So, it's been a while. A long while. An eternity. An eon. But were back, and it's time to talk about Cross Country Champs. CCAA Champs. The conference of champions. This year the race is in Whittier Narrows Park, hosted by Cal Poly Pomona. We raced it a few weeks ago, and it's perfect. Flat, slightly shady, spectator friendly, on packed dirt, scenic...a pr machine course.
The men have had a so-so season, but it's time for a break out race. Leading the pack for the men...who knows. It could be Brandon "B-Ran" Becerra, a senior who has the fastest time this season with a 26:58 two weeks ago. He's been getting stronger, and is looking for another pr this week. It could be Tyler "Low T" Thiele, who has been up and down battling injuries and sicknesses. He could easily go sub 27. It could be Terrance "T-Daddy" Ellis, a converted 800 runner who has been showing some serious xc strength. It could be Kanwar "K-Bone" Dhaliwal, who may or may not race due to an ankle injury. It could be Dean "Lumberjack" Alley, a freshman from Sonora who is gunning for freshman of the year by way of a pr in the high 26's. It could be Alex "Rivabank" Reyes, another freshman who is finally getting faster after adjusting to collegiate training. And that's the whole lineup, the whole kit n kaboodle, the whole enchilada. It's left to see how the men will do, but it's totally up to them, and don't be surprised if they knock some people off.
The women have serious potential this year. They are deep and talented, but have yet to string together a team effort up to their standards. Once again, the Foldager/Elhard combo has been leading the pack. Denali won the CCAA preview race two weeks ago, and Rubye won the Stanislaus and Gator Invites earlier in the season. These two will be a force in the top 5, and need to place as high as possible for the team. Marina Ghabbour has been a strong 3rd runner all year, and is looking for an All-CCAA performance, possibly accompanied with a Newcomer of the Year award. Lindsay Garcia has been the most consistent racer this year, finishing surprisingly high in every race. Chelsea "Dreamweaver" Deerinck has the potential to race well and place high. Alyssa "Al Face" Thiele has had a solid year and is progressing well, look out for her. Freshmen Katie "Goldfish" Timmermans and Dallas "Leludallasmultipass" Campbell will also be gunning for Freshman of the year, and should be good assets for the team. Claire "LEEEEROY" Jenkins is due for a breakout race, and this very well could be it. Liz Lamadrid has been hammering all season and has been pr'ing, and looks to continue this streak at CCAA's.
That's the preview. The women have a good shot at placing really well, and the men are looking for big pr's all around. Should be fun to watch, and even more fun to race. See you in LA.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Summer Interview Series: Installment Eight
This time WXC had a chat with Brandon Beccera (pronounced 'buh-sehr-uh') Brandon is a newcomer to Stanislaus, a transfer from the College of San Mateo, in the Yay.
WXC: How has your training been this summer?
BB: My training has been very good. I'd say 8.5 out of ten. I had a slight injury in June, but other than that it's been good.
WXC: Give us the running history of Brandon Beccera?
BB: I started running in 2nd Grade. I had asthma growing up, and my mom thought this would be the best way to strenghthen my lungs. I started competitively in 8th grade, and ran the mile, and that inspired me to keep going. Then I ran for Hillsdale High School, in San Mateo. My freshman year, I won conference finals for freshmen XC, at Crystal Springs. My sophomore year, I won track MVP for frosh-soph. I placed third in the mile and fourth in the two-mile at conference that year. Junior year I won MVP for Varsity Cross, and Senior year I had an injury, but as a team we made it Central Coast Sections. I went to the College of San Mateo. My first XC season we made it to states as a team. My sophomore year, I made it as an individual to states, but placed pretty bad. In track, my first year I was more of a long distance runner. I wasn't in great shape because I was sick over winter. I did the 5k and 10k. My times were slow, but I made states for the 10k because a lot of people dropped out. I ran a 10k in 110 degree weather, it was horrible, all the Southern Cal guys burned all the Northern Cal guys. My sophomore in track, I was concentrating on the 10k. I ran a couple shorter races and did well, so my coach wanted me to focus on the 1500. I won conference in the 1500, ran a 3:58. I qualified for states, and it was so hot they made me sit in the press box to stay cool. I ran like crap though, a 4:07, but I was happy I qualified for states. And right now I'm training for Stanislaus.
WXC: How did hear about Stanislaus?
BB: My coach and I were talking last spring, and he was asking if I wanted to run still, and he gave me some coaches to talk to. I talked to Chico, Humboldt, and Stanislaus, and Coach Taylor seemed like the best coach, the most dedicated to her athletes, and I liked her philosophy. Also I ran a 1500 at American River College, and there was a 3-way tie for first between me, Joey Nunes, and a Chico guy. And Joey was really cool, really outgoing, he came up and talked to me after the race. It made me want to be on a team with guys like that on it. So I chose Stanislaus.
WXC: What are your interests off the track?
BB: I'm a criminal justice major, I want to be a police officer, so I think law enforcement is really cool. I play guitar. I can't think of much else, haha.
WXC: What are your goals for XC this year?
BB: I want to help the team as much as I can. I want to pr every race. I want to make sure our team makes our goals, whether that be Nationals or whatever. Whatever it takes to get there, I'll do it. Any extra work, I'll do it. I want the team to succeed.
WXC: Name one interesting fact about yourself, that not everybody knows?
BB: I love my family, and family always comes first to me.
WXC: Anything else you wish to say?
BB: Uhh, I guess that Steve Prefontaine is my favorite athlete. I've got a really cool poster at home with the "pure guts" quote on it, I guess that's it.
WXC: How has your training been this summer?
BB: My training has been very good. I'd say 8.5 out of ten. I had a slight injury in June, but other than that it's been good.
WXC: Give us the running history of Brandon Beccera?
BB: I started running in 2nd Grade. I had asthma growing up, and my mom thought this would be the best way to strenghthen my lungs. I started competitively in 8th grade, and ran the mile, and that inspired me to keep going. Then I ran for Hillsdale High School, in San Mateo. My freshman year, I won conference finals for freshmen XC, at Crystal Springs. My sophomore year, I won track MVP for frosh-soph. I placed third in the mile and fourth in the two-mile at conference that year. Junior year I won MVP for Varsity Cross, and Senior year I had an injury, but as a team we made it Central Coast Sections. I went to the College of San Mateo. My first XC season we made it to states as a team. My sophomore year, I made it as an individual to states, but placed pretty bad. In track, my first year I was more of a long distance runner. I wasn't in great shape because I was sick over winter. I did the 5k and 10k. My times were slow, but I made states for the 10k because a lot of people dropped out. I ran a 10k in 110 degree weather, it was horrible, all the Southern Cal guys burned all the Northern Cal guys. My sophomore in track, I was concentrating on the 10k. I ran a couple shorter races and did well, so my coach wanted me to focus on the 1500. I won conference in the 1500, ran a 3:58. I qualified for states, and it was so hot they made me sit in the press box to stay cool. I ran like crap though, a 4:07, but I was happy I qualified for states. And right now I'm training for Stanislaus.
WXC: How did hear about Stanislaus?
BB: My coach and I were talking last spring, and he was asking if I wanted to run still, and he gave me some coaches to talk to. I talked to Chico, Humboldt, and Stanislaus, and Coach Taylor seemed like the best coach, the most dedicated to her athletes, and I liked her philosophy. Also I ran a 1500 at American River College, and there was a 3-way tie for first between me, Joey Nunes, and a Chico guy. And Joey was really cool, really outgoing, he came up and talked to me after the race. It made me want to be on a team with guys like that on it. So I chose Stanislaus.
WXC: What are your interests off the track?
BB: I'm a criminal justice major, I want to be a police officer, so I think law enforcement is really cool. I play guitar. I can't think of much else, haha.
WXC: What are your goals for XC this year?
BB: I want to help the team as much as I can. I want to pr every race. I want to make sure our team makes our goals, whether that be Nationals or whatever. Whatever it takes to get there, I'll do it. Any extra work, I'll do it. I want the team to succeed.
WXC: Name one interesting fact about yourself, that not everybody knows?
BB: I love my family, and family always comes first to me.
WXC: Anything else you wish to say?
BB: Uhh, I guess that Steve Prefontaine is my favorite athlete. I've got a really cool poster at home with the "pure guts" quote on it, I guess that's it.
Summer Interview Series: Installment Seven
This time WXC caught up with Kanwar Dhaliwal, returning sophomore, and graduate of Pitman High School.
WXC: What were you doing when WXC called you for the interview?
KD: Playing Fifa World Cup, Argentina vs. Portugal. And two seconds before you called, I scored with Leonel Messier, the greatest soccer player in the world.
WXC: A little bird told me that you were pretty into the World Cup this year.
KD: Yes. I was not only into the world cup. I lived the world cup.
WXC: What did you think of the outcome?
KD: I was really emotional after the US lost to Ghana. But it's nice to see someone other than Brazil or Germany come out on top.
WXC: In other sporting news, how has summer training been?
KD: It's been great. I have been running a lot, I haven't been running with the guys because they run in the AM and I run in the PM, but it's been good, sticking to coach's plan.
WXC: What are you looking forward to this season?
KD: Regionals. Because it's in Washington, and the stakes are higher since I'm a returning runner. It's not my freshman year, so there's no excuses.
WXC: What do you see as your role on the team this year?
KD: My role on the team is to show the Freshmen that anything is possible. Last year I had a great year, trusting coach and trusting teammates, and I feel like that is my duty to show the new runners that if it can happen to me it can happen to them.
WXC: What was your favorite race of your freshman year, both XC and track?
KD: Regionals for cross. Because I placed 5th on the team, pr'd in the 10k, and I just really enjoyed that race. Track, my favorite race was the 5k very early in the season when I outkicked Dawson Vorderbruegge.
WXC: Warrior XC Distance would like to make it known that Dawson Vorderbruegge was sick and injured in that race. Regardless, how was college distance different than what you expected coming out of high school?
KD: After graduation, I was the top dog in our conference, and I felt as though I was the going to be the top dog on our team. It was definitely a wake-up call. After our first workout, the logging trail in Tahoe, my first word after getting to the top of the hill was "High School cross country is a joke." That's when I realized that college running was a whole new level.
WXC: What's your best memory with the team off the track?
KD: LA Road Trip. And camping trip. Uhhhh, I guess camping, because that's more of a team thing.
WXC: Dun Duh Dun...
KD: Dun nuh nuh nuh!
WXC: What are your goals for this season?
KD: For cross, top 20 at CCAA's, and top 50 at Regionals. Time-wise, hopefully break 26 in the 8k, low 33's in the 10k. In track, break 4 in the 1500, and break 15:20 in the 5k.
WXC: One final question: If you were to assign an animal to each of the men's team runners, what would their animal be:
KD:
Palmer Thiele: Eagle
Tyler Thiele: Butterfly
Dawson Vorderbruegge: Giraffe
Terrance Ellis: Cheetah
Jaydeep Bhatia: Camel
Stephen Lenz: Ant
Joey Nunes: Hyena
Shane Brookshire: Rattlesnake
Ivan Bojorquez: Horse
Jose Morales: Flamingo
Kanwar Dhaliwal: Simba, the Lion King
WXC: What were you doing when WXC called you for the interview?
KD: Playing Fifa World Cup, Argentina vs. Portugal. And two seconds before you called, I scored with Leonel Messier, the greatest soccer player in the world.
WXC: A little bird told me that you were pretty into the World Cup this year.
KD: Yes. I was not only into the world cup. I lived the world cup.
WXC: What did you think of the outcome?
KD: I was really emotional after the US lost to Ghana. But it's nice to see someone other than Brazil or Germany come out on top.
WXC: In other sporting news, how has summer training been?
KD: It's been great. I have been running a lot, I haven't been running with the guys because they run in the AM and I run in the PM, but it's been good, sticking to coach's plan.
WXC: What are you looking forward to this season?
KD: Regionals. Because it's in Washington, and the stakes are higher since I'm a returning runner. It's not my freshman year, so there's no excuses.
WXC: What do you see as your role on the team this year?
KD: My role on the team is to show the Freshmen that anything is possible. Last year I had a great year, trusting coach and trusting teammates, and I feel like that is my duty to show the new runners that if it can happen to me it can happen to them.
WXC: What was your favorite race of your freshman year, both XC and track?
KD: Regionals for cross. Because I placed 5th on the team, pr'd in the 10k, and I just really enjoyed that race. Track, my favorite race was the 5k very early in the season when I outkicked Dawson Vorderbruegge.
WXC: Warrior XC Distance would like to make it known that Dawson Vorderbruegge was sick and injured in that race. Regardless, how was college distance different than what you expected coming out of high school?
KD: After graduation, I was the top dog in our conference, and I felt as though I was the going to be the top dog on our team. It was definitely a wake-up call. After our first workout, the logging trail in Tahoe, my first word after getting to the top of the hill was "High School cross country is a joke." That's when I realized that college running was a whole new level.
WXC: What's your best memory with the team off the track?
KD: LA Road Trip. And camping trip. Uhhhh, I guess camping, because that's more of a team thing.
WXC: Dun Duh Dun...
KD: Dun nuh nuh nuh!
WXC: What are your goals for this season?
KD: For cross, top 20 at CCAA's, and top 50 at Regionals. Time-wise, hopefully break 26 in the 8k, low 33's in the 10k. In track, break 4 in the 1500, and break 15:20 in the 5k.
WXC: One final question: If you were to assign an animal to each of the men's team runners, what would their animal be:
KD:
Palmer Thiele: Eagle
Tyler Thiele: Butterfly
Dawson Vorderbruegge: Giraffe
Terrance Ellis: Cheetah
Jaydeep Bhatia: Camel
Stephen Lenz: Ant
Joey Nunes: Hyena
Shane Brookshire: Rattlesnake
Ivan Bojorquez: Horse
Jose Morales: Flamingo
Kanwar Dhaliwal: Simba, the Lion King
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Summer Interview Series: Installment Six
This week we chatted with Palmer "Danger" Thiele, a returning junior in his third year of Stanislaus XC. He hails from Lard, California, and went to Sierra High School. Palmer is the captain this year for the men's team, so let's see what he had to say...
WXC: Palmer, what is your greatest running memory?
PT: I got a JV two mile meet record when I was a sophomore at some invitational. That was my first race where I really ran fast.
WXC: That's what started off the magic that you have become?
PT: Yah.
WXC: Sweet. What have you been doing besides running this summer?
PT: Went to Connecticut. Did a poker run in Atlantic City. Went to Maine for ice cream. Just for ice cream. I took my bike apart and I'm going to repaint it.
WXC: What's your bike going to look like?
PT: We went to this junk yard yesterday, and I took a bunch of Cadillac symbols off cars, so I'm going to have a Cadillac bike. Maybe black and red colored.
WXC: That sounds awesome. As captain, what will be your first order of business?
PT: To back up whatever your first order of business is. And have a good talk at camp at night. I don't know what we're going to say.
WXC: How was your last hard workout?
PT: Yesterday on the fartlek, I crossed the railroad tracks and hurdled over them and yelled "Steeple Life" and gained like 20 yards on everybody. But then Joey caught back up and started pushing, but I hung with him.
WXC: What's your goal for XC? For you and the team?
PT: For me, I want to run sub 26, top 15 at conference. For the team, I don't know. I don't know what to expect, since it's a rebuilding year. I don't know what to say competitive-wise, but I want the team to keep up the bonding and get along.
WXC: If you could go on a run with any famous runner, who would it be?
PT: Kara Goucher. That's a self-explanatory answer.
WXC: You know she's pregnant?
PT: Kara Goucher from two years ago.
WXC: You have been affectionately named "stat boy" by your HS teammates. How much time daily do you spend on the internet looking up track related items?
PT: A lot less than I used to. But still at least everyday, maybe for a half an hour.
WXC: Who is your favorite American distance runner, and why?
PT: Dawson Vorderbruegge. Because of his beautiful kick.
WXC: We here at the Official Blog of Warrior XC and Distance are honored by that answer.
WXC: What music have you been listening to most lately?
PT: Classic rock. Anything and everything.
WXC: You recently changed your major. Tell us about the switch and your upcoming semester academically?
PT: I switched from history to business, and now I'm taking a bunch of undergrad crap. Like Accounting and history, gay stuff like that.
WXC: One final question. Where will you be in 20 years?
PT: Dubai. I'm gonna have the Madagascar island in the world island. My profession will be professional boat racer/pirate killer. I'm gonna hunt down the Somalis.
WXC: Palmer, what is your greatest running memory?
PT: I got a JV two mile meet record when I was a sophomore at some invitational. That was my first race where I really ran fast.
WXC: That's what started off the magic that you have become?
PT: Yah.
WXC: Sweet. What have you been doing besides running this summer?
PT: Went to Connecticut. Did a poker run in Atlantic City. Went to Maine for ice cream. Just for ice cream. I took my bike apart and I'm going to repaint it.
WXC: What's your bike going to look like?
PT: We went to this junk yard yesterday, and I took a bunch of Cadillac symbols off cars, so I'm going to have a Cadillac bike. Maybe black and red colored.
WXC: That sounds awesome. As captain, what will be your first order of business?
PT: To back up whatever your first order of business is. And have a good talk at camp at night. I don't know what we're going to say.
WXC: How was your last hard workout?
PT: Yesterday on the fartlek, I crossed the railroad tracks and hurdled over them and yelled "Steeple Life" and gained like 20 yards on everybody. But then Joey caught back up and started pushing, but I hung with him.
WXC: What's your goal for XC? For you and the team?
PT: For me, I want to run sub 26, top 15 at conference. For the team, I don't know. I don't know what to expect, since it's a rebuilding year. I don't know what to say competitive-wise, but I want the team to keep up the bonding and get along.
WXC: If you could go on a run with any famous runner, who would it be?
PT: Kara Goucher. That's a self-explanatory answer.
WXC: You know she's pregnant?
PT: Kara Goucher from two years ago.
WXC: You have been affectionately named "stat boy" by your HS teammates. How much time daily do you spend on the internet looking up track related items?
PT: A lot less than I used to. But still at least everyday, maybe for a half an hour.
WXC: Who is your favorite American distance runner, and why?
PT: Dawson Vorderbruegge. Because of his beautiful kick.
WXC: We here at the Official Blog of Warrior XC and Distance are honored by that answer.
WXC: What music have you been listening to most lately?
PT: Classic rock. Anything and everything.
WXC: You recently changed your major. Tell us about the switch and your upcoming semester academically?
PT: I switched from history to business, and now I'm taking a bunch of undergrad crap. Like Accounting and history, gay stuff like that.
WXC: One final question. Where will you be in 20 years?
PT: Dubai. I'm gonna have the Madagascar island in the world island. My profession will be professional boat racer/pirate killer. I'm gonna hunt down the Somalis.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Summer Interview Series: Installment Five
For this Interview Sesh, we caught up with returning Sophomore Alyssa "Al Face" Thiele. She is spending the summer in Manteca, CA, and is running her nay-nay's off in the squeltering heat of the Central Valley.
WXC: First question, which type of bear is best?
AF: Panda bears. There is no reasoning for that, except that Panda Express is my favorite place to eat. But I'm not saying I eat pandas.
WXC: How has your summer been non running wise?
AF: Really relaxing, seeing a lot of my friends and hanging out. I went to Mexico for a week, so that was really fun.
WXC: How about your running?
AF: It's been good. Especially compared to last year. It's hard to run alone, but I have a lot more motivation this year, I know what I want to do, so I'm training hard. I have Wharf to Wharf coming up, so that's good motivation.
WXC: What are your goals for Wharf to Wharf?
AF: Get top 100, and time wise...maybe like sub 40.
WXC: Solid. What are your goals for the upcoming season?
AF: As a team, to go to nationals. As a personal goal, to break 23, which would be a 90 second pr. And to train a lot harder throughout the whole year.
WXC: What was your best race of your freshman year?
AF: Cross Country CCAA's at Humboldt. Mentally that was my best race, and it was a tough course, so I had to push myself. And the team did really well that day.
WXC: Best memory off the track your freshman year?
AF: That's hard. Basically like the whole year has been good because I've become close to so many people on the team, and the first way that happened was at camp, so I'd have to say camp.
WXC: If you were a superhero, what would be your power and your name?
AF: To be able to fly would be really fun. Something to do with an owl, that sounds appropriate.
WXC: Who would be your nemesis and your sidekick?
AF: Both my brothers would be my nemesi, they are evil and they always try to mess with me. And Marina and Liz would be my sidekicks.
WXC: Final question: Describe yourself in three words?
AF: Resilient. Because when something happens that is unexpected or that gets me down, I try to make it better and not let it affect me. Caring. Motivated.
WXC: Is there anything else you would like to say at this time?
AF: Nope.
WXC: First question, which type of bear is best?
AF: Panda bears. There is no reasoning for that, except that Panda Express is my favorite place to eat. But I'm not saying I eat pandas.
WXC: How has your summer been non running wise?
AF: Really relaxing, seeing a lot of my friends and hanging out. I went to Mexico for a week, so that was really fun.
WXC: How about your running?
AF: It's been good. Especially compared to last year. It's hard to run alone, but I have a lot more motivation this year, I know what I want to do, so I'm training hard. I have Wharf to Wharf coming up, so that's good motivation.
WXC: What are your goals for Wharf to Wharf?
AF: Get top 100, and time wise...maybe like sub 40.
WXC: Solid. What are your goals for the upcoming season?
AF: As a team, to go to nationals. As a personal goal, to break 23, which would be a 90 second pr. And to train a lot harder throughout the whole year.
WXC: What was your best race of your freshman year?
AF: Cross Country CCAA's at Humboldt. Mentally that was my best race, and it was a tough course, so I had to push myself. And the team did really well that day.
WXC: Best memory off the track your freshman year?
AF: That's hard. Basically like the whole year has been good because I've become close to so many people on the team, and the first way that happened was at camp, so I'd have to say camp.
WXC: If you were a superhero, what would be your power and your name?
AF: To be able to fly would be really fun. Something to do with an owl, that sounds appropriate.
WXC: Who would be your nemesis and your sidekick?
AF: Both my brothers would be my nemesi, they are evil and they always try to mess with me. And Marina and Liz would be my sidekicks.
WXC: Final question: Describe yourself in three words?
AF: Resilient. Because when something happens that is unexpected or that gets me down, I try to make it better and not let it affect me. Caring. Motivated.
WXC: Is there anything else you would like to say at this time?
AF: Nope.
Summer Interview Series: Installment Four
This time around, WXC caught up with returning Junior captain Chelsea Dreamweaver Deerinck. Dreamweaver was nearly All-CCAA last year, and had a phenomenal regional race. She's looking to better her pr's this year, and lead the Lady Warriors to Nationals.
WXC: So, Chelsea, what are you doing right now?
DW: I'm sitting in the car, were stopped going down to LA to Disneyland with Matt and my family. Were in heavy traffic. Round two of Disneyland. So Matt and I are just sitting here listening to Michael Jackson.
WXC: What is your favorite part of Disneyland?
DW: Well, I don't know. I like the rides I guess, but not all of them. Some of them are kind of kiddish. Last time we waited in line for Peter Pan for awhile, but it was lame. I like California Screamin I guess.
WXC: If you could be any Disney character, who would you be?
DW: I'd probably be Stitch from Lilo and Stitch. Because he's cool and crazy, and WHAAAA! He just does whatever you know. And Matt Rogers says he would be Buzz Lightyear. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtNEL4WgS_c&feature=related
WXC: If you were Stitch, who would be your Lilo?
DW: Probably Rubye. Because she is cool.
WXC: Switching gears, how has your running been this summer?
DW: Really good. I've been running like crazy. Beastly. I've been meaning to get up and run in the mornings, but it always seems to happen at like 10 or 11 in the morning so it's super hot. I am glad we're doing speed stuff now. I like putting in the miles, but it just takes forever. I'm getting ready for Wharf to Wharf, that's in 13 days.
WXC: What's your goal for Wharf to Wharf?
DW: Top 100 and sub 38. It's a 6 mile race. We'll see. I just wanna run fast. And I don't want to die, because on the back of the bib they have you fill out this info for an emergency. And hopefully I can avoid all the crowds of people.
WXC: Have you raced up to this point of the summer?
DW: No, just training, I haven't done any other races. I just raced my little sister around the pool, does that count?
WXC: What are you looking forward to about camp this year?
DW: Getting to know everybody, because we have a lot of new people coming in. It's my third year back, so we're kind of like the old breed. Oh, and everybody getting sunburned as heck.
WXC: How is this upcoming semester going to be academically?
DW: I'm taking Chem 2, some online computer class, Frontiers in Biology (I don't really know what that one's about) and I'm waiting to get into Genetics. Yah, this semester is probably going to suck, but we'll see how it goes. Hopefully I'll pass Chem 2 in one round this time.
WXC: Highlight of your summer so far?
DW: I don't know man. I went camping, like real camping. But Matt says it was kind of camping, but it was the most camping I've ever been. We saw some huge trees, that was cool. Yah, that was fun.
WXC: If you have one piece of advice to give newcomers, what would it be?
DW: I'd say just run hard or go home.
WXC: Excellent. Is there anything else you want to say before we finish up?
DW: Traffic sucks.
WXC: One quick question for Matt Rogers, how long has it been since you killed a man?
MR: I don't know.
WXC: That long, huh?
MR: Yah.
WXC: So, Chelsea, what are you doing right now?
DW: I'm sitting in the car, were stopped going down to LA to Disneyland with Matt and my family. Were in heavy traffic. Round two of Disneyland. So Matt and I are just sitting here listening to Michael Jackson.
WXC: What is your favorite part of Disneyland?
DW: Well, I don't know. I like the rides I guess, but not all of them. Some of them are kind of kiddish. Last time we waited in line for Peter Pan for awhile, but it was lame. I like California Screamin I guess.
WXC: If you could be any Disney character, who would you be?
DW: I'd probably be Stitch from Lilo and Stitch. Because he's cool and crazy, and WHAAAA! He just does whatever you know. And Matt Rogers says he would be Buzz Lightyear. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtNEL4WgS_c&feature=related
WXC: If you were Stitch, who would be your Lilo?
DW: Probably Rubye. Because she is cool.
WXC: Switching gears, how has your running been this summer?
DW: Really good. I've been running like crazy. Beastly. I've been meaning to get up and run in the mornings, but it always seems to happen at like 10 or 11 in the morning so it's super hot. I am glad we're doing speed stuff now. I like putting in the miles, but it just takes forever. I'm getting ready for Wharf to Wharf, that's in 13 days.
WXC: What's your goal for Wharf to Wharf?
DW: Top 100 and sub 38. It's a 6 mile race. We'll see. I just wanna run fast. And I don't want to die, because on the back of the bib they have you fill out this info for an emergency. And hopefully I can avoid all the crowds of people.
WXC: Have you raced up to this point of the summer?
DW: No, just training, I haven't done any other races. I just raced my little sister around the pool, does that count?
WXC: What are you looking forward to about camp this year?
DW: Getting to know everybody, because we have a lot of new people coming in. It's my third year back, so we're kind of like the old breed. Oh, and everybody getting sunburned as heck.
WXC: How is this upcoming semester going to be academically?
DW: I'm taking Chem 2, some online computer class, Frontiers in Biology (I don't really know what that one's about) and I'm waiting to get into Genetics. Yah, this semester is probably going to suck, but we'll see how it goes. Hopefully I'll pass Chem 2 in one round this time.
WXC: Highlight of your summer so far?
DW: I don't know man. I went camping, like real camping. But Matt says it was kind of camping, but it was the most camping I've ever been. We saw some huge trees, that was cool. Yah, that was fun.
WXC: If you have one piece of advice to give newcomers, what would it be?
DW: I'd say just run hard or go home.
WXC: Excellent. Is there anything else you want to say before we finish up?
DW: Traffic sucks.
WXC: One quick question for Matt Rogers, how long has it been since you killed a man?
MR: I don't know.
WXC: That long, huh?
MR: Yah.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Summer Interview Series: Installment Three
Today, we have an interview with returning lady Warrior Liz LaMadrid, native of Kapa'a, Hawai'i. Liz was a freshman this past year, and now she's home for the summer soaking up the rays and running for days.
WXC: First question, what have you been doing with your summer?
L: Not a whole lot. I’ve only been home for a week, got sunburned and went surfing once. Mainly just running, that’s all my life consists of.
WXC: On a scale of 1-10, how much did you miss Hawai’i?
L: Eight. But now I miss Igor, Marina, Alyssa, and the team.
WXC: How has the running been?
L: Good. It’s so humid and I forgot how hot it was, so it was hard to get used to. My hip feels alright though, and it’s going good.
WXC: What are you loking forward to for xc?
L; All the new girls, meeting all the new people, JD and Reodore being the best team managers ever. Getting out there and seeing how we do.
WXC: What are your goals for xc?
L: Basically, I’d like to destroy all my past pr’s by a lot, at least by 3 minutes.
WXC: What did you enjoy about your first year at Stanislaus?
L: Mainly just the team, getting to know everyone, running, not being injured. Meeting friends was really fun.
WXC: Could you please give me a rundown of all your nicknames?
L: Liz, is the nickname now. Lizard…I don’t think anything else. http://derek4messiah.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/lizard.jpg
WXC: Liza-Beth?
L: Oh ya, there’s that one. I think that’s it though.
WXC: Have you had any shave ice yet? http://aceuhmanoa.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/matsumotos_shave_ice2.jpg
L: No, I haven’t. It sounds delicious though.
WXC: Is it weird not seeing so many haoles in Hawaii?
L: No.
WXC: Has your Spanish improved since living in California?
L: No, not at all.
WXC: If you were to compare your running with an animal, what animal would it be?
L: Some type of fish. Maybe a sea dragon.
WXC: Is that even real?
L: It is a real thing, I saw one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXdwwwtWsTA
WXC: Sure, did the magical mermaid fall in love with you after you saw the sea dragon?
L: No, but the dragon spit fire at me and that’s how I got burned, it wasn’t really the sun.
WXC: Fascinating. Final question, where did Blackbeard hide his hidden treasure?
L: Who’s Blackbeard?
WXC: Thanks for your time Liz. Tune in again soon to see more in-depth looks at the studs of the Warrior crew. (For Joey Nunes, due to the pirate reference... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GTyxhNTChQ)
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Summer Interview Series: Installment Two
For our second Summer Interview, WXC has caught up with Patrick Twohy, Honolulu native, basketball aficionado, Kaiser High School Alum, and former cross country teammate of current Warrior Dawson Vorderbruegge.
WXC: Patrick, tell us about your running career?
PT: (laughs) My running career can be described as the TV show "Arrested Development." Short and sweet, and it ended much too early. I was the Michael Cera to Dawson Vorderbruegge's Michael Bateman.
WXC: How did you meet Dawson?
PT: I met Dawson, aka the "Four Minute Fabricator," in our guidance class in high school. In this class we would fly helicopters, play with night vision goggles, and have our teacher, Col. Shea teach us about military endeavors. This is when I learned Dawson Vorderbruegge said he could run about a four minute and something mile, and in my head I thought, "There's no way this clown can do that..." hence he was dubbed the 4-minute Fabricator. Let's flip the script here, Dawson, how did you come to know me?
WXC: I met Patrick in the same lousy guidance class, and thought he was a wannabe moke, because he hung out with all the big Hawaiian guys, and I thought he was a clown as well. However, despite the odds, Pat came out to XC practice one day to get in shape for basketball, and an eternal bond of friendship was formed. Patrick, what are you up to these days?
PT: In all irony, I am currently working for a Hawaiian lady. I am the token white boy in the workplace. I am also about to quit my job at Longs Drugs, where I have been gainfully employed for two years. And I'm taking college classes.
WXC: When are you transferring to Stanislaus?
PT: Never. Next question.
WXC: Why?
PT: I've learned that the 60-40 female to male ratio is the most misleading statistic in the United States of America.
WXC: Any last thoughts or comments on any current events?
PT: I met Mr. Jaydeep Bhatia, seems pretty cool for an Indian guy with a pizzeria. I manhandled both Dawson and JD in basketball, it was a hard fought battle, but in the end the best prevailed, both teams played hard. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrOH-KHxXg0 I'm still waiting for Duke to call me and offer that scholarship they promised.
WXC: Thanks Pat, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us. We'll see you shortly for another Summer Interview Series Installment.
WXC: Patrick, tell us about your running career?
PT: (laughs) My running career can be described as the TV show "Arrested Development." Short and sweet, and it ended much too early. I was the Michael Cera to Dawson Vorderbruegge's Michael Bateman.
WXC: How did you meet Dawson?
PT: I met Dawson, aka the "Four Minute Fabricator," in our guidance class in high school. In this class we would fly helicopters, play with night vision goggles, and have our teacher, Col. Shea teach us about military endeavors. This is when I learned Dawson Vorderbruegge said he could run about a four minute and something mile, and in my head I thought, "There's no way this clown can do that..." hence he was dubbed the 4-minute Fabricator. Let's flip the script here, Dawson, how did you come to know me?
WXC: I met Patrick in the same lousy guidance class, and thought he was a wannabe moke, because he hung out with all the big Hawaiian guys, and I thought he was a clown as well. However, despite the odds, Pat came out to XC practice one day to get in shape for basketball, and an eternal bond of friendship was formed. Patrick, what are you up to these days?
PT: In all irony, I am currently working for a Hawaiian lady. I am the token white boy in the workplace. I am also about to quit my job at Longs Drugs, where I have been gainfully employed for two years. And I'm taking college classes.
WXC: When are you transferring to Stanislaus?
PT: Never. Next question.
WXC: Why?
PT: I've learned that the 60-40 female to male ratio is the most misleading statistic in the United States of America.
WXC: Any last thoughts or comments on any current events?
PT: I met Mr. Jaydeep Bhatia, seems pretty cool for an Indian guy with a pizzeria. I manhandled both Dawson and JD in basketball, it was a hard fought battle, but in the end the best prevailed, both teams played hard. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrOH-KHxXg0 I'm still waiting for Duke to call me and offer that scholarship they promised.
WXC: Thanks Pat, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us. We'll see you shortly for another Summer Interview Series Installment.
Summer Interview Series: Installment One
It's summer, and to keep you off facebook and thinking about running, we here at the Official Blog of Warrior XC and Distance have decided to start the Annual Summer Interview Series. This year, we've decided to make it a more interactive process, so we've inserted some video links for your viewing pleasure. It will make the most sense to watch them immediately after you read the link. Our first interview was conducted at our satellite office in Honolulu, Hawai'i, and was with returning Junior, Jaydeep Bhatia. Here's the 'view...
WXC: Jaydeep, what have you been up to this summer?
JD: I've been making pizzas, running, sometimes doing both at the same time, which proves difficult at times. Pepperoni gets everywhere. (Subject to own interpretation) That's rich, just like our sauce.
WXC: How has your training been?
JD: A lot better than last year. I've been stepping it up. I've been trying to have fun with it, running at night. Running. Jumping. Hurdling. Sleeping. No, wait, I don't sleep, you sleep, I'm out being vigilant... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ez9xiDsSX4
WXC: What are your goals for XC season?
JD: Get that sweet stinkin jersey. I might steal one if I don't make the team. Coach, you never heard that. Maybe you did, I could care less.
WXC: You really stepped up your studies at the end of last semester. What are your plans to attack the fall class semester?
JD: A combination of bribes, books, and coffee. Percentages of each not yet calculated. I'll probably do those calculations in some statistics class.
WXC: Are you travelling this summer?
JD: I really don't have any plans, just going to stay in Turlock, have a homey feel.
WXC: That's a blatant lie because I'm asking you these questions in Hawai'i. Your response?
JD: Is that where we are? I just woke up, I thought this was my house. I thought Turlock was flooded and palm trees grew everywhere. It doesn't matter anyway, we're all just in the matrix...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leEsN53mcLA
WXC: Speaking of movies, what summer movie release are you the most excited for?
JD: Eclipse. Next question.
WXC: Do you know how I know you are gay?
JD: I have femininely long eyelashes?
WXC: No, you are excited for Eclipse. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-LD0uztROw Regardless, let's move on. Describe yourself in three words?
JD: Giant. Walrus. Balls.
WXC: Interesting, any significance there?
JD: It's pretty self explanatory.
WXC: Sounds good. Any further comments before we wrap up this interview?
JD: I want the newcomers to know, that if I beat you at camp, I will not talk to you for the remainder of the year. Don't get beat by the team manager. And also, get on my level. Just kidding, best of luck guys, looking forward to a really fantastic year!
WXC: Thanks Jaydeep, next installment coming soon!
JD: Who are you talking to?
WXC: I thought i would just add that for effect.
JD: Gay effect.
WXC: You're in my house. Eating my food.
JD: Yah, you're welcome.
Check out Jaydeep's family-owned pizzeria, located in Lodi, CA. http://pizzamarketlodi.com/
WXC: Jaydeep, what have you been up to this summer?
JD: I've been making pizzas, running, sometimes doing both at the same time, which proves difficult at times. Pepperoni gets everywhere. (Subject to own interpretation) That's rich, just like our sauce.
WXC: How has your training been?
JD: A lot better than last year. I've been stepping it up. I've been trying to have fun with it, running at night. Running. Jumping. Hurdling. Sleeping. No, wait, I don't sleep, you sleep, I'm out being vigilant... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ez9xiDsSX4
WXC: What are your goals for XC season?
JD: Get that sweet stinkin jersey. I might steal one if I don't make the team. Coach, you never heard that. Maybe you did, I could care less.
WXC: You really stepped up your studies at the end of last semester. What are your plans to attack the fall class semester?
JD: A combination of bribes, books, and coffee. Percentages of each not yet calculated. I'll probably do those calculations in some statistics class.
WXC: Are you travelling this summer?
JD: I really don't have any plans, just going to stay in Turlock, have a homey feel.
WXC: That's a blatant lie because I'm asking you these questions in Hawai'i. Your response?
JD: Is that where we are? I just woke up, I thought this was my house. I thought Turlock was flooded and palm trees grew everywhere. It doesn't matter anyway, we're all just in the matrix...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leEsN53mcLA
WXC: Speaking of movies, what summer movie release are you the most excited for?
JD: Eclipse. Next question.
WXC: Do you know how I know you are gay?
JD: I have femininely long eyelashes?
WXC: No, you are excited for Eclipse. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-LD0uztROw Regardless, let's move on. Describe yourself in three words?
JD: Giant. Walrus. Balls.
WXC: Interesting, any significance there?
JD: It's pretty self explanatory.
WXC: Sounds good. Any further comments before we wrap up this interview?
JD: I want the newcomers to know, that if I beat you at camp, I will not talk to you for the remainder of the year. Don't get beat by the team manager. And also, get on my level. Just kidding, best of luck guys, looking forward to a really fantastic year!
WXC: Thanks Jaydeep, next installment coming soon!
JD: Who are you talking to?
WXC: I thought i would just add that for effect.
JD: Gay effect.
WXC: You're in my house. Eating my food.
JD: Yah, you're welcome.
Check out Jaydeep's family-owned pizzeria, located in Lodi, CA. http://pizzamarketlodi.com/
Sunday, June 13, 2010
2010 Outdoor Track Recap
Welcome to summer everyone. It's hot, it's sunshiney, it's time to run. After a great track season, it is time once again to start training for XC. But before we delve into that, let's reflect some of the highlights of this track season:
Provisionals were hit in the 1500 by Rubye and Denali Foldager, and in the Steeplechase by Denali, who ended up going to Nationals and placing 16th, a great showing for a true sophomore in her first year attempting the chase. Terrance Ellis also hit a provisional of 1:52 in the 800 at the CCAA Championship meet, as well as running a leg of the provisional qualifying 4x4 team.
K-Bone Dhaliwal had a frustrating but growing year. He was a little behind early in the year, and then got injured with a metatarsal strain halfway through the year. Even though he didn't have as productive a year on the track as he hoped, he still grew and learned a lot for the future.
Tyler Thiele battled minor injuries all year, but still got continually better at the steeplechase. His form and strength improved steadily throughout the season. His brother Palmer had to fight through a hip strain that essentially ended his season early, but he cross trained hard and still made it to CCAA's.
Shane Brookshire had the biggest weekend of his life to cap off his tremendous collegiate career. The "Farewell Tour" took place at CCAA's this year, where Shane ran the 800, 1500, 5000, and 1000, for a whopping total of over 11 miles of racing! He pr'd in the 800 with a 1:58, and raced hard in the other races for an impressive showing that astounded athletes and coaches in attendance. May the Legacy of Redneck live on.
The freshmen women's contingent of Al Face, Liz, and Marina all ran well in the 1500 this year, posting times in the low 5's, with Marina nearly breaking the 5 minute mark on several occasions. Look for these girls to compete well on the conference stage in the coming years. Lindsay Garcia really stepped it up and ran great in the 5k. Andrea Johnson had several impressive races at the 5k and 1500 distances, running 18:45 at the SFSU Distance Carnival.
Another great moment came when JaDeePoo ran a 2:54 marathon at the inaugural Modesto Marathon, where he got 2nd overall and qualified for the 2011 Boston Marathon! Hats off to JD, who trained his hard workouts alone most of the year, completing such beast workouts as 20x400 at 75 on a minute rest, and running 2-4 mile tempos after track workouts. JD is the king of the road, and has a definite future in marafumming.
Jose Morales ran a fantastic 15:03 this year in the 5k, and raced well every time he put on a uniform. Joey Nunes redshirted, and bumped up to the 10k, running an impressive first track 10k in 31:50 at the Twilight meet in May. Dawson Vord also redshirted, and bumped down to the 1500/800, running pr's of 3:54 and 1:54. April Montgomery had a fantastic year, running 2:12 in the 800, and winning a lot of competitive races in her first post-collegiate year.
Overall, it was a great year for CSUS distance running, with the program establishing itself as a contender in the middle distances, and in the steeplechase. The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades.
Friday, March 12, 2010
UC Davis Preview
Hey folks, this weekend, the Warriors are headed to UC Davis to compete in the Aggie Open. It's going to be a competitive field up in D-town, so the Warriors are going to need to bring their A-game.
Kanwar Dhaliwal, Joey Nunes, and Terrance Ellis will be running the 1500, duking it out for a fast time. For the women's 15, Rubye and Al-Face will square off.
In the 3k, Jose, Joey, and Dawson will toe the line for the 7.5 lapper. Denali and Rubye will run for the women.
At this meet, there is also a 2000 meter steeplechase, an odd distance, but still a good tune up opportunity. Dawson and Tyler will run for the men while Denali and Andrea will compete for the women-folk.
As well, Terrance Ellis will run the open 4oo, and run a leg of the A-team 4x4, because he's Terrance Ellis.
Overall, this meet will be a great time to run some odd distances and compete in some different events than usual. The Warriors have the next week off and will be hosting the Al Brenda High School Invite at their new facility in Turlock.
Kanwar Dhaliwal, Joey Nunes, and Terrance Ellis will be running the 1500, duking it out for a fast time. For the women's 15, Rubye and Al-Face will square off.
In the 3k, Jose, Joey, and Dawson will toe the line for the 7.5 lapper. Denali and Rubye will run for the women.
At this meet, there is also a 2000 meter steeplechase, an odd distance, but still a good tune up opportunity. Dawson and Tyler will run for the men while Denali and Andrea will compete for the women-folk.
As well, Terrance Ellis will run the open 4oo, and run a leg of the A-team 4x4, because he's Terrance Ellis.
Overall, this meet will be a great time to run some odd distances and compete in some different events than usual. The Warriors have the next week off and will be hosting the Al Brenda High School Invite at their new facility in Turlock.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Track is Back!
Hello sportsfans, and welcome to the 2010 track season. Sorry for the delay in reporting, but a broken computer and a lot of schoolwork don't make for good blogging. Nonetheless, here's a quick update of Warrior distance track thus far...
We've already held two home meets, an Alumni/Open meet, and a straight collegiate Open. Both had great turnouts and great times. Of the highlights I can remember, Joey Nunes set the track record in the 1500 with a 4:00.05, Jose Morales won a 3k in 9:03, EVERY woman pr'd in the 1500 this last weekend at the Open, Lindsay Garcia has posted massive pr's in the 3k and 5k, and Coach Taylor busted out a gutsy 4x4 split that made the whole crowd cheer. What's in the water in Turlock, I ask!
But, on to a preview of this weekend. The Kim Duyst Invitational is going to be the most competitive so far, with CCAA rivals Chico, Humboldt, and Pomona making the trip to run on the softest track west of the Mississippi. There will be all the typical distance events (8, 15, 5k, steeple) but no 10k. They should all be especially good races to watch, considering these are four of the distance power schools in the state.
I'm not sure who's slated to run what events, but it will be a full day of action. Terrance Ellis is hoping to break 2 in the 800, Joey's looking to break 15 in the 5k, and the Thieles are going to open up in the season's first steeple.
All the show and pomp starts at 11 am, so be sure to get your seat early, and come out to support your Warriors!
Here's some info on the meet if you're interested in seeing entry lists and start times:
http://warriorathletics.com/sports/2010/1/13/MTRACK_0113104755.aspx?path=mtrack
Monday, January 11, 2010
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