Reservations for Fresno

Steve Virgen

Certainly there are different personalities on the Corona del Mar

High boys cross country team. There are also different opinions at

times, but there is one common goal. The Sea Kings all want their

season to end at the state meet. How they get there will be sorted

out during the season.

This year’s Sea Kings have a unique blend of young and old, in

regard to experience. The squad has no juniors, seven seniors and

four sophomores. While last year’s squad was one of Coach Bill

Sumner’s best in 10 years, the 2003 Sea Kings have brought about

their own brand of excitement.

“There is a distinct age difference on my team,” Sumner said. “The

older guys lead the way, but the younger guys are not afraid to take

chances. I’m in a weird predicament, but I like it. It’s a fun mix.”

Sumner said he has been thoroughly impressed with his runners’

appreciation for competition and their desire to have a successful

season.

“Their passion makes me feel like I just started coaching again,”

said Sumner, who is entering his 20th season with the Sea Kings. “The

older guys know what it takes and the younger guys want to know how

to do it, right now.”

Senior Kevin Artz will be directing the younger runners. He will

be CdM’s No. 1 runner this season and he is among the best in the

Pacific Coast League.

“He’s excited and he’s doing real well,” Sumner said. “I think he

can win [the PCL title]. He’s not the favorite to win it, but if I

were betting I would be betting on Kevin and I would be betting on us

to win league.”

Sumner’s confidence extends beyond winning a league title, as he

has already made room reservations in Fresno for the state meet.

Last year, CdM went undefeated in the PCL to capture its second

straight league title. The Sea Kings finished 11th in CIF Southern

Section Division III, and just missed qualifying for the state meet.

CdM had a qualifying time to advance to Fresno, but the Sea Kings’

score was too high and they just missed the cut.

Missing the state meet has not served as motivation for the Sea

Kings this year. Instead, they have been developing momentum by

producing competition within the team. Sometimes there are arguments,

but Sumner sees that as an ends to the mean.

“It makes for daily entertainment,” Sumner said. “They are a fun

mix.”

J.C. Turner, Brandon Borcoman, Ian Alexander and Chris Ringstrom

are seniors who, along with Artz, have planned to make this season a

special one. The younger runners also sense a type of destiny brewing

about. Sophomores Jack Turner and Kenny Wong will figure largely in

the Sea Kings’ plans this season, as will fellow sophomores Paris

Salgado and Ryan Guthrie.