A math teacher at Gilroy High School, Cathy Silva is new to the
head coaching business.
Along with husband Art, though, she hopes to bring new life to
the GHS cross country teams.
A math teacher at Gilroy High School, Cathy Silva is new to the head coaching business.
Along with husband Art, though, she hopes to bring new life to the GHS cross country teams.
“This is a first for us – a new adventure,” Silva said. “We’re excited about it.”
To prepare for their new job, Silva and her husband, who is currently head coach of the Lady Mustangs’ junior varsity basketball team, have renewed their previous love of running.
“We’re back into it again,” Silva said with a laugh. “The runners we’re coaching, though … I don’t think we’re quite at their level yet.”
The boys’ squad, returning all seven varsity runners from a team that finished fifth in T-CAL last season, kicks off the new year at today’s league jamboree in Salinas.
Leading the group is junior Arnulfo Velasquez, who competed in the Central Coast Sectionals in both of his first two years. Velasquez, who recently ran a 5:14-mile in practice, was the lone CCS qualifier last season.
Right behind him are seniors Randy Higashi and Darrin Amerson and junior Allan Chan.
“The times are so close,” Silva said. “We’re excited about how well we think this team can do.
“In the past, Gilroy has just sent individuals to CCS. We think there’s a chance for this team to qualify.”
Meanwhile, the Lady Mustangs are making a re-appearance after a year’s absence.
The program, which didn’t have enough runners to field a team in 2003, will begin anew at tomorrow’s jamboree.
An old name will lead the way, though.
Senior Stephanie Radke, who qualified for CCS in both her freshman and sophomore year, tops the six-member varsity team with a seven-minute mile.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing her race,” Silva said. “She has such a heart and she’s gonna give it her all.
“As a senior, she wants it. She’s out to prove herself.”
Behind Radke will be sophomore Megan Litle, who competed last year in Southern California, and freshman Erin Chan, a freshman the Silvas like to call the “Energizer bunny.”
“We’re excited about both teams,” Silva said. “I think momentum is really building toward the start of the season.”
