CROSS COUNTRY: Boutte’ finishes season on strong note

In her first appearance at the California Interscholastic Federation State Championship at Woodward Park in Fresno, Christopher High’s Jamie Boutte’ capped off her freshman year in strong fashion.
Boutte’ finished with a career-best time of 19 minutes, 56 seconds at the 5,000-meter course to finish in 91st place in the Division III race.
Boutte’ improved her time on the longer course by more than 40 seconds from a race earlier this year. Beverly Hills senior Sydney Segal took first with a time of 17:40.
“I was really happy with her,” said Christopher coach Mike Bonomi of Boutte’. “I think she was a little nervous beforehand. But she did great.”
In her first state race, Boutte’ never was completely comfortable, Bonomi said. But the experience should only help her in her final three years.
“It was a good day,” Bonomi said. “I wanted her to soak it all in and enjoy it. I think she did that. Her passion is in soccer so I wanted her to experience what it was like at this level. She can take a big step in the future. There is a big cross country world out there.”
The race ended a strong season for the freshman, who quickly became a team leader despite her quiet nature.
“She came to every practice. She worked out every day. I never had to worry about her,” he siad. “I was happy to see her become a leader even though she is a little shy.”
He continued: “She makes me want to become a better coach. I don’t want to waste her talent.”