After a couple years of growth for the Dulce boys and girls cross country teams, coach Lewis Martinez believes both teams are ready to prosper on the state level.
The Hawks boys finished eighth overall last season at the state meet and their top two finishers graduated, but Martinez remains optimistic.
For the boys, “we brought in a bunch of guys as eighth graders and now they’re juniors,” he said. “Our goal is to get them to state and win a trophy. We’ve been moving up every year.”
Whether that comes to fruition this season or next, that’s the ultimate goal, Martinez said.
“I would like to be in the top five with the work we’ve been putting in,” he said. “Next year, my goal is to be on the podium; first, second or third. I know they can do it. Over the years they’ve been running, they’ve been in state every year, getting lower and lower every year.”
The junior contingent is led by Ian Gomez, who was 67th at state, finishing in a time of 19 minutes, 36.2 seconds, and he’s joined by Jexiner Mosende, Awlis Vigil and Nathan Harrison.
And sophomore Kash Prosper, who was 66th in 19:33.8, leads all returners, although the Hawks lost two returners to the football team.
Still, the experience and leadership for Prosper and Gomez should pay dividends, Martinez said.
“I think it gives them motivation that they can actually compete,” he said. “And now they’ve got a little more experience and know what it takes to get to the next level.”
What the coach has been trying to get them all to realize is that the Hawks can be better if they all buy into that team concept.
“It’s not about running individually, but running as a pack,” Martinez said. “If we can all finish in the top 20, we have a good shot of getting a trophy. We have to work as a team. They’re finally getting the concept of what it means, but it’s something I strive for every year.”
Martinez likes to check their dedication after the track season ends by letting them run on their own over the summer.
“They did it on their own, they go out there and run,” he said. “You can’t be slacking. You need to go out and dedicate yourself to go out and run on your own. It’s all about putting in the miles and dedicating yourself to how much you want it.”
The girls had five underclassmen compete at state and finished 14th, but several of them have opted for other sports, Martinez said.
The state runners who are returning are led by junior Jayanna Petago, who was 57th overall, finishing in a time of 24.54.4, followed closely by freshman Michelle Tecube, who was 59th in 24:54.4. Junior Lina Valdez was 103rd in 34:34.6.
Although it’s their first experience with cross country, Martinez said he’s also expecting big things from sophomore sisters Adrianna and Brianna Zamora.
“We have a full girls varsity team, so that’s good,” he said. “They’re young, but I’m working with them and telling them what it takes. We’re going to be all right. I just keep reminding, them, make it through districts and top goal is to make it state. So go up there, run, have fun and get the work done.”