While the San Benito High cross-country teams will be strong in 2003, the Baler boys have much more depth, thanks to eight freshmen. Jonathan Rivera, left, and Albert Sandoval are the top boys.
VICTOR MACCHAROLI/Photographer
Jess Morales has lobbied for the head cross country coach at San Benito High for six years.
He finally got it.
Morales takes over for Randy and Jennifer Logue, meaning Morales will head both girls and boys programs in 2003.
"I'd like to thank Randy Logue for this opportunity," said Morales, a cross country and track and field performer at Gilroy HIgh (1971-74). "I'm going to take these kids and bring them along at their own pace."
Morales has about five weeks to get his Balers ready for its toughest dual meet - vs. Salinas at Park Hill on Sep. 22. Morales feels that the Balers and Cowboys will duel it out for the Tri-County Athletic League title in both genders. There is a strong chance that the league title will be determined at the T-CAL's, which are Nov. 1 at Toro Park.
Baler girls
While Morales' boys are youthful, but plentiful, his girls are thin in numbers, causing concern for Morales. Two girls joined the team Thursday, stretching the roster to eight.
"I'm confident more girls will sign up when school starts," said Morales. "We're hoping that girls who don't make other fall sports teams come out for cross country. They could really help us."
What Morales does have on hand is promising. Senior LeeAnn Morales, Jess' daughter, returns after placing second last year at the T-CAL meet as a junior.
"My goal is to be first in the league this year," said LeeAnn. "Then I want to make it state. We have some good, young runners. I think we'll have a good team."
Behind Morales are two talented sophomores - Nereyda Garcia and Jamila Saqqa. Junior Jamie O'brian, an outstanding sprinter on the Baler track and field team is out for cross-country and Jess Morales couldn't be happier.
"Jamie is doing really well," said Jess. "She's working real hard and will be one of our top runners."
Two other runners - seniors Teralynn Hill and Brianna Colorado - have had a great deal of varsity experience the past two years and should help give Morales a competitive top six runners, at the very least.
"I'm just preparing them for league right now," said Morales. "I'm not worried about CCS, yet."
Baler boys
Morales is banking on a strong freshmen class to boost his varsity boys harriers. However, it will be senior Jonathan Rivera and junior Albert Sandoval leading the pack for now. Rivera, the two-time 1,600-meter league titlist in track, was third in the league last season in cross-country.
"I just try to do what I can and hope for the best," said Rivera. "I'm going to run hard and take it as it comes."
Sandoval emerged after a strong showing this summer with Morales' Tri-County Running Club, which he runs with North County running coach Gustavo Ibarra and Iran White, who is helping Morales this season.
"Sandoval came to me and asked me what it would take for him to be a better runner," said Morales. "He joined our club and did all we asked him to. He has improved tremendously."
"It is more fun and easier to run with other guys," said Sandoval. "And Jonathan has been pushing me. We'll be a challenge for Salinas this year."
Josh Vasquez, a junior, is an under 17-minute runner for three miles and should be a major player this season for the Balers. Senior Kyle Fowles and sophomore Jeff Spencer return to give more depth to Morales. Morales has eight freshmen on the team and he likes four of them to emerge as immediate varsity hopefuls - Alfredo Lopez, Rigo Vasquez, Eddy Trujillo and Arturo Lega.
"We have a great group of freshmen," said Morales. "I'm just putting them on the right path."
Morales is extremely thrilled to have White as an assistant. White runs many of the speed drills.
"Iran has done so much volunteer coaching with Baler runners the past several years," said Morales. "He has paid his dues. He knows what it takes to get these runners at a different level. We work together well, too."
The traditional Red & White Meet is Aug. 28 at Park Hill at 3 p.m. The Balers are entered in the Condor Early Bird Invitational, per usual, which is on Sep. 6.
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