Oak Park girls’ cross country is two-time defending champs

The Oak Park girls’ and boys’ cross country teams each won sectional and state divisional titles last year.

A media packet released by head coach Kevin Smith says: "The season opens with very high expectations …the teams clearly sit in the spotlight. Both teams return a substantial number of key varsity performers and have been fortified by the emergence of sophomores and a phenomenal freshman class."

This week The Acorn looks at the Oak Park girls’ cross country team, which has actually won the state title two years in a row. Next week we’ll look at the boys’ team.

Leading the girls’ team this year is Lauren Morales, a senior who’s been an all-state runner twice.

"Lauren hopes to improve her consistency at championship time and maintain her health," says Smith. "She should be one of the top runners in the state."

Tatiana Camacho, a junior, comes off a great track season last spring during which she lowered her 800 time to 2:19, third best in Division IV.

"Tatiana is a unique blend of speed and endurance," says Smith. "She will be one of the top performers in the state this season."

Senior captain Allison Banks is potentially an all-state runner, says Smith. "Consistency describes Ali. She has made substantial improvements this summer in her mileage and core strength."

Kelsey Connor, a sophomore, won’t be playing basketball any longer. She is "The indomitable spirit of the team and a team leader. She has dedicated herself to running," says Smith.

Hailey Swartz, a senior, hopes to remain healthy this season.

"This summer we have dedicated ourselves to improving (her) strength and minimizing her injuries," says Smith. "To date, she has been one of our big surprises."

Ashley Stalzer, a sophomore, was the team’s No. 8 runner last year as a freshman. "She has made a quantum leap into the varsity core," says Smith of Stalzer.

Senior Kelly Yahr didn’t run cross country last year because of injuries but was the No. 5 runner on the 2001 section and state championship team.

"She will compete minimally this year until November," Smith says of Yahr.

Katie Hudson, a senior, was one of the top freshmen in the state in the year 2000 at Agoura High School. She moved to Oak Park midway through her sophomore year.

"With renewed spirit and determination she plans on competing this year," says Smith, noting that Hudson quit last year’s team due to injuries and frustration.

Deirdre Coleman, a junior, has battled back from a severe ankle sprain suffered in May.

"(She has) exceptional foot speed and fluidity," says Smith, who notes that Coleman was the Eagles’ No. 6 runner last year.

Kristina Skiba, a senior, has been the No. 7 or No. 8 runner, and was, "A key leader and member of our two-time state championship team," says Smith. "She faces incredible competition and must improve her strength and reaction time off the ground."

Newcomers for the girls’ team include Gillian Clow, and Angela Gonzalez, both sophomores, Aimee Sands and Lauren Pluchino, both freshmen, and Erine Kelly, a junior.

La Reina, led by senior Katie Gose, should be Oak Park’s toughest competitor in the Tri-Valley League.

"Both teams (La Reina and Oak Park) have exceptional individual talent," says Smith. "However Oak Park’s depth has separated it from its league competition. Carpinteria and Fillmore will compete for the other CIF slot while an improving St. Bonaventure squads attempts to make the leap."

About Oak Park’s attempt to win a third straight state title, Smith says several schools could challenge the Eagles.

"The structure of these teams indicates that the decided difference between first and fourth (place finisher at the state meet) will hinge on the No. 5 runner."

—Wayne Harrison