Dana Hills boys, girls harriers win league titles

ALISO VIEJO - Even with their best runner sidelined, the top-ranked Dana Hills Dolphins boys cross country team will enter the CIF postseason riding the momentum of an extraordinary performance.

Highlighted by junior Ricardo Campuzano claiming his first individual league title, the Dolphins had eight runners finish in the top 10, easily winning their ninth league title in 10 years at the South Coast League Finals Wednesday afternoon at Aliso Niguel High.

"This meet showed the heart of this team," said Dolphin head coach Tim Butler. "What they are doing is something that we can't coach and that is what makes me proud."

With senior Blake Ahrold nursing an IT Band injury, Campuzano (15:04) put forth a strong effort, winning by 11 seconds over Capistrano Valley junior Jacob Hurley (15:15) who was second.

"Being a league champion is an honor," said Campuzano. "Our team is excited and can't wait for CIF."

Dana Hills (19 points) had all five of their scoring runners finish in the top six. Aliso Niguel (67 points) and Capistrano Valley (68 points) finished second and third, earning automatic qualification into CIF preliminaries.

It was also a successful day for the Dolphins girls' team (37 points), which clinched their 11th straight league title, as four runners finished in the top nine.

"We've got four of the top 12 ranked teams in the Southern Section in this league, so you really have to be on or you can be beat," said Dolphins head coach Rex Hall. "I told the girls that had to get out fast and they did that very well."

Shaking off the effects of an illness that has hampered her over the last few weeks, junior Alaina Alvarez (17:30) won her first individual league title.

"It's been harder for me because I have been sick and trying to get healthy," she said. "As a team, we've been going at it in our workouts and winning is a relief."

Dana Hills sophomore Sheridan Gomez (17:38) and Capistrano Valley junior Bronte Gollick (17:45) rounded out the top three.

San Clemente (50 points) and Tesoro (69 points) were second and third in the team competition and qualified for CIF.

Boys

South Coast League Finals

At Aliso Niguel High, Aliso Viejo

3.0 miles

Individuals

1. Campuzano (DH) 15:04; 2. Hurley (CV) 15:15; 3. Kaddatz (DH) 15:23; 4. Van de Velde (DH) 15:29; 5. Norman (DH) 15:31

Team Scores

1. Dana Hills 19; 2. Aliso Niguel 67; 3. Capistrano Valley 68; 4. Tesoro 123; 5. San Clemente 133; 6. Mission Viejo 148

Girls

South Coast League Finals

At Aliso Niguel High, Aliso Viejo

3.0 miles

Individuals

1. Alvarez (DH) 17:30; 2. Gomez (DH) 17:38; 3. Golick (CV) 17:45; 4. Mann (SC) 17:46; 5. Smith (SC) 17:47

Team Scores

1. Dana Hills 37; 2. San Clemente 50; 3. Tesoro 69; 4. Capistrano Valley 81; 5. Aliso Niguel 127; 6. Mission Viejo 168