The members of Central Valley High School’s cross country program traveled to Modesto this past week to race against Johansen.
“I’m really proud of how they did today,” Hawks’ coach Michael Mrgudic said. “They competed and had fun.”
Central Valley’s varsity boys team suffered a 27-30 loss while battling the Vikings on Friday.
The Hawks dropped to 0-2 in the Western Athletic Conference South Division standings.
Alejandro Gonzalez was Central Valley’s top finisher.
He placed fourth with a time of 20 minutes, 34 seconds on the 3-mile course.
“I improved from last meet,” Gonzalez said. “I PR’d. But I know I could have done better.”
Hawk teammates Nicolas Gil (22:39), Daniel Soares (22:59), Jeremy Alvarez (23:04), Jesse Vazquez (23:08)) and Afredo Garcia (23:15) placed fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth, respectively.
“The whole team improved from the last meet,” Gonzalez said.
The top six finishers on each team contributed to the point total.
Central Valley dropped its WAC opener, 23-32, at Los Banos on Feb. 23.
The season was supposed to start this past fall but was moved to the spring due to COVID-19.
High school athletics had been put on hold since mid-March of last year when the statewide shutdown began in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Without sports, I don’t know where I’d be right now. You learn about being a team leader and consistent, and having a positive mindset playing sports. Most importantly, it keeps you healthy."Alejandro Gonzalez
“I would have been disappointed if we didn’t have a season,” Gonzalez said. “Without sports, I don’t know where I’d be right now. You learn about being a team leader and consistent, and having a positive mindset playing sports. Most importantly, it keeps you healthy."
Unable to post a team score due to a lack of numbers, Central Valley’s varsity girls team lost by forfeit to Johansen.
The Hawks (0-2) had just one individual runner compete against the Vikings.
Ashley Anaya placed second with a time of 24 minutes, 19 seconds on the 3-mile course.
“She ran a smarter race than last week,” Mrgudic said. “She was more relaxed.”
“I felt more prepared and confident this week,” Anaya stated. Yesterday to prepare, I ran five miles.”
“I’m satisfied but I know I could have done better,” she added while talking about her performance. “I could have pushed myself more.”
Anaya said she was thankful to be competing again.
“When I found out Central Valley was going to start, I was happy,” she stated.
Central Valley’s and Johansen’s junior-varsity teams didn’t have enough runners to post team scores.
The Hawks’ lineup featured just two athletes, including Victoria Guajardo and Claudia Aguilar.
Guajardo placed first with a time of 18 minutes, 15 seconds on the 2-mile course.
Aguilar (21:23) was second.