BOYS PREVIEW
The boys from meet host Dana Hills headline here.
Fresh off a solid showing at the Mt. Carmel Invite, Dana Hills is currently among the top 10 squads in the Southern Section and in our top tier for Division I. Trabuco Hills is looking to get back on track after a frustrating showing at the Woodbridge Invite last weekend. With almost all new faces in the varsity lineup, El Toro lines up here as well. California of Whittier impressed last weekend and continues to strive for a state meet berth come November. Los Alamitos will continue to develop those last two scoring spots as they possess a strong trio up front. Santa Ana's boys will look to regain that momentum they earned in running the fastest team time at the Laguna Hills Invite two weekends ago. In the midst of this talent, do not overlook Capistrano Valley's boys. Not only striving to be the best team in school history but seeking a state meet berth as well, this crew will right up amongst the top five squads. Meanwhile, two of the most improved teams in the Southern Section, San Clemente and Tesoro, will also make this Sweepstakes race that much stronger.
Finally, and not to be overlooked by any means, Great Oak will enter its 'B' and 'C' squads into the early morning Sweepstakes races. At the top of the Wolfpack 'B' team, you will find three that broke 15 minutes last weekend at Woodbridge. Great Oak's 'A' team is making the trip up to Idaho to compete in the Bob Firman Invitational.
Individually, Dana Hills' Simon Fuller (Clark Kranz photo above) and Newport Harbor's Alexis Garcia will challenge one another up front. Garcia dipped just under 14:28 a year ago on this course while Fuller pulled in a 14:32. Josh O'Neill of Trabuco Hills continues to prove he's one of the best in Orange County, especially after his 14:28 effort last weekend at Woodbridge. He finished 10 seconds in front of Garcia. Tesoro's Bryson Crites opened his season with a 14:35 at the Cool Breeze Invite two weekends ago. El Toro junior Mitch Groff is also among the top individuals. The Aliso Niguel duo of Ben McKenna (14:37) and Jaryd Dukes (14:42) are both coming off strong performances last weekend. Meanwhile, Great Oak's Aric Reza is coming off a 14:51 performance last weekend as well. Finally, Mission Hills' Jonathan Velasco is one of the fastest returners, rolling to a 14:53 a year ago and fresh off a 14:50 at Woodbridge.
