Veronica Moreno and her coaching staff have high hopes for Central Valley’s cross country program.

“We’re aware of the challenges that are ahead of us as we compete in the Central California Conference, but we have prepared in all aspects and are expecting to do well,” she said.

Alejandro Gonzalez (Jr.), Favio Gonzalez (Sr.), Eric Andrade (Sr.), Enrique Martinez (Sr.) and Ivan Martinez (Sr.) will lead Central Valley’s varsity boys team.

Alejandro finished 46th at the CCC’s third cluster meet last fall.

Eric and Enrique placed 34th and 42nd, respectively.

“It doesn’t matter what place we get this season as long as we try our best,” Alejandro Gonzalez said. “We have to keep pushing.”

Priscilla Garcia (Jr.), Aryanna Jimenez (Sr.), Abigail Garcia (Jr.), Adriana Huaracha (Jr.) and Kelsy Naranjo (Sr.) will lead Central Valley’s varsity girls team.

Priscilla finished 48th at the CCC’s #3 cluster meet last fall.

Abigail, Adriana, Kelsy and Aryanna placed 29th, 34th, 38th and 46th, respectively.

“I expect us to do better this year,” Priscilla Garcia said. “We trained harder over the summer. We believe in ourselves more.”

The Hawks were newcomers to the CCC a year ago.

Central Valley competed against Atwater, Buhach Colony, El Capitan, Golden Valley, Merced and Patterson.

Central Valley’s boys and girls squads both finished fifth during the conference’s third and final cluster meet.

“As always, we hope for a successful season and hope our athletes improve both physically and mentally,” Moreno said.

“This league is pretty tough,” Alejandro Gonzalez said. “I love the environment. Everyone cheers for you no matter what place you get.”

“We’re very lucky to have her (Moreno) as a coach,” Priscilla Garcia said. “She goes on runs with us. She’s very supportive and understanding but pushes us to try harder.”