dignity and most of all---Grace. Grace in her attitude and Grace in the way she competed. Her legacy certainly befits Class, Character and Courage.

When one goes out for a sport-an athletic team-it’s not supposed to be all business. Oh, sometimes coaches take it so serious that they suck the fun right out of it. Then there are those athletes who sink their very being into what they are doing to the point that the sport becomes who they are. There is supposed to be an element of fun in every sport. According to surveys by the National Federation of High School Coaches, fun is a major reason kids go out for sports.  That attitude has never been lost on Kayla Cunningham.  

Now before you get the idea that Kayla is not serious about track or her event-think again. She is a four year team member; a team captain; a CIF qualifier and has her name in the top five all-time 4 X 400 list. She and Abby Creel organized and conducted early season workouts in order for the 400 kids to get in some sort of shape prior to regular practice starting. She is fluent in the language of Class, Character and Courage, constantly passing on to her younger teammates what that is all about. When Abby, our number one 400 runner went down prior to the 400 against Corona this year, it was Kayla that stepped up and ran her PR in order to get us a badly needed second place in what would be a team close victory. Oh, she is competitive and yes, she wants to win, but not at the expense of having a little fun. If there is a nickname to be given out to a team mate -

Kayla is the one that thinks of it. If there is a funny irony to be seen, Kayla not only sees it, she articulates it and let’s everybody know. What’s really funny is when she does speak of these things and those around don’t quite get it. She often leads the laughter and the silliness but there is a line that she consciously won’t go past.  She never would want that fun or that silliness to denote a lack of respect for the program. Coach Corona always asks the seniors; ”What will you leave behind?” Kayla leaves a legacy of hard work and fun times and really, that’s the way it should be. As she goes on in life,  she isn’t going to have it any other way.

Harrison McMillen finishes his four years of high school running on a bit of a comeback. After somewhat of an off-year in 2010, he is back in good shape and good form for his last season; in fact this season has shaped up to be his best.  Having put in a decent winter of off-season training, his mid-year training (something that soccer precluded him from doing in past years)  has been paying off in good performances. 

In the dual against Corona, he took charge in the JV 800 and won his first ever race, in a PR of 2:14 to boot! At March's Arroyo Meet of Champions distance carnival, he lowered his lifetime best in the 1600 meters to a sub-five mark, the first time he's done that in his career! A great race. Look to him to drop that PR even lower as the season unfolds.

Beside the athletic accomplishments, Harrison is a young man who takes his studies seriously and has earned his Eagle Scout status in the Boy Scouts of America.  College-bound, he is as of this time still undecided as to which university he will attend. Through it all, he's kept his sense of humor, a killer smile and a personality that draws folks to his side.  A fine career indeed!

Chris Miller’s athleticism is evident. You see it when he runs. You see it in his chiseled features. Chris Miller’s love of Athletics (the official name of track and field) is also evident. You hear it when he talks. If there ever was a member of the team that exudes the confidence and passion toward the sport, it’s him.  Full of wit and enthusiasm, he’s a fun guy to be around, he lightens the mood while impressing you with his Wikipedic knowledge of the sport – not only at the high school level, but even on up to the World class level. (Quickly now, do you know who holds the WR for the 1500? Ask Chris).  Still, he’ll be the first to admit that his “breakthrough” hasn’t yet come in terms of performance. Perhaps that is because he has tried to serve two masters over the years at King. He has dabbled in the 800 and the 400, never really diving head first into either. With both feet in two worlds, his performances, while solid, have yet to measure up to his obvious talent and attitude. That barrier may well be broken this year as he has left the lappers and has put his chips in the 800. Given the talent and infectious attitude with which he approaches the sport, one can assume that “big day” is on the very near horizon. It’s going to be exciting to see!

Having spent four years with Rafi Perez, there are many superlatives one could use to describe the young man. Over the time he has spent here running the distance events, you could go easily to the title, "Team Player" for that illustrates what he has been to those around him. Always looking for ways to put others and the team first, his "play" in track and field has been conducive to unity. "Tough" ... now there's another word. NEVER one to complain, he's worked hard and diligently for four years, honing and improving his craft, always in the relative obscurity of junior varsity level. "Excited" could well be used to describe him. You should have seen the beaming face when he rejoined the team in the stands after breaking 5:00 in the 1600 at the APU meet in March. It was a party, and he was at the center of it.  "Coachable" could be used as well ... always one to be asking questions and seeking solutions, Rafi has been a coachable kid for four years; certainly a reason for his longevity.

But while all of these monikers aptly describe Rafi Perez, perhaps there's one more that is at the core of who he is. It's one that in the big picture, will outshine all the others. Its one that some spend a lifetime trying to achieve, yet he has seemingly mastered it at the young age of 17.  That one word that would sum up all that Rafi Perez is and has been to King Track and Field ? ... "Gentleman!"  Thank you and well done!

Hanna Peterson’s four years of track and field at King High is near the stuff of legend. It could easily be turned into a Hollywood “feel good movie” that inspires and motivates. You see, she was just an average athlete as a freshman, but over the years, despite adversity and injury and through persistent hard work, she’s become of one of King High best distance runners in our twelve seasons … statistically, she may, by season’s end, be the BEST ever.  Now with a scholarship to the Pac12 national power, University of Arizona, she adds that accomplishment to the school record she already holds in the 3200. She’s five seconds away from the school record in the 1600 and a scant 2 seconds in the 800. Her name is also attached to the 4x800, 4xmile and Distance Medley school records. Her goals are clear for the season: with two distance marks left to claim, it’s time to run the table.  If a ninth grader is looking for a road map to navigate high school track and field with, she or he would be wise to look to the one Hanna has laid out. It’s proven to be successful and it’s been drawn with the ink of sweat and determination. Along the way she’s racked up a cabinet of accomplishments and raced ferociously at every turn. Well done, Hanna, well done!

More on HP here.

Carrie discovered running during her 9th grade year. Like many, she spent her youth running up and down a soccer field, but by the midway point of that freshman year, she had fallen in love with something altogether new, and something she happened to be good at. Distance running quickly became her passion. Her name is now tattooed on every one of the "all time lists" we keep, and she's accepted a partial scholarship to compete for Biola University next year.  Great accomplishments, yes,  but perhaps her legacy will be much more than the merely athletic.

Throughout her years at King, through injuries and good times, she has endeavored to run with humility the race that was set before her. While she's kept her eyes on the prize, she's never forgotten to keep the interests of others foremost in her mind. She's been the consumate teammate, encouraging and kind, even to others who have surpassed some of her quality marks. Her competitiveness has never taken a back seat to her graciousness. Her will to win, has not created a will to defeat.

While some come and go, vanishing like a vapor, others leave a mark that will outlast their time spent here. Carrie is one of those whose presence will be missed after June of 2011. She'll be missed because she made so much good of the time she spent.

Rachael Webb is a soccer player –make no mistake about that. She has been a two year varsity starter for the Wolves, a team captain, an All-League and All-CIF performer and a key component to King’s CIF championship run of 2010. Anybody that knows her knows she lives and breathes the sport. Track, however, has been an up and down affair during her four years. She came out at first to stay in shape for soccer. After a promising freshman year, Rachael broke her ankle in a club tournament and was lost to us for the entire season.

Last year’s lengthened soccer season caused her to never really get into “track shape” and it proved to be a bit frustrating for her. There were numerous times she had the opportunity to quit, to walk away and not worry about the next day’s workout. This really wasn’t her sport anyway, not like soccer. But whenever the subject of forgetting about track came up, despite the logic and the diplomacy that was applied-even occasionally form Coach Corona- one could tell that she wasn’t going to have any of that stuff. She wasn’t going to quit. She had started this and she was going to finish it. She was going to make this work. She never really said those words, but her body language said it all. She, indeed, made it work. Juggling her numerous schedules and asking for the occasional “Can I leave early?”

Rachael’s determination to compete and her leadership have proved invaluable as our program continued to grow.  She is a City Champion; a CIF qualifier; and a team captain. However, her greatest contribution has been that she has been LOYAL. She has been true to her team and true to herself. She could have picked one sport over the other but she never did because she believed in what the program had t offer her and what she had to offer to the program. The impact she has had on this program through that loyalty is immeasurable and that will be her legacy. In the Fall, she is headed off to Trinity College in Illinois to pursue a nursing career and continue her career in soccer.  King Track and Field is much better off because she decided, at least for four years, to be a soccer player that ran track.

It would be understandable if one were disappointed in this final season of Aaron's.  He has admittedly decided to cruise into the finish line, much like a long distance runner might chill over the last meters of a long run, spent and content with what had come before the barriers of concentration and pain tolerance proved to be insurmountable. The disappointment is natural, for Aaron's time at King, at least through his third season, was one of steady improvement and glimpses of glory that could have been nurtured into greatness. 

Like an indy band with a tune that caught on, his career through 2010 could be described as upward, riding on the beat of talent.  He raced as a 9th grader in seeming obscurity with times in the 800 and 1600 that were modest, heck, he notched a 5:44 1600 the first time he raced. But from there, his rise began with earnestness. As a sophomore, he slipped under 5:00-flat for the distance and began to show what his fluid form and runner's-build would indicate should happen. As a soph, with a handful of sub-5 performances under his belt, including a 4:52 at league finals, he was on the doorstep of quality.  That talent exploded with a 4:38 PR his junior year, a mark that was a sliver outside the top 5 all time at King for 1600 meters.  It was an exciting time.

Aaron's as good natured and congenial as always and will graduate with style, well liked by his peers and coaches.  He smiles easily and his laughter can fill a room. Next year he's off to RCC and speaks of competing for the Tigers. This much we know, should he embrace the talent he's been given, the journey through the college ranks could be quite successful and satisfying.

A smile, beautiful eyes, a witty sense of humor, tenacity and style could all be words to describe Danielle Fillmore and they way she has gone about participating in King Track and Field for four years. She came to us a spry ninth grader and immediately put together race performances that would be "listed" among the all-time ninth grade marks, and in fact, a couple can still be found there today. With a slight tilt of her head to the left and a metronome cadence to her legs, her running style was and still is easy to detect from across the track, she has a unique motion none can replicate. While she'll admit that some of the fire has gone out of her running over the years, she has doubled her efforts to contribute in other ways. Like being a good teammate, like showing up to practice on time and consistently, like maintaining a positive attitude despite the challenges life can sometime throw at you. And for all of that, we're grateful. While many who find themsleves in her life's situation would have perhaps found numerous exit routes from that path -- and used one of them! -- Danielle has found that "carrying on" is the best remedy, perseverence is in fact what the sport of distance running is all about.  She has graced us by modeling that truth.

So she reaches the finish line with that beautiful smile and sparkling eyes aglow once again, weathered and tried, but not broken. An athlete who found that there is more than one way to contribute positively to a team's success, and has done just that. Thank you, Danielle!

Like many of this year's senior class of distance runners, Jarod never expected to be a distance runner. His was an "accidental" entry into the sport, and ended almost one year later when he seriously considered quitting as some of his fellow sophomores jettisoned their young careers for other endeavors and worthwhile pursuits.

Oh my, are we glad he stuck with it.

From very inauspicious and humble beginnings as a freshman, he has steadily risen to the all-time heights of the program. He has put down some scintillatingly impressive races over the last two seasons, including setting the school record in the 1600, breaking a five-year-old mark. Perhaps just as impressive, in a dual meet against Santiago, almost single-handedly he ran 9:54, the fourth fastest time in school history, but more significantly, the fastest ever time recorded in a dual meet. (In duals, the 3200 meter race at the end of the day usually turns into a "workout" as the meet rarely depends on those points). To break 10:00 under those conditions is a significant claim to fame!  He has made friends that will last, perhaps, for years to come and has had an impact on the program that will last equally long.

This "accidental runner" has become one of King's all-time best. Not a bad transformation at all. Good thing he didn't walk away back when he had the chance.

Brandon has become an all-American success story. He's done it over four years, but we imagine he won't be done when he walks out of King High for good in June. In one area of life, running, it's been an amazing transformation. The first time he ran wearing the King red, silver and blue, it was at home against Chaparral. In the 1600 and 800 that day, he recorded modest times, 5:44 and 2:38. The marks, certainly times that would put him near the back of the field, would betray what was to come.

Known for his amiable personality and diligent hard work, he took those starting points and went about carving himself into something that is a far cry from those early days. Simply put, he is enjoying a fantastic senior year, with marks that are truly remarkable. He's taken that 2:38 down to 2:06. His 5:44 is below 5:00 now. Once JV, he's now varsity. He's done it quietly, without a lot of fanfare or trumpet-blowing; he just goes about his business and pushes himself toward that next goal that lies just ... out ... there.

Brandon has been the kind of kid and athlete that makes King High Track and Field proud. While he won't grace the starting line of CIF Finals or State, he has made the most of what he was given, he's worked hard and tirelessly, he's set and achieved goals and he has improved himself. Nothing more is asked, nothing more is expected of anyone who dons the uniform.

Brad Sheets may be one of the most likeable, easy-going guys on the team. Like many of his fellow four year distance running friends, he's established himself on the team in terms of leadership, hard work, a cheerful disposition and a willingness to "go the extra mile" to get things done and done well.

His story is not only one of being cheerful though, he could also be "exhibit A" for what can be done by patiently working toward goals, working hard and improving.  His trajectory was steady, a workman like approach to "getting it done" without complaint. His rise through the ranks, from an obscure frosh soph runner back in 2007 to one of the "varsity guys" as a senior has been one for the history books. We remember his first days in the distance program here at King, he had a tough time going a full mile without walking ... often. It was a humble start, but considering he can now run a mile in under 4:40, well, that's what it's all about, right? Don't complain, just do it. Get the job done. Improve.

He's balanced his time spent at King well, achieving at a high level in the classroom as well as on the track. He's already been accepted and will attend the University of Oregon with the goal of studying sports marketing. In the shadow of corporate giant Nike, that might be a nice place to study!  This much we know for sure, whatever his future may hold, if his time here in Riverside is any indication, Brad Sheets will be successful as he has embraced the Nike credo well: Just Do It.

Everyone's got a story. Kelsi's story is a page turner if there ever was one! Blessed with great talent, she discovered that gift as a freshman, and instead of running away from it, she embraced it and has used it at a high level ever since. Few can say they've NEVER run a JV race, she can. Kelsi has been a varsity-level runner right from the start. No freshman has ever run the 3200 or 1600 meters faster than she. Only two have surpassed the mark she set in the 800 that first year. Since then, she's seasoned her campaigns with increased greatness, running in high level races and throwing down consistently good marks that one would be excused if they wondered, "how'd she do that?" She has set records and standards. She's inspired others to work to her level.  She's done it by working hard. By committing herself to year around training. By throwing big goals in front of herself ... goals that wouldn't (and don't) come easily. Her story is not yet done. Though it has now entered the final chapter of high school there are still pages to turn, as she's prepared herself diligently for an ending that will be sure to amaze. Keep reading! This one's gonna be good!

Complete.  It's a good word, an even better concept. We're all on a journey in life. We endeavor to build, to grow, to expand, to press on. Completion is a word of satisfaction, a word that beckons "well done, good job."  While no one would argue one's life is "complete" upon graduation from high school -- at least we hope not -- a great place to be upon such an event, would be complete. The job of high school is done. Fully. Nothing left to "what if."  For Rebecca Trupp, one of the classiest and character-filled young women on the track team, "complete" will be more than adequate to describe her four years in our program and at King High. She has epitomized school spirit, hard work, team play, compassion and integrity. She has done so much while here, and she has done it well. Nothing is undone. She has been a steadfast contributor to all that is good and noble about King Track and Field. Where the senior year can lure some into taking the easy road to the finish line, she's worked even harder. Where running JV has been the "opt-out" clause for some, she's played her role with grace and dignity. Academically, she's near the top of her class and has already been accepted to such presigious universities like Kansas, Vanderbilt, the University of Alabama among others. 

So here she is at the finish line of high school. Completed. Full. Content with what she's accomplished, a manner of effort and spirit that has fully prepared her for the next step in life.   King High Track and Cross Country is better because we got the privilege of having Rebecca Trupp part of us for four years, and that leaves us just one thing left to say: Well done!

Then Coach Reynaldo Brown got hold of him.

Since he has recieved the solid teachings of Coach Brown, a former Olympian, Mike has grown not just as a jumper but as a competitor.. He is more confident, more competitive and it has served him well in this his senior season. He has placed in every invitational this year save one going against some of the best competiton in the state. He shattered the longest standing record in school history surpassing Marvin Lea's 2001 jump of 6-6 by going 6-8 in a dual meet against Centennial. As of this writing, he stands 9th in the state of California. He will be a three year letterwinner and has been a captain this season, stepping out to serve as a quiet example of what a little hard work and dedication can do  He is stilll pretty skinny, but no longer wide eyed and certianly not scared. No one has said it out loud but as you watch the high jump area in most meets, you can see it. Where he once wondered if he belonged, it's the other kids in the jump area  who are wondering if they belong on the same field with him.

"No U-Turn Allowed."  We see these signs at intersections, usually posted when we need to make a U-turn the most.  Ever thought about U-turns?  Probably not, only when you need one. We purr along in our journey until something jolts us to the reality that we're headed in the wrong direction. "Oh shoooot" we might mutter, then immediately look for the next break in the median to swing a hard left and get back in the way we should go.

Charlie Alvarez knows of a couple of U-turns in his four years at King that have made all the difference. Fortunately for the talented and amiable senior, the 180 came early in his career. Since then, though his journey could not be described as "Easy Street", the path has been smoother and most-definitely headed in the right direction.

He has seen steady growth and maturity from that moment, so much so that those in observance might be heard muttering, "my!"  The change was abrubt, his acceleration has been steady. 

Racing the distances, he has shown himself capable at every multi-lap event. His 9:44.35 3200 meter time is the third best in school history. He has a relay split for 1600 that sits at 4:34, it too would rank 3rd all-time.  His 15:59 5000 meters is the school's best-ever.

Beyond the impressive marks he has recorded however, is an even more impressive distinction: Character.  Where in his early years he seemingly sought to only be a character, his life now is marked by wanting to have character. He has matured a ton in these seasons.  Resolved, he has endured the valleys and his life looks now as if it's on the ascent, slowly but surely scaling the heights of Mt. Integrity whose vistas are matched by none other.

So thank God for U-Turns.  They are not always needed, but when they are, they are invaluable.  Just ask Charlie, who is certainly now headed in the right direction.

Katie's ability to communicate with her coach and her band director, work hard and somehow find time for all of this has allowed her to be the Drum Major of the state renowned MLK Kingsmen Band and Flag Team as well as be one of the top pole vaulters in the Inland Empire. However way you cut it-it's a wierd combination of activities but it has been a successful one. She has won several competitive awards for her work as a Drum Major and she has been a consistent competitor on the track. This year, Katie has leapt to her PR of 10-1", been a three year letter winner, served as captain and has led the pole vault team to several high finishes at the Chino Relays and the Chet Nicholson Relays. Last year, she finished second in the Ivy League and was a CIF qualifer.

How good she could have been at one activity rathe than two is anybody's guess but the beauty of this is that Katie has been able to enjoy two things she loves very much. She has been a great example fo discipline-time managment and doing what you enjoy no matter how difficult that can be at times. Sometimes people worry about students who go off to college,  get invovled in too many things and get overwhelmed.. We aren't going to worry about Katie Coggins in that regard.

For four years, Chantel has worked at her craft. That would be throwing heavy objects around the air with the objective of seeing how far those objects might go. She has approached the shot put and the discus with diligence and dedication that has made her one of the top throwers in Riverside County. As a freshman, she floundered trying to figure  these events-especially the discus until about halfway through her sophomore year, something clicked and she hasn't looked back.

She has been a top finisher in almost every invitational she has taken part in and has won
the team Most Improved Award in 2007 and the Outstanding Field Event Performer in 2008.
This year, Chantel was the first King female thrower to qualify for the  prestigous Arcadia Invitational and is now the school record holder in the discus at 121-7-shattering the old record by 5 feet.

Despite all of that success, she has always kind of flown under the radar. Chantel just goes about her business, remains modest and quiet, helping and inspiring her younger teamates every day.You would never know she is as good as she is unless you worked or practiced with her every day.  Next year, she will continue toquietly work at her craft as she becomes the 4th King athlete to attend Cal-State San Marcos Univeristy and compete for the track team there.

Sometimes, an athlete has to be patient waiting for success to come their way. Maybe they need to work harder or push themselves beyond what they think they ar capable of. One thing is sure, and that is it doesn’t usually happen overnight and that can be frustrating for some.

It was that way for Diboro Kanabolo for a long while.  He had a relatively successful JV career, teetering on the verge of varsity at times and sometime wondering out loud to Coach Corona why he wasn’t.  “Why” things weren’t going as fast as he may have wanted was a relatively popular subject of conversation. When he finally came to the conclusion that he controlled what was going to happen and not his coaches, things changed fast….almost as fast as he has become in the 100/200 and 4X100.

Most of the distance runners of King Track and Field spend the Fall season running cross country. Though the two sports are vastly different, they are of course, complementary and build upon one another.

Alicia Miller is a unique distance runner in that she has never run cross county and has, for four seasons, arrived in February ready and eager to discipline herself for the 1600 and 3200 races of the Spring. It's all good.

She's been good, too. With respectable PR's in the sub 6:00's and and sub 14:00's, she's been a steady performer. Never one to complain, her quiet, unassuming and undemanding personality has allowed her to develop over four year a level of respect from her teammates and coaches alike. She has been all that we would ask of any student-athlete, and for that we are grateful.

Every day as the track team separates into its various groups of specialty, Isaac Moody begins his daily philosophizing, observations and finally, his work toward becoming a better thrower. Unlike some of his senior teammates, Isaac has never been a shrinking violet and shot put/discus workouts are sometimes “The Isaac Moody Show.”

In some case, this attitude would seem to take away from the seriousness of practice but what his attitude does is keep things loose. Our throwers tend to not to take things too seriously (which can be a big problem with high school athletes) in good part because of Ike’s ability to make people smile and laugh out loud. This is not to say that this talent is his lone contribution to the team.  He is a two year letter winner and has improved over 12 feet in his discus to a PR of 123 feet. He has been a consistent performer during this his senior year.

As he moves toward graduation, he will leave behind a legacy of solid contributions to his event and a lot of smiles!

The smile. When Kyle Nugent smiles, you’re not quite sure what’s behind it. Is he laughing with you? Is he laughing at you? Has he just found humor in something and you completely missed it?  Regardless of the intent, one thing is certain; he has a lot to smile about in looking back over his four years in King Track and Field.

A pole vaulter from the very beginning, Kyle has joined the long string of successful jumpers here at King under the tutelage of Coach Sean Roll. He has been on numerous victorious pole vault relays; he has placed individually in several invitationals and he has been a consistent scorer on the varsity since his sophomore year.

Usually very quiet and reserved, Kyle has grown tremendously this season as a competitor and as a person. Underneath his quiet demeanor, was always an intense competitor, bent on being the best he could be. He has assumed the mantle of leadership this year, setting an example hard work, every day and at , in his own way, chiding or calling out teammates who aren’t working as hard as they need to. He has been more out in front, more vocal than he has ever been and it has paid off not just for him but for our team as well.

Kyle truly leaves behind a legacy of Class-Character and Courage……..and that smile no one can figure out.

In track and field , coaches often say that perhaps the best athlete on their teams might be the pole vaulters. They have to sprint down the runway at top speed, holding onto to a pole which they will plant into a box and then propel themselves into the air upside down. In addition they have to have the courage (some would say insanity) to do all of that. As far as the athleticism part goes, Trent Parrish fits the bill.

Normally, vaulters just stick to their event-never wandering much from the jump pit. Trent has always tried to venture out beyond that and has dabbled in numerous other events along the way with moderate success. He has run the 200, the 400, the 4X100 relay, long jumped and even hurdled. As a freshman, he floundered a bit trying to figure out where he fit in and then as a soph, he found himself over at the pole vault pit. However, his need to be invovled in me than one thing never rreally stopped. He is constantly asking Coach Corona if he can run in this event or jump into that event. Though the temptation has always been to let Trent just go, the fear that it would affect his vaulting, which has been a major key to the boys team overall success these past four years.

As of this writing, Trent has cleared a PR 12-6 to rank him right up there with the best in the Big VIII. Last year, he came out of nowhere to clear 12-0 and qualify for CIF. This year, he has served as a team captain using his quietand  focused demenor to be an example to his teamates. Trent has come a long way and his path appears to be taking him to Rivereside Community College to compete next year for coach Jim McCarron's Tigers.

His event? It looks to be the decathelon-an event reseved for the teams best overall athlete.

His nickname is "Schupperman" (pronounced Shooperman) for, perhaps, many reasons. He stands head and shoulders above most on the team, but not just in physical height but also in character and drive.

Jason Schupp has for four years steadfastly created a character of integrity and unparralled hard work. He brings to competition a bucket of guts that he then proceeds to pour all over the track. At the Mt.SAC relays this month, he took the opening leg in the 4x1600 relay and characteristically threw caution to the wind by throwing his 6-5 frame into the middle of the pack amid runners with PR's in some cases 20 seconds faster than his. No matter, that's how Jason rolls. The result was a lifetime PR in the 1600 and another impressive performance.

Jason is also a scholar, with a keen and inquisitive mind that will take him to even further heights of success when he enrolls next year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, studying engineering. If his time in college is anything like it's been at King, you can expect Jason to grit his teeth and and rise above the crowd, bringing acclaim and cries of "Schupperman!"

He came out as a skinny, "not sure what this whole track thing was about" freshman. It seemed like he was out for the team simply because his older sister, Brittany, was on the team and doing very well. On one hand following in his sister’s footsteps made plenty of sense. However, as it is with most younger siblings (see Brian Malone) there was this shadow to climb out from under and make a name for himself.

For about a year and a half, Tyson wandered from being a sprinter to the jumps. He even tried hurdling a little bit but eventually he settled on the long and triple jump. Tyson put in a lot of time and a lot of work and suddenly, as a junior, he became someone the team could consistently count on to score and to compete. Last season he was awarded the Most Improved Athlete for the team. He is a two year letter-winner and has PR’s of 20-6 in the long jump and 42-6 in the triple jump.

Obviously, because of his accomplishments, because of his growth as an athlete and because of his growth as a person, he has made that name for himself.  

Being comfortable in your own skin is a trick it sometimes takes people a lifetime to master. It would appear Hayden Traver's lifetime spans 17 years. He's there.

One of our more unique and likable four year senior-athletes, Hayden has been a steady and predictable athlete, full of wit and the wisdom of a teenager, eager to dispense of it to anyone who will listen.  He'll quickly admit that a hard-charging, aggressive approach to training and racing has never been his "thing", but that approach has not let him slip into a nonchalant, "who cares" slacker approach either.

He has been steady, never one to complain, always one to show up with a smile, a dry joke and a needling sense of humor.  If pressed, he might say that's been his greatest contribution to the life and times of King High Track and Field.

He's one of King High's top scholars, having enrolled and succeeded in numerous AP classes and has already been accepted to UC Irvine, where he plans to study history.

If you could bottle integrity, discipline, competitiveness and desire, you'd have to market it as "Chris Villanueva's Special Formula."  It was very apparent from the first time he stepped on the track four seasons ago that Chris would exemplify everything that an accomplished athlete, student and young man should be. It's been a pleasure to watch.

Chris has wonderful athletic talent that's been on display. He has found a home in the 400 meters this senior season, but he has also dabbled in the 300 hurdles and relay events too. A three-sport athlete in soccer and cross country, he has shown his range on the athletic spectrum.

Of greater significance to the program however, has been the grace and maturity with which Chris has handled the task of being one of King's top yearly performers and leaders. Polite, respectful and tatooed with the ink of integrity, he's been a "what can I do to help?" type of teammember, showing by deed -- not just words -- how it's done.

Chris is also a scholar athlete who has excelled beyond most in the classroom. That discipline and hard work, coupled with his athletic achievements, has opened up a tremendously large door to his future: Acceptance into the United States Air Force Academy.  Over the last year, Chris has persistently stayed at the rigorous task of gaining admittance into one of the three elite military academies, a feat few King High School students in eight graduating classes has been able to pull off. He'll be leaving in June for Colorado Springs.

If high school is meant to be a preparation period for "real life", the way Chris has gone about preparing, one might conclude, his life is ready to take off.

Carissa Bowman’s talent was evident when she joined the King High School running programs. As a freshman she was placed on King’s all-time lists in the mile and two mile. Remaining quiet and unassuming, Carissa led a strong distance crew her sophomore year as she was second in the Ivy League in the mile, earning her a spot at CIF prelims. After a state showing her junior year in cross country, she suffered a disappointing end to her season in track due to illness. Growing more vocal each year, Carissa is a leader to all. Her running is second to her grace and courage as a growing young woman. She has pushed her team to excel and has helped raise the standards for future runners at King. Her talents and strengths will carry her through her future academic and athletic career at Biola University.

Her accomplishments include an 8-6 PR, the King Soph/Frosh Champion in 2006 and the Inland Empire Champion that same year. She is a CIF qualifer and a team captain and her leadership within our pole vault group has been invaluable. Our younger vaulters credit Brittani with helping them get better every day. Though this year has been a disappointtment of sorts for her, it hasn't dimmed her enthusiasm and her desire to be the best she can possibly be.

A very fine student and member of the King Student Government, Brittani is headed for UC- Santa Cruz in the Fall.

If there is any sentence that marks the 4 year career of Michael Corona, that sentence is it. Though never a major scorer in meets, his desire to be in his words, "more than the coaches son," has pushed him further than most thought he would go. He has demonstrated leadership as a co-captain and used his experience to set an example for the younger throwers.  Michael also demonstrated these same characteristics as a four year member of the wrestling program.

Michael always had the same work ethic in the classroom as on the field carrying a 3.6 GPA. and numerous academic awards. He has recently been accepted to UC-Riverside where he "might" major in history and "is thinking" about coaching. No matter what, four years of wrestling and four years of track tells  something abut his character.

Larissa Davis has remained a constant part of the King family for the past four years and after many peaks, valleys, and winding roads, she is finishing her season on top of her game. Throughout her years at King, Larissa has battled back from injury and more (academic setbacks) to prove herself time and again on the track. In the 2007 season, Larissa was part of the then school record setting 4x mile team. Most recently she finished first in the Open division at the Inland Empire Championships. Larissa has proven her mental and physical strength each time she has faced an obstacle these past four years. These attributes will only help her as she continues her athletic and academic pursuits while running for the Tigers at RCC.

As a sophomore, he was thrown into the role of leader  simply because there was no else with his talent nor his  drive to step up. He would finish that season as our MVP in the sprints and as the boys MVP of the King Soph/Frosh Classic. A promising junior season was cut short by a hip injury but this year he came back with a venegence and has performed well in the long jump and the 200 especially.

A three year letterwinner, a two time captain, and a CIF qualifer,  Brian is all over the King Top 5 list. His inspirational return from his injury and his example to our young sprinters insures our success in that area for the next few years.

Another four-year athlete who has battled many an injury over her career, Bekah Fairley has remained dedicated to her team despite her setbacks. A constant cheerleader, Bekah wants only the best for her teammates. She has pushed them on the roads and around the track with her cheers and screams; surely an athlete and teammate nobody is soon to forget. Bekah’s own running has not met her standards, but her strong work ethic and growing confidence will only help her find more success as joins teammate Larissa Davis at RCC.

Always kind of on the bubble between varsity and junior varsity, Joe never stopped working at his craft-that is the 400 meter run- until a knee injury that took months to diagnose took him out competition in his junior year. He was devastated and the team took a real hit in regard to team spirit and leadership. Through the rehab, the fear and the just plain feeling like he wasn't contributing, Joe plodded on and got back into the saddle this year.

Coach Corona asks the seniors every year-"What will you leave behind when you graduate?" Joe Gilleland will leave more than most.

Steady-consistent and hard working,  Marques specialized in the 400 and the 200. He also long jumped and ran the relays along the way. This season, he event ried the shot put. A three year letter winner and team captain this year, he has always been a positve contributor despite his coming out late from basketball each year and having to catch up. His sense of humor and his humility makes him a favorite among his teamates

He is a true rarity these days in that he is a four year member of THREE King programs-football-basketball and track. When you add to that his outstanding academic record and accomplishments, one can see why he is weighing several options for college. There is little doubt that Marques Lea will be a success down the road. It isn't a question of "if" but "when."

Ethan Park epitomes the type of individual every coach hopes will be a part of his team. Always focused, dedicated and prepared, Ethan contributes significantly to the King Track and Field team. As a freshman, Ethan worked hard to grow athletically and dove into the running lifestyle. Ethan remained true to the XC and track teams the following three years and kept his team together as a leader, workhorse and friend. Ethan will be remembered for his passion for life, his support of his teammates and his will to push him each day to be his best under all circumstances. He exhibits class in his demeanor, courage to pursue new interests, and an extreme commitment to his team. Ethan plans to pursue his many talents as a student at Azusa Pacific University.

It fits until you see him at the head of the runway with a pole in his hands and his eyes intent on the bar. It fits until you see him run down the runway with an aggressivness bent on the successfull completion of his attempt. That description fits until you see how angry he gets on a missed attempt. It fits until you see the competitor come out in him in tight contests. Ryan may be the best clutch vaulter King High has ever seen.

From the time he picked up a pole, he has been a model of consistency and improvement. This three year letter winner and team captain is second all time in the pole vault at 13-6-just one inch from the school record. He is a three time CIF qualifer.  Looks sure can be decieving.

Her first two years, she was kind of along for the ride. She wanted success but really wasn't sure she wanted to work that hard for it. Jazzmine would earn letters during that time but she was barely scratcing the surface of her talents. In 2007, she began her movement upward as she got over 5-2, qualified for CIF and just did miss the cut into CIF Finals.

This year, she has cleared 5-2 but she has also increased her workload. She has taken up the triple jump and long jump and has dabbled  in the 200. More importantly than anything, she has taken on the role of team captain with a dedication and seriousness not seen from her before. Her mature outlook and her need for others to understand what our program is about has been both refreshing and most welcome. It certainly is part of what has driven our girls team toward the Ivy league Championship.

It appears that Jazzmine is headed for RCC where she will compete for the Tigers. They are getting a diamond in the rough who is more than ready to be polished.

Kaitlin Traver's time with King Track and Field has been marked by a steady, consistent contribution of good. A distance runner from the get-go, she's excelled in both the 1600 and 3200 and has run in the mid-12:00 range for the 3200, a very respectable PR. Considering that the first time she ever attempted the distance as a freshman, she clocked 13:58, that's quite an accomplishment!

Kaitlin has demonstrated a commitment to the team and to the coaches and to being coached each and every year she's been a part of the team. A good student as well, Kaitlin is headed off to Cal Poly Pomona next year. We talk a lot about leaving a positive legacy, and Kaitlin has done just that.

Everyone's got challenges. Whether prince or pauper, life has a set of cards it deals and "challenge" is written on most of them. What often separates the successful from the unsuccessful is how they handle the challenges placed before them. Eric Padilla stands head and shoulders over most folks, for he has met the set of challenges that have come his way with determination, strength and resolve.  As he leaves the station in life called high school, he leaves carrying a suitcase of success.  Eric has made a habit of making the best of his life -- from running the demanding and tough distance events -- to excelling beyond measure in the classroom. He has done this with an infectious aire of optimisim and joy and with a maturity truly beyond his years. Though his track times will not make the record books, if we kept a record book of the times athletes have volunteered to help out, to see what needed to be done, or to be an encouragement or mentor to others ... well, Eric would hold the Triple Crown. He has been a true joy to coach and his reputation for "doing unto others what you would have done to yourself" will shine untarnished in the weather of time. Well done, Eric, well done.