WALNUT – When asked about his team’s expectations at the CIF-SS Divisional Preliminaries, Brea Olinda cross country coach Jeremy Mattern identified simple course training as the biggest thing he hoped would be accomplished.
His team emphatically exceeded that goal by producing the third-fastest team time ever on the famed Mt. SAC course Saturday.
Austin Tamagno spearheaded Brea Olinda’s effort, as he and Indio’s David Luna crossed the finish line in a meet-best time of 14:36. Tamagno was officially awarded second place upon video review.
“Our coach just told us to not put pressure on ourselves and to have fun,” Tamagno said.
Brennon Koryta (15:05), Angel Escobar (15:24), DiMaggio Orozco (15:33) and Austin Shellito (15:36) also finished in the top 10.
Brea Olinda’s scoring team time of 76 minutes, 14 seconds (best of the meet) trailed only Arcadia, which has the top two fastest team times ever at Mt. SAC (75:16 at the 2010 Mt. SAC Invitational and 75:45 at the 2012 invitational).
Brea Olinda’s Jeremy Mattern plans to preach consistency to his team as they prepare for next week’s finals.
“We have faced strong competition all season long, and if we have a good day, we will be ok,” Mattern said.
El Modena’s Sydney Gidabuday won his heat in 14:53, the third-fastest time of the meet.
“I felt good and this race is the best thing I can do to get ready for next week,” Gidabuday said.
The Vanguards, along with Orange Lutheran, qualified for the Division 3 championship race.
Corona del Mar’s Spencer Keith will run as an individual.
Canyon’s Wes Walsh (15:01), Villa Park’s Garrett Corcoran (15:02) and Woodbridge’s Jackson Marshall (15:15) finished first in their respective Division 2 races.
The Comanches and Tesoro will compete for the Division 2 title.
Dana Hills, El Toro and Fountain Valley advanced to the Division 1 finals, with Marina’s Craig Huff and Loara’s Enrique Serna moving on as individuals.
JSerra, Crean Lutheran and Laguna Beach reaching the finals in Division 4.
Costa Mesa’s Brett Bermudez (16:05) and Anuare Magana (16:15) qualified as individuals in Division 4.
St. Margaret’s Collin Price (15:40) had Division 5’s best time, as the Tartans and Sage Hill qualified for the finals.
Northwood’s Bethan Knights (16:58) tied a Division 3 course record and led the Timberwolves to Division 3’s fastest team time.
“I feel that I’m a pretty good hill runner and had the mentality that I could do this,” Knights said.
Esperanza, Laguna Hills, Corona del Mar, Brea Olinda, El Dorado, and Bolsa Grande will also race in the Division 3 final.
Yorba Linda’s Rachel Iida will run as an individual in Division 3.
Tesoro’s Amanda Gehrich (17:26) had the county’s second-fastest time and advanced to the Division 2 final.
“I knew that I needed to take the first mile not too fast, which helped me feel stronger on the hills and really kick it in at the end,” Gehrich said.
Segerstrom’s Stephanie Ortega and Kennedy’s Emily Park also advance as individuals.
Newport Harbor and Woodbridge also advanced.
In Division 1, Trabuco Hills (90:44) had the county’s fastest team time and the second fastest overall to move into the finals.
“I’m really pleased with the team’s fitness and our goal next week will be to just focus on ourselves,” said Mustangs director of cross country Liam Clemons.
Also in Division 1, Capistrano Valley’s Grace Schafer (17:37) and Edison’s Julia Sienski (17:43) produced individual victories.
The Cougars and Chargers, along with San Clemente, Dana Hills, Marina and Los Alamitos will also compete for the team title.
Huntington Beach’s Cassie Durgy will compete as an individual.
JSerra won its Division 4 qualifying heat, led by race winner Ashley Geisler (18:14).
Laguna Beach and Crean Lutheran also advanced in Division 4, with Rosary’s Madeline McDonald being the lone individual to qualify.
St. Margaret’s and Sage Hill moving on in Division 5.
Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com
