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.
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