The Gilroy cross country may not have medalled at the Central Coast Section Championships, but it’s not walking away empty handed.
The Mustangs brought home the Avis Kelley Trophy — which bares the name of the 30-year GHS cross country and track and field coach — for the first time in over 20 years. The trophy is awarded to the overall program — frosh/soph, JV and varsity — with the most potential.
“It validates our young teams’ strong work ethic and continuous improvement throughout the season,” Mustangs coach Cathy Silvia said of the trophy.
Gilroy’s season finished strong with Monica Ruelas ran a personal best 20:56 to place 27th in the CCS Championships Saturday at Crystal Springs in Belmont. On the boys side, Kairo Barroso ran 17:39 for 40th and Jonathan Viveros ran 17:44 for 45th, both for which were personal best for the runners.
Ruelas also PR’d in the Monterey Bay League Championship, finishing in 21:01 which was good for fifth place in the Pacific Division — the girls team finished second overall.
Barroso and Viveros also PR’d at the MBL Championships running a 17:52 for fourth and 18:27 for ninth, respectively. The boys team also finished second.
Cecilla Naranjo finished fourth in the JV girls’ race, while Jesus Ochoa and John Angkianco finish third and fourth, respectively, in the JV boys’ race.
