Monte Vista Cross Country: Team News

On Saturday Nov 12th, while the varsity squads were at the SRV 3200 time trial, a dedicated and determined group of MVXCers met at Macedo Ranch to take on the devilish run to the top of Mt Diablo!   Climbing over 3800 feet over 8.5 miles, this was not an event to be taken lightly.  However, the season long traning meant that these Stangs were more than ready for the challenge.

 

After some instuctions from Coach Davis and Coach Huntsman, the team was off!  Cool and cloudy conditions were perfect for running, although it was difficult to get a feel for how high one had climbed at first.  After approximately 4 miles and 2000 feet of climb, the team met Coach Huntsman at the BBQ Terrace picnic area, just up the South Hwy from Rock City.  There the squad a break for energy snacks and fluids, while contemplating the rest of the journey.

 

At the second staging area, the team had broken through the cloud bank and could see the summit up ahead.  Runners who were not sure they could make it after the first stage suddenly found new energy at the sight!  Led by a couple "tri-bars" up front, the team followed the trail up to the very top - 3849 feet above sea level!

In all, 24 runners plus an exhausted Coach Davis made it to the top today.  Growing up in the shadow of Mt Diablo, it's easy to forget how high it is - something that these runners will always remember now!

Many photos, courtesy of Coach Huntsman can be found on the Photobucket Site. 

Congrats to the following who made the epic journey.  Will YOU make it next season???
Sean Yap, Jason Vawter, Chris SooHoo, Brad Palonsky, Cameron Somers, Patrick Kragen, Sarah Nagle, Yian Liou, Nolan Pineda, Natasha Rowland, Kelly Overstreet, Caroline Carey, Jack Gore, Andrew Ruskin, Jackson Wightman, Reed Ocheltree, Petar Zaninovich, Steven Waal, Daniel Chrisman, Karissa Grove, Rachel Dorado, Rachel Cohen, Duke Peterson

Due to a scheduling conflict, the end-of-season cross country banquet has been moved to Thursday, December 1st.

Same start time - 6pm (formerly scheduled for Nov 30th).

Athletes are free*

Friends and family - $10 at the door.

Full dinner served (Mexican food)

Team and Individual Photos will be available to be picked up. There will be discounted MVXC apparel for sale (t-shirts, sweat shirts) and a small lost and found table. 

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.   See you at the banquet.

Coach Mike Davis

After a tough week of training, many Mustangs showed up for practice on Friday in full Halloween costumes.  "Bad Joke Friday" again kicked things off, as Lauren Gratsch, Mike Abood and Coach Sharon braved the rowdy crowd and contributed classic jokes.

After some instructions concerning the weekend practice schedule, the team was off for another "Diablo Sign" run.  Except for the fired up JV boys, who played an intense game of ultimate frisbie! 

One week left until the EBAL Championships -  GO TEAM! 

Once again the famous "Beast" is being given out to those Mustang Cross Country runners who have a 'beastly' effort and/or result during a practice or race.   The Beast typically rotates between the boys and girls team and is kept by the winner until the next person is named.

For 2011, the following are our Beast of the Week winners:

Heet Vaishnav - Nike Invitational
Katharine Smiley - Stanford Invitational
Daniel Chrisman - Scott Bauhs Invitational
Erin Herting - EBAL Center Meet
Tristan Stewart  - Mt SAC Invitational

Oct 8th:  The Car Wash!   The sun is back out and the cars were lined up all day as the team raised funds for the XC banquet today.  Two full shifts helped manage the hectic pace.  Over $2100 raised today!
 
   

All athletes must be uniform on Tuesday in order to be in the team photo.  Forms were handed out at practice last week.  Need one?  See Coach Davis on Monday.

If you want a group photo, or individual one, you must fill out the form, enclose the appropriate fee, and bring it to the photo shoot.  Do not turn the form into your coach!

After photos and a short workout, the team will enjoy a Carbo Load at Oak Hill Park to prepare for the EBAL Meet on Weds!

GO STANGS!

From the Cross Country Express web site:

http://www.crosscountryexpress.com/2011/10/ncs-mid-season-rankings-october-4-2011.html

Division I
Boys
1)  De La Salle
2)  Amador Valley
3)  Granada
4)  Santa Rosa
5)  Monte Vista
On the bubble:  Heritage, James Logan, Mission San Jose

Girls
1)  Granada
2)  Amador Valley 
3)  Monte Vista
4)  Castro Valley
5)  Livermore 
On the bubble: Freedom, James Logan, Santa Rosa

As discussed at practice today, Coach Sharon and Coach Ross have entered a 6 day, 120 mile staged trail race in the Colorado Rockies.  They have challenged the team to predict what their total finishing time will be, with prizes awarded to the closest prediction.

Click on the handout below, for more information.  Submit your guesses at practice by Friday, or email Coach Sharon or Coach Ross by Friday evening.

Good luck to all who play, and more importantly, good luck to our great coaches!  They have been training for several months for this challenging event. 

http://transrockies.com/transrockiesrun/news/?p=971

Coach Davis 

For 2011, Monte Vista Cross Country will again use XC Stats.com to track your season and career progress.  XC Stats will be the official site for your Training Log, as well as goal setting forms.

If you were part of MVXC in 2010, you are already registered on XC Stats.com.  Please go in and make sure your email and parents email is still accurate.  Update any missing information.

If you can not remember your password from last season, there is a easy way for you to get that information.

FOR NEW MVXC PARTICIPANTS IN 2011 - The time to register is now!  Get set up and start tracking your summer running.  Please click on the handout below: Getting Started with XC Stats.com.  In order to register, you'll need our team password.  Email Coach Davis to obtain our password:  mike.davis@sbcglobal.net

Being registered is mandatory for all athletes.  Don't delay - sign up today!

http://xcstats.com/index.php

Coach Davis

Preliminary schedule for the 2011 season.  Most dates are firm - some changes may be made before the season starts on Aug 15th, 2011.

Please note all Saturday Invitationals and EBAL meets - especially the EBAL Championships.   All meets except Stanford and Mt SAC are for the WHOLE TEAM!

Avoid PSAT and SAT test conflicts.

Photos: http://s182.photobucket.com/albums/x215/MUSTANG_XC/010E%20AWARDS%20DINNER/ 

The end-of-season awards banquet was held on Tuesday, Nov 30th in the MV Commons.  On queue, the great MVXC Parents, led by Team Parent Jean Chin, set up quite a spectacular venue for the event.  With BBQ catered in by Kinders, and deserts covering two tables, the team and families had more than enough to fill up on! 

With basically 6 teams to cover (Boys/Girls, FS/JV/V), the event is like a good long run - you have to pace yourself to get through it!  While many, many team members were worthy of special mention and awards, the coaches chose 3 or 4 in each group to call out and honor for their efforts and dedication.

Sr Paolo Rigo produced a slide show to music - which can be found on You Tube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0yHz6b2i8k

Please join us in congratulating the following Mustang Cross Country award winners:

MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL – 2010 CROSS COUNTRY AWARDS  

FSB: Captains:Michael Bartz, Cameron Somers, Patrick Kragen,  Spirit Captains:Mike Abood, Zack Erlick
Frosh/Soph Boys MVP = Michael Bartz
Frosh/Soph Boys Most Improved = Philip DeLuca
Frosh/Soph Boys Most Inspirational = Patrick Kragen
Frosh Soph Boys Coaches Award = Jake Auby

FSG:  Captains:  Megan Blair, Annie Mastorakis,  Spirit Captain: Brooke Rosenberg
Frosh/Soph Girls MVP = Ryan Spencer
Frosh/Soph Girls Most Improved =  Silvia Bastea
Frosh/Soph Girls Most Inspirational = Amanda Mileski
Frosh/Soph Girls Coaches Award = Catherine Bronge

JVB: Captains:  Duke Peterson, Brandon Rebottaro, Spirit Captain Jason Vawter
Junior Varsity Boys MVP = Anthony Calderaro
Junior Varsity Boys Most Inspirational = Ben Wible
Junior Varsity Boys Coaches Award = Brandon Wu

JVG: Captains: Kate Sallstron, Meredith Huntley, Spirit Captain Annie Kelly
Junior Varsity Girls MVP = Kate Sallstrom
Junior Varsity Girls Most Inspirational = Meredith Huntley
Junior Varsity Girls Coaches Award = Lauren Gratsch

VG:  Captains:  Jill Anderson, Spirit Captains Amanda Stansell & Phoebe Killick
Varsity Girls MVP = Amy Ingram
Varsity Girls Most Improved = Kristina Chin
Varsity Girls Most Inspirational = Ellie Harvey
Coaches Award = Amanda Stansell

VB – Captains:  Josh Smiley, Spirit Captain Logan McCaul
Varsity Boys MVP = Zach Chambers
Varsity Boys Most Inspirational = Michael Garaventa
Varsity Boys Most Improved = Drew Feldman
Coaches Award = Trevor Furhiman


2010 Team Captain Award = Jill Anderson
2010 Team Captain Award = Josh Smiley  

Special Awards
Jill Smith – Outstanding Team Manager Award
Stephen Balogh – Beast of the Year Award
Jason Vawter – Team Spirit Award

Brian Stansell – 2010 Super Fan MVP Award

Daly Shoe Recipient:  Kristina Chin

  about: http://www.eteamz.com/mvxc/news/index.cfm?id=4800767&cat=278753

NCS Scholar Awards:
All those who had an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher were asked to stand and be recognized.  There were 68 teammates who had reached this honor.  To balance grades with a full time sport is a skill that should be recognized... and was. 

The team GPA's came in as follows:
FS/JV Boys = 3.31
FS/JV Girls = 3.49
Varsity Boys = 3.37
Varsity Girls = 3.50

CONGRATS TEAM!
  

TIME:  First race at 1:00 PM.  Full Schedule:

                                                                        Frosh Soph Boys Race             1:00PM

                                                                        Frosh Soph Girls Race              1:35PM

                                                                        Junior Varsity Boys Race          2:10PM

                                                                        Junior Varsity Girls  Race          2:45PM

                                                                        Varsity Boys Race                    3:25PM

                                                                        Varsity Girls  Race                    3:55PM

Organized by Coach Laurey - many team members ignored the chances for rain and came to practice in full costume, ready for a run!   Coach Ross captured a couple of pictures, with more on the way.

 After the run, there was ice cream for everyone!  After a hard week of work, it was a Fun Friday indeed.

Tuesday, Oct 19th is our team and individual photo day.  Order forms were handed out at practice - please see Coach Davis or Team Manager Jill Smith immediately if you need one.

Remember - you must in your uniform to be in the picture - no exceptions. 

You are not required to order a group or individual photo.  There is no fee to be in the picture.  If you want a team photo, or an individual or "buddy" photo, you must fill out the form and bring it, with your payment made payable to Yary Photography, on Tuesday.

After the photo, and a short run, we'll head to the picnic area for another great Carbo Load. 

 2009 JV Boys Team Photo

Varsity and Overall Team Captains for 2010
Senior Jill Anderson
Senior Josh Smiley

Varsity Spirit Captains:  Logan McCaul, Phoebe Killick, Amanda Stansell

Junior Varsity Girls Captains
Kate Sallstrum
Meredith Huntley
Spirit Captain - Annie Kelly

Junior Varsity Boys Captains
Duke Peterson
Brandon Rebottaro
Spirit Captain - Jason Vawter

Frosh Soph Girls Captains
Megan Blair
Annie Mastorakis
Spirit Captain - Brooke Rosenberg

Frosh Soph Boys Captains
Cameron Somers
Mike Bartz
Spirit Captains - Zack Erlick, Mike Abood

On Saturday, Sept 25th, before the varsity teams had even boarded the bus to Stanford, a group of dedicated runners met at Macedo Ranch to battle the demanding BBQ Terrace run.  This is the first and hardest segment of the Mt Diablo challenge run done every August. 

Conditions were perfect, and the gang made the climb in epic fashion! 

But who are they???

Like all sports teams at Monte Vista, the Cross Country team is organized as a formal Associated Student Body club (ASB).  As such, the team has club officers who meet to approve the budget and review expenses. 

This year the coaches have selected a slate of Seniors to handle the club officer duties.  They are:

President Paulo Rigo, Vice President Victoria Steffan, Sectretary Felix Amirfathi and Treasurer Ben Wible.   

On September 22nd, they held their first meeting to approve the team budget, discuss current events such as spirit captains, and approve adding 2007 and 2008 to the XC Stats web site so that all seniors and juniors would see their whole career (2009 and 2010 came with our initial subscription).

Congrats! 

From John Colarchik - Manager:

John Colarchik
Manager
FORWARD MOTION SPORTS, Inc
Johnc@forwardmotion.com
Office: (925) 820-9966 ext. 203
Fax: (925) 831-3770

The 2010 Summer Running Club concluded with a flurry of events, including the traditional Mount Diablo Challenge Run to the Top, and the 5th Annual MVXC Alumni Run.   A large group of dedicated runners showed up every Monday - Wednesday - Friday during the summer to build up a strong conditioning base of miles.  Incoming freshman had the opportunity to meet returning team members and learn some of the traditional MVXC routes.

2010 Mt Diablo Challenge Run

August 8th, 2010

Anxious to show off their level of conditioning, a large group of Mustangs made their way up Mt Diablo on August 8th, aided once again by former head coach Mike Huntsman and his famous support Suburban!   Cool weather was a welcome companion, as temperatures remained mild all the way to the top.  Starting from the Macedo Ranch staging area, the team headed up the first couple of large hills, only to give all the altitude back be running down the "switchbacks".  From there, it's up the demanding BBQ Terrace trail, climbing to about 2000 feet over 3.5 miles.   This section is not for the weak of heart - the constant climb, with no option of turning back, has claimed many a victum over the years! 

Joined by all four coaches (Scott Camp, Ross Rembac, Katie Blair and Mike Davis), the hearty Mustangs methodically made their way up the trails.  With the largest group of "never walked" runners ever, the team was soon assembled at the lower parking lot for the charge to the summit! 

Annual "First up the Mountain" awards go to Seniors Taylor Balke and Jill Anderson, while the Summit Sprint winners went to Jill and Senior Zach Chambers.  That is the hardest 400 anyone will ever run!

 5th Annual Alumni Run:

August 14th - 2010

Despite claiming the top individual honors, the Alumni could not hold off the tight packing Current Team as both the Boys and Girls 2010 squads prevailed at the 5th running of this now classic event. Once again, alumni from as far back as 1987 put on the "red-white-black" classic jersey, and raced over the tough 2 mile MV Invite course. Former coaches Knutsen, Huntsman and Borowski came to cheer on their former runners and give encouragement to the current team members as well.

 
Alumi Mike Abrams ('87) leads Jr's Byron Kilian, Stephen Balogh and Alumni John Berhing ('00)
up The Jungle during the Alumni Race held Saturday, August 14th. 

Top finishers were:

Boys: 1st Mike Roderick (09), 2nd Harry Nunns (08), 3rd Junior Byron Kilian.

Girls: 1st Brittany Rezowalli (05), 2nd Sr Jill Anderson, 3rd Soph Megan Nesbit

Many notable performaces today, including 1987 Alumni Mike Abrams with his solid 6th place overall finish, and 1988 Alumni Chris Leavell finishing 17th while pushing his 20 month old son in a baby jogger - up the Eliminator no less! Brittany Rezolwalli made it a perfect 4 for 4 by winning the girls race again. She has won each time she's entered.

Alumni MVP awards went to Mike Abrams and Kimmy Abood, with the MV top rookie award going to frosh Erin Herting for her impressive finish today. While the race was initial focus, the social time before, during and after the run was the real reason most of the alumni showed up today!

Results can be found in the handout below. Mark your calendars for the 6th Annual run next summer!

Alumni race top three awards go to:  Alumni Brittany Rezowalli, Sr Jill Anderson, Soph Meghan Nesbit and Alumni Mike Roderick, Alumni Harry Nunns and Jr Byron Kilian

Click on the handout below and print out this schedule.  All team activities are listed here - don't be caught unaware!  Avoid SAT dates that conflict with the EBAL Meet - see the bottom of the schedule.

Due to a change of date for the Scott Bauhs invite, the annual Overnight Relay may be moved.

 Coach Davis

And here we GO!   The Mustang Running Club has officially started, and after two sessions, it's obvious that there are some MVXCers ready to put in some good summer miles!

There were 44 runners plus a half dozen alumni at the opening day event - a great sign.  Several incoming freshman hammered out their first "Smith-Ack" in fine fashion!

Coach Davis has Participation Forms for anyone during the summer program.  There is a voluntary fee of $25 to help cover insurance and other expenses, and it includes a coveted Summer Run tee shirt!  Can't beat that.

Join us at 6pm Monday, Weds and Friday's all summer.  For more summer training information, click here or on the Summer Training tab to the left.

 GO STANGS!

For the past three summers, the Mustang Cross Country team has traveled north to the "Redwood Curtain" of Humboldt County, to attend a week long running camp hosted at Humboldt State University.  This camp, sponsored by the Asics Aggie Running Club, is run by legendary Coach Jim Hunt, his wife Jo Ann, and Aggie Kevin Searls.  This year the camp is from July 25th to the 30th.

Detailed information on this camp can be found at their web site: http://www.runninaway.com/

Monte Vista is given a limited number of spots to this camp - approximately 20 excluding coaches.  Due to this, Coach Davis sends out invitations to running camp.  Returning varsity runners, and top JV/FS runners from last year, as well as those runners who may have had break-out track seasons, receive an invitation.

Each year, there have been a few spaces open for those teammates interested in taking their running 'game' to a higher level.  You must be in shape to attend camp - as the 2-3 workouts per day are not for the meek!  If you did not receive an invitation, but are interested in being placed on our waiting list, please email Coach Davis at: mike.davis@sbcglobal.net

The following Mustangs were honored at the 2009 awards banquet.  Once again, the parents organized a special event, with lots of decorations transforming the Commons into a festive banquet hall!  El Balazo delivered mountains of food, while the deserts and Izze's flowed all evening.

Congrats to the entire team, especially those honored below:

MVXC  2009 Awards Banquet  
Four Year Seniors – Honorary Letter Winners (Davis) 
Emily Bartz
Kaite Heiting
Katie Swinnerton
Jennifer Aceto
Cameron Bailey 

Team Manager Award:  Emily Bartz 

 Varsity Letter Winners
Boys: 
Amis Matulionis
Jake Erlick
Elliott Killick
Josh Smiley
Zach Chambers
Kevin Ho
Dan Roderick
Taylor Balke
Michael Garaventa
Byron Kilian
Trevor Furhiman
Stephen Balogh
Drew Feldman 

Girls: 
Nicole Aha
Kimmy Abood
Kelly Peterson
Anna Hoyt
Natalie Scott
Jill Anderson
Mikaela Hammitt
Meghan Yap
Lauren Gratsch
Kristina Chin
Amy Ingram 

Frosh Soph Awards (Kovar): 

Frosh/Soph Team Captain:  Steve Lindow

Frosh/Soph Team Captain:  Nick Ranelli

Frosh/Soph Team Captain:  Annie Kelly

Frosh/Soph MVP Award:  Drew Feldman

Frosh/Soph MVP Award:  Elena Smith

Frosh/Soph Most Improved Award:  Michael Abood

Frosh/Soph Most Improved Award:  Phoebe Killick

Frosh/Soph Most Inspirational:  Matt Yap

Frosh/Soph Most Inspirational:  Ellie Harvey

Junior Varsity Team Captain:  Jill Smith

Junior Varsity Team Captain:  Kate Sallstrom

Junior Varsity Team Captain:  Brandon Rebottaro

Junior Varsity Team Captain:  Kyle Murray

Junior Varsity MVP Award:  Logan McCaul

Junior Varsity MVP Award:  Kate Sallstrom

Junior Varsity Coaches Award:  Dominik Novotni

Junior Varsity Coaches Award: Amanda Stansell

Varsity Team Captain:  Nicole Aha

Varsity Team Captain:  Jake Erlick

Varsity MVP Award:  Josh Smiley

Varsity MVP Award:  Nicole Aha

Varsity Rookie of the Year Award:  Amy Ingram

The entire team is invited to the San Ramon Valley Track on Saturday, to see how fast you can run a 3200 meter race now that you are super fit from the cross country season!  This is a required event for the varsity runners, but the whole team is encouraged to come on down.  The first race will be at 9:00 AM, and will be run in heats according to projected ability.  Arrive in time to warm up!  You can wear your MV uniform, or anything (appropriate please) that you want!

The following is an informational note from SRVXC Coach Tim Hunter.  See you there!

Saturday between EBAL and NCS (Nov 14) at 9am at SRVHS track we will be hosting the 4th annual 3200 TT scrimmage. We will split the athletes into ability heats which could be 4-5 seperate races if needed. We can talk about how the heats will be set up. Varsity, JV, frosh/soph bring whoever. It's a scrimmage so you can wear uniforms or not, spikes, trainers, it's all good. Let me know if I left something out. Possible heat set up:
 
10:50 and faster
 
12:20 to 10:51
 
13:50 to 12:21
 
15:00 to 13:51
 
Tim Hunter

TIME:  First race at 1:00 PM.  Full Schedule:

                                                                        Frosh Soph Girls Race              1:00PM

                                                                        Frosh Soph Boys Race             1:40PM

                                                                        Junior Varsity Girls Race           2:10PM

                                                                        Junior Varsity Boys Race          2:50PM

                                                                        Varsity Girls Race                     3:20PM

                                                                        Varsity Boys Race                    4:00PM

Shame to Coach Davis for not posting this sooner.  Several weeks ago, JV Coach Austin Glimme named his Captains for the season.  They are:

Jr Brandon Rebottaro
Sr Kyle Murray
Jr Jill Smith
Jr Kate Sallstrom

Each has shown extreme dedication to the JV cause, as well as fast race results.  They look to help lead the team to the JV Championships!

Race update from Coach Sharon:

THE OVERNIGHT RELAY:
115.8 Miles!!!  2009 team destroys last years record, hammering out mile after mile to set the new standard! Story and results: http://www.eteamz.com/mvxc/news/index.cfm?subsite=3429447&cat=278749#news4770786 

Used running shoe drive also highlights fundraising for charities!

For many years now, the 12 hour Overnight Relay has acted as a fundraiser for the local community.  Started as a tradition by former coach Mike Huntsman who felt that the team should give back to the community, the event has raised several thousands of dollars for local causes.  In prior years, the Contra Costa Food Bank, The Family Crisis Center, The Lindsay Wildlife Museum and others have received support from the team.  This year, for the 3rd time in the past 5 years, the captains selected the Save Mount Diablo organization to support.  Given the amount of running that the team does in the Mt Diablo foothills, it is easy to see why the cause would be near and dear to the cross country squad.

Information about Save Mount Diablo can be found at their web site: http://www.savemountdiablo.org/home.htm

The team is asking for all runners at the overnight relay to make a personal donation.  It's fine for your family to contribute as well, but the goal is have each team member donate themselves.  If everyone gives $10 or more, we'll easily raise $1000 for the cause.

Thank you for your support of this worthy organization!

Coach Mike Davis

Mark your calendars for the always exciting end-of-season awards banquet.  Food catered by El Balazo.  Athletes are free.  Parents and siblings are $7 at the door. 

Monday, November 16th, 2009.   6:30PM in the MVHS Commons.

More information coming!

All students are dismissed at 2:10.  If you have a test in your 6th period class, or you feel you can't miss that class...then don't get out early.  If you miss 6th period, then change and head over to the park to help set up.

4:00 - Novice Race  2.0 miles.  Boys and Girls Combined
4:25 - JV Girls Race 3.0 miles
5:00 - JV Boys Race 3.0 miles
5:30 - Varsity Girls Race 3.0 miles
6:00 - Varsity Boys Race 3.0 miles
Frosh Soph is included in the JV race. 

Buses - Leave Monte Vista at 7:15 AM.  Be at MV by 7:00 AM.

You must ride the bus if you are competing. 
You must stay for the entire meet.  You may ride back with parents at the conclusion of the meet.

There is NO snack table at this meet.  Bring plenty of water and food.  Dress warm for the early morning hours.

WHO IS SCOTT BAUHS???  Read the following profile from 2008: http://www.pausatf.org/data/2008/tfscottbauhsprofile.html

Course map: http://pleasanton.k12.ca.us/avhsweb/scarpelli/XC%20Scott%20Bauhs.html

Order of Events
9:00am Freshman Boys
9:30am Freshman Girls
10:00am Sophomore Boys
10:30am Sophomore Girls
11:00am  Junior Boys
11:30am  Junior Girls
12:00am  Senior Boys
12:30pm   Senior Girls  

Participating Teams 

Amador Valley
Castro Valley
College Park
De La Salle
Dougherty Valley
Foothill
Gunn
Homestead
Livermore
Miramonte
Monte Vista
Piner
San Leandro
San Ramon
Santee
St Patrick-Vincent
Union Mine

On Monday, Coach Davis announced the Varsity Senior Captains for the 2009 season.  They are both four year veterans of MVXC team traditions and deserving leaders for the upcoming season.  Newbies to our squad would be wise to seek their advice on just about anything related to the sport of cross country! 

Congrats to Seniors Nicole Aha and Jake Erlick for being chosen for this honor. 

On Weds the 16th, Coach Sharon Kovar announced the Frosh-Soph team captains for 2009!  All were selected based on their committment to the team, their work ethic, and their ability to be leaders within the squad.  Oh yeah, they're pretty good runners as well! 

Congrats to 2009 F/S Team Captains Steve Lindow, Annie Kelly, Angelyn Brown and Nick Ranelli.

2009 schedule, with Summer Running Club information, is now availible for downloading by clicking the "Handout" below.

This is the final schedule, although some changes may be made as the season progresses.  All the league meet dates are firm.  Juniors - plan SAT testing around the EBAL Championship meet!

Congrats to the 2009 Cross Country "ASB Club" Officers who were nominated by the Coaches last week.  As an Associated Student Body club, these officers will approve the team budget, and handle requests for expenditures. 

President:  Jen Aceto - Senior
Vice President:  Michael Garaventa - Junior
Secretary/Treasurer:  Katie Swinnerton - Senior

Despite the chilly, windy day, the Cross Country squad showed up in force to wash cars and raise funds for the team.  The first shift was the coldest, but had more runners signed up to work, so the cars flowed smoothly.  The first shift was treated to an interesting display of student driving (fortunately no XC athletes were hurt, nor their cars).

Coach Austin was certainly in fine form, becoming one with the Bullhorn and producing a steady stream of 'encouragement' to the washers and driers! 

The second shift was smaller, but also cranked through the cars and closed up the operation on time! 

As you pile on the food at the banquet, you can feel good about your hard work today!  If you have not yet turned in our $$$, please do so ASAP (to Coach Austin).

For many years, the varsity runners have done the famous "drop off" runs, where they are driven to some far point and dumped out, with the only option that of running back to Monte Vista.  Last week, Coach Davis, with help from Mrs Lisa Roderick, took it up a notch.  Blindfolding the guys while in the MV parking lot, they were driven to an obscure elementary school in western San Ramon (Twins Creeks).  Once there, they were lead one-by-one into a fenced area reserved for bikes, and were told to remove the blindfolds only when they could not hear Coach Davis' VW in the distance.   However, they could probably hear him laughing, as it was quite a spectacle indeed.  In fact, the guys were chewed out by a local preschool teacher who found their presence in the bike cage somewhat disturbing.

 9 miles later, they found their way back to MVHS!  A tradition is born!

Varsity Team Captains:  Connor Donley, Kaitlin Kelly, Mike Roderick, Nicole Aha

MVXC Club Officers:  Kaity Thomas, Katie Swinnerton, Alex Morris, Colton Anderson

JV Team Captains:  Eric Bergquist, Kirsten Ratliff, Vincent Kot, Jen Aceto

Frosh/Soph Team Captains:  Kristina Chin, Kendall Horalek, Logan McCaul, Michael Garaventa

A LARGE contingent of Mustang XC teammates braved the trip to Hayward High School to cheer on the varsity squads today.  This was the largest group of non-parents that Coach Davis has ever seen at the event.  And your efforts REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE in the perfomances of the varsity team.  You were all over the course - dressed up - signs and balloons displayed - yelling like crazy!  THANK YOU!

Fresno is just a short 3 hour drive away...  who can come down and support the guys this Saturday?  You'll have to find transportation, but with this group of supporters, I sense it won't be impossible.

 MVXC!  Nuff said.

Right after the Tri Valley Invitational, Coach Austin headed over to the greatest elementary school carnival in the tri-state area!  Ok, I'm not even sure what the tri-state area is... but this carnival has to rank among the finest anywhere.  Live bands pounded out the tunes, while games of all kinds were being contested in the outdoor areas of the school.  Coach Davis dropped in to say hello, and found several MVXC members taking on 3rd graders in tests of skill and daring.  Having cleaned up in the always difficult "cake walk"... Brett Zorich, Danny Bartz, Mike Slap and Lisa Wulf took on the locals in a free for all cake eating contest.  The starting whistle went off, and all heads dropped into the dishes of white or chocolate cake.  Pre-contest favorite Danny Bartz looked to be a shoe-in for the victory, but suddenly, the local elementary student stood up in the classic 'victory' poise - having dispatched the larger, hungrier but obviously overmatched high school students.

If you didn't attend - and Coach Austin knows who you are - make this a must on next years social calendar.

An expanded MVXC end-of-season video, produced by Bhavik Kanzaria and Cameron Tremblay-Adams has been uploaded to Flotrack.com:

http://www.flotrack.org/videos/play/25523-mvxc-video-2007-season

DVD copies are being made of this now epic miniseries (nearly 30 minutes of non stop MVXC action!!!).   EBAL #2, Mt Sac and NCS footage added, along with more Senior tributes.  Watch for future announcements to get your copy (or download it from the above site).

Newest installment from your friends down at FMS!  Features coverage of Stanford, Clovis and other races.  Rankings as well as an article examining the "team cheer".  Good stuff.

Ranked 5th coming into the meet, the Varsity Girls squad went down to the starting line, to find the following box assignment.  Yes, it appears that their race was predetermined.