CCAA Preview

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.