Moving with momentum

Bryce Alderton

With each passing year, the boys cross country team at Sage Hill

High School gains more and more experience, which bodes well for the

third-year Lightning under Coach Nate Miller.

Miller has been at the school since its inception three years ago,

and is eager to begin this season guiding both the boys and girls

cross country teams as Sage Hill tries to build a winning tradition.

Last season Sage Hill finished fifth in the Academy League, but

with about 15 returners, Miller said he expects better things from

his team.

“I think we can be top three this year, that is the early goal for

the boys team,” Miller said. I think there are four competitive teams

such as Whitney (new to the league), Oxford Academy and St.

Margaret’s.”

The Lightning has no seniors, but should still be strong, Miller

said.

Sophomore Mike Voge was the No. 1 runner last season and finished

eighth at league finals (17:43), while junior Chris Chiboucas “was

right up there with Mike,” Miller said.

Two other juniors, Matt Sanford and Kent Kuran along with

sophomore Tristan Cordier could also be big contributors for Sage

Hill.

Sage Hill runners have put in more time and mileage over the

summer, running in places such as Crystal Cove State Park and Turtle

Rock in Irvine.

In June, runners voluntarily ran together four days a week, and in

July they were on their own, according to Miller.

That group was very small, about four or five got in on that to

grow,” Miller said.

Miller expects to have about 25 runners or more when the season

begins, with the returners anchoring the team.

“I think the top group having a year under their belt are able to

do more challenging workouts,” Miller said. “I’ve challenged them

with more mileage and harder workouts.”

Miller grew up in Colorado and ran track and cross country at

Pomona College in Claremont. He has coached cross country for eight

years.

“It’s an exciting prospect at a new school to be involved from Day

One of building a philosophy and tradition at the school,” Miller

said. “Most were ninth-graders when I started and are now leading the

team. It takes patience but it’s also been exciting to see the growth

and get a unique experience unlike anywhere else.”