Sailors fueled by balance

With 11 strong runners contending for the seven varsity spots available on the Newport Harbor High boys’ cross country team. Coach Nowell Kay said this might be the most competitive unit in his five seasons as coach.

With all the runners at the same level, it makes for a competitive process.

“It works itself out,” said Kay, who is glad he can just look down at his stopwatch to determine who the top seven runners are. “It depends on who puts the races together.”

Nobody is safe, not even the team’s two seniors, captains Sean Anderson and Chris Lewis.

Kay, however, will not have to trim down his team until after the first four races of the season, giving him ample time to get a grasp on who is the best.

But don’t expect anyone to give ground as the fourth race nears.

“I have a really dedicated group this year,” Kay said. “It’s probably the most dedicated I’ve ever had. You have to have a certain mental makeup to run hard.”

The team’s top returner is junior Murphy Hitchcock, probably the only cinch to make the team.

Junior Michael Puncel was right on his heels throughout the year and even slightly better at the end.

Puncel finished eight seconds ahead of Hitchcock at the Sea View League meet.

The Sailors will do more running as a pack this year, because it does not have a breakaway runner.

“What we want is to have five guys finish in the top 20,” Kay said. “Our goal is to make CIF and just to have everyone do their best. As long as those guys are improving, we’ll be a success.”

This year will be more difficult for Newport Harbor with a move to the Sunset League. The Sailors are one of two Division II teams in the league, with the remaining four in Division I. “It will keep the kids’ dedication level up,” Kay said. “It all rides on the league meet. We have to do well that day. We have to peak at the right time.”

Junior Alex Shaw is making his return to the varsity team and from an appendix that burst at the end of the school year, keeping him from doing much of anything for six weeks.

Carlo Urquidez, a junior, was not on the varsity last year, but he was the league junior varsity champion in the 3,200 meters and is having a good summer according to Kay.

Junior Rex Nelson has never run cross country. He is extending himself after running the 800 in track last spring. Nelson finished second in the event at the Sea View League meet and Kay sees potential in him if he can make the switch, something Kay has helped runners do in the past.

“It’s getting him to buy in to running that extra distance,” Kay said. “He’s someone we’re excited to see run.”

A group of four sophomores, up from last year’s freshman team, also look to make an impact. Scott Figueroa is tops in the bunch, having filled in for injured varsity runners last season.

“We expect him to be one of our top guys,” Kay said.

Jake Dawson was on the freshman team last season and Michael Taylor is the most improved runner Kay said, going from No. 7 on the freshman team to one of the top runners.

Sophomore Alex Crawford is also in the mix.

The Sailors open their season Sept. 9 at the Laguna Hills Invitational.

THE SAILORS

Sean Anderson Sr.

Chris Lewis Sr.

Murphy Hitchcock Jr.

Michael Puncel Jr.

Alex Shaw Jr.

Carlo Urquidez Jr.

Rex Nelson Jr.

Scott Figueroa So.

Jake Dawson So.

Michael Taylor So.

Alex Crawford So.

Coach: Nowell Kay

(fifth year)