Now that the 2017 XC season is officially complete, here are my (along with input from coaches throughout the state) awards for this past cross country season. Feel free to share your comments below. If you disagree with my choices, I will not be offended. Fire away below.
Most Valuable Runner (boys)-Liam Anderson Redwood (NCS)
Most Valuable Runner (girls)-Claudia Lane Malibu (SS)
Most Impressive Performance (boys)-Liam Anderson Redwood at NXN
Most Impressive Performance (girls)-Claudia Lane at Mt. SAC Invite, CA state meet and Foot Locker.
Most Impressive Performance (boys' team)-Great Oak (SS) Mt. SAC Invitational
Most Impressive Performance (girls' team)-
Most Inspirational (boys)-Open to suggestions. Please post your nominations in comment section below.
Most Inspirational (girls)-Mariah Castillo Saugus (SS)
Most Improved Runner (boys)-Nicholas Medearis Crystal Springs Uplands (CCS)
Most Improved Runner (girls)-Fatima Cortes Great Oak (SS)
Lifetime Achievement Award (boys)-Justin Hazell El Camino (LA)/Joaquin Martinez De Pinillos Cathedral Catholic (SDS)
Lifetime Achievement Award (girls)-Mari Friedman Santa Cruz (CCS)/Sara Leonard Canyon, Anaheim (SS)
Rising Star (boys)-Matt Strangio Jesuit (SJS)
Rising Star (girls)-Corie Smith Buchanan (CS)
Rookie of the Year (boys)-Kamran Murray Menlo (CCS)
Rookie of the Year (girls)-Audrey Suarez Mayfield (SS)
Comeback of the Year (boys)-Roosevelt (SS) at CA State Meet
Comeback of the Year (girls)-Kelli Hines Mission Viejo (SS)
Dynamic Duo (boys)-Tyler Spencer and Raymon Ornelas Roosevelt (SS)
Dynamic Duo (girls)-Corie Smith and Meagen Lowe Buchanan (CS)
Best Three Amigos-Jack Landgraf, Caleb Niednagel, Simon Fuller Dana Hills (SS)
Best Three Amigas-Fatima Cortes, Tori Gaitan, Sandra Pflughoft Great Oak (SS)
Large School Juggernaut Award-Great Oak (SS)
Small School Juggernaut Award-San Francisco University (NCS)
Boys Coach of the Year (Directing)-Joe Robles Jr Roosevelt (SS)/Phil Pompei St. Francis (CCS)
Girls Coach of the Year (Directing)-Marty Simpson Buchanan (CS)
Boys/Girls Coach of the Year (Directing)-Doug Soles Great Oak (SS)
Any other awards? Who else deserves to be recognized for their outstanding effort this past season?