Poway High School - Odyssey Yearbook (Poway, CA)

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2 ' . Darrin Malloy stretches out his lead on opposing run- USFS. 1409159 ul'- ' 5 :V , -W 5: Eddie Paz and and neck down the path. Leading a string of runners, Erik Pearson races ahead. Top row: Steve Sims, A.J. Miller, John Schnurer. Middle row: Chuck Watkins, Chip Simon, Mike Opel, Jay Buenaventura. Bottom row: John Francis, Armando Diaz, Erik Pearson, Eddie Paz, Mark Daily, Jesus Luna, Brian Eckenroth, Mike Saltz JV ond Frosh Cross Country 251

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CROSS COU TRY acing Towards the Future By Jeffrey Stahlhut What makes runners run? Whether it is the challenge of competition, camaraderie, trying to be your best or having fun, the boys JV team has run away with the league title. Running behind one of the best varsity teams is not an easy job. But the JV team took on and accomplished that task. They ran so well that their opponents could not place any runners ahead of their top five, this provided for a perfect season with an undefeated dual meet record and a third place finish at Mt. Sac, in addition to a third place finish at the Southern Califor- nia Invitational Varisty Tournament. The main reason for the successful season was Hdepth, and balance, according to both Darrin Malloy and coach Schaitel. With a team with this much talent, their competi- tion has a lot to worry about. Mike Opel summed it up best when he said, We have an excellent future ahead of us. This season showed promise, so we can't wait for next year. This quote from Spen- cer Shewmake is an understatement of what the Freshman Cross Country team accomplished this year. In fact not only did they show promise, they finished undefeat- ed and captured the first place title at the Mt. Sac Freshman Invitational competing against the top teams in California. They also took the Palomar League title. The success was largely due to a strong group performance and a balanced team, according to coach Schaitel. With excellent runners to look up to and to learn from, these Freshmen made a name for them- selves. They learned to be the best, added Schaitel. They leave a lot for Poway High Cross Country to look forward to in the future. Hopefully next year we can live up to the standards that we set this year, con- cluded Josh Brown. 334 3 e Lf 5 an . J . Mike Opel and John Schnurer struggle step by step to reach the finish line. 250 JV ond Frosh Cross Country J MM... Top: Jamie Hopper Chris Brock Spencer Shewmake Bottom E Donovan, Scott Allen Josh Brown Bill Sargent

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CROSS COU TRY Varsity Girls Unite with Pride and Friendship by Molly Smith Trudging through the usually rough, wild terrain course, the Girls Varsity Cross Country team devoted themselves to out- standing performances. They could fre- quently be seen gaining distance on the op- posing teams. f'The whole team strived as a unit, replied Sam Brown. Successful throughout the season, they depended on one another for support during their compe- titions. Every girl contributed to the accom- plishments of the team. Daily practice consisted of a rigorous program. Usually they encountered switch-backs. These were a series of dis- tances run back and forth on a designated course. Even with their difficult practices each day, they still maintained an average grade point of 3.7. Together at least three nights a week, Captain Carrie Gelwix was named to All League and CIF teams. She com- ments, 'fHelping the team was a per- fect way to end my senior year. 252 Vorsity Girls Cross Country they shared in pasta parties, water bal- loon fights, and various practical jokes. For example, at the Fresno State Troop Meet they threw the coaches in the pool. 'fThe titles and awards we won were important, but the friendships will stay with us forever,', states Kathy Grassburger with a smile. The friendships and strenuous practice produced an excellent group of athletes. Their character led them to many outstand- ing honors. They placed 6th in the state and had the 2nd best program in California. With freshmen running for the Varsity team in the last season, next year they ex- pect to dojust as well. 'fl encourage runners to join, comments Dawn Gigstad. Sam Brown strides down the mountain ahead of her opponent. On the scenic hillside, Carrie Gelwix and Dawn Gigstad run relentlessly.