The Crean Lutheran boys cross country team entered the 2012 season eager to continue its development into one of the county’s top programs.
With a talented mix of returners, Coach Tim Brink and the Saints successfully validated the optimism surrounding the program with the most successful season in school history.
For his efforts in leading the Saints to an unprecedented level of achievement, Brink has been named the Register’s 2012 Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year.
Related:
2012 All-County boys cross coutry team
El Toro’s Gonzalez is All-County boys cross country athlete of the year
“I’m absolutely honored and thankful to be recognized in this way,” Brink said.
The Saints entered the season ranked No. 7 in CIF-SS Division 4 and quickly validated that ranking. They defeated reigning Academy League champion St. Margaret’s in the first Academy League Preview meet by 21 points.
Entered into the sweepstakes race at the Orange County Championships for the first time in school history, the Saints finished 10th in both team score and overall team time.
After a two-point loss to the Tartans and second-place finish at the Academy League Finals, Crean Lutheran regrouped and again earned a historical first. Led by sophomore Sean Pino, the Saints had three scoring runners finish in the top 12 and finished second in Division 4 at the CIF-SS Divisional Finals, earning the program’s first trip to the CIF State Cross Country Championships.
The Saints closed the season by finishing second to Fillmore High in the Division 4 finals.
