Jesuit Boys
The determination of Jesuit's runners to put up some big track times despite the pandemic had two benefits for all of us: it gave us something to watch & talk about during a lost spring season, and it also helps us project those runners' improvement for this winter. The returning top two for the Marauders, Spencer Pickren and Michael Chambers, ran 4:17 and 4:19, respectively, showing they are on track to lead the team this fall. The most impressive breakthrough, though, came from Ajani Salcido: his 4:11.86 full mile was a revelation, and hopefully it means he has shaken off what seemed like a very difficult 2019 for him.
If Salcido becomes a top 3 runner this winter (and that mile surely indicates that potential), Jesuit should have five runners solidly in the 15's, and that would put them in contention for a podium finish this winter. Sophomore Jacob Swanson and junior Braden King can progress substantially after getting experience at the 2019 state meet, which would improve the top 5 even further.
The one potential hitch in this plan is depth. The Marauders need returning #6 runner Preston Conner to keep pace with the improvement of the top 5, and after him there is a drop-off that needs to be addressed. This program has been one of the top 5 in the state at year-over-year improvement in the last 7 cross country seasons, so I'm counting on Jesuit being right back in the mix when they get to Clovis in March.
