Gilroy’s girls cross-country team has already achieved success
this season, winning a league title for the first time in 22 years.
Now the group that boasts an IQ (3.85 team GPA) that runs circles
around opposing squads is attempting to make school history.
Gilroy’s girls cross-country team has already achieved success this season, winning a league title for the first time in 22 years. Now the group that boasts an IQ (3.85 team GPA) that runs circles around opposing squads is attempting to make school history.
Competing in the Central Coast Section Championships today at the 2.95-mile Chrystal Springs course in Belmont, the team has the opportunity to become the first-ever GHS cross-country team to qualify for the CIF State Cross-Country Championships.
“The kids know that they’re breaking new ground right now, so it’s pretty exciting,” GHS Coach Cathy Silva said. “They’re just a really special group of girls. [We] feel very blessed to have them around.”
In order to qualify for state, the Mustangs will have to finish as one of the top two teams in the section. Each squad’s top-five finishers will earn points, with the goal being to have as few points as possible. After capturing the Tri-County Athletic League crown and finishing just behind top-ranked CCS member Carlmont High School in meets throughout the season, Gilroy’s chances are strong.
“To have three girls that can run in the 19-(minute range) consistently and two we think will run in the 18’s tomorrow, I think they have a good shot at it,” Silva said.
Last season Kathleen Miller qualified individually and teammates accompanied her on the trip to Woodward Park in Fresno. This year the rest of the group hopes to be more than spectators.
The boys team has a tougher road to state, but several runners could qualify individually. Senior captain Derek Pesta has been the fastest Mustang this season, finishing in the 16-minute range with regularity. He will look to crack the top 12. Subtracting runners from the two best teams, the first dozen to cross the finish line will move on to face the state’s best in Fresno.
“This is (Pesta’s) last cross-country meet and he’s ready, he’s primed,” Silva said.
Ernesto Solario is the only GHS cross-country runner to ever win CCS, taking first in Division II in 1990.
The coach added that runners Timothy Williams and Juan Velasquez, along with other runners on boys and girls teams, have been setting personal records as the season comes to a close.
A recent meet at Chrystal Springs showcased personal bests across the board for Gilroy, which should help each athlete’s confidence level.
“When they took the Chrystal Springs Invitational, they all PR’d on that course so they’re going in with the mindset that they can run well on the course,” Silva said. “And half of the race is mental so that’s huge having that mindset.”
The boys race will begin at 1:15 p.m. and the girls will start at 1:45.
