There must be something floating around in the afternoon air of the Forest of Nisene Marks. This redwood wonderland serves as the training grounds for the Aptos High School’s cross country team, who this year return as the defending boys’ and girls’ SCCAL champions. Coach Dan Gruber is once again leading a strong team with some returning upper classmen and some fresh legs to keep the dynasty alive.
“Both the boys and girls team return intact and they won league and made it to [the state meet],” says Gruber. “Early on I have been impressed with their determination and work ethic. I am excited to see what both teams can do at the end of the season. This group can be special.”
The Mariner girls return with both SCCAL and CCS titles under their belt. Perhaps even more encouraging is the fact that they return all of their top 7 girls. Last year, even with 1600-meter state champion Nikki Hiltz out due to injury, Aptos managed to pull together a young team with promising depth. Ones to watch include Yulisa Abundis, junior, who proved her talent last year by taking 4th in SCCAL Championships and 3rd in CCS Division 3 Championships.
Clare Peabody, senior, is coming off a strong track season and looks to lead her team to success. Also returning this year are Matti Peoples, sophomore; Olivia Quinn, sophomore; Karen Jimenez, junior; Emily Forsberg, sophomore; and Emily Passey, junior. New to the team this year is freshman Annika McBride, who holds the record (previously held by Nikki Hiltz, Clare Peabody, and Matti Peoples) for the Aptos Junior High cross country course.
All varsity boys will also be returning to fight again during the 2013 cross country season. Last year, standout freshman Patrick Olson led his team to win the league title and a second-place team finish in CCS, earning the Aptos boys’ program its first trip in 3 years to the CIF State Championships. Other returning members of last year’s team are Jack Rose, junior; Morgan Miller, junior; Chris Tiran, junior; Noah Price, senior; Jon Bray, sophomore; and Caleb Culwell, junior.
Cross Country season kicks off with the Earlybird Invitational, which took place Sept. 7 at Toro Park in Salinas.