Oak Park boys to defend state title in cross country

Winning tradition seems alive and well at OPHS Part two of two parts

The Oak Park boys’ and girls’ cross country teams each won sectional and sate 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."

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

Ken Brook, a junior, leads five runners with post-season experience.

"He has been running times comparable to those of Mark Nevers," says Smith regarding Brook, a junior. "He knows how to compete, which makes him very dangerous." Nevers graduated in 2001.

Jordan Page, also a junior, is listed No. 2 on Smith’s depth-chart.

"He and Ken (Brook) have been pushing each other everyday in practice and hope to be a formidable one-two punch," says Smith.

Daniel Jacob, a senior, is listed No. 3.

"Daniel has the ability to drop back and pull people through the workout or to punch it ahead and push Ken (Brook) and Jordan (Page) up front," says Smith. "He (Jacob) is the ‘glue’ that binds the team."

Next, No. 4 is Daren Stockard, a senior.

"An injury-filled track season (last spring) has given Daren new motivation to end his senior year with a flurry," says Smith. "He will be another Oak Park runner shooting for a sub-16 (minute) at SAC."

Sean McCann, a senior, is listed No. 5.

"He is a student of the sport and has really learned how to train himself to be ready for the end of the season," says Smith. "…Big race experience will help him come championship time."

Next, No. 6 is Todd Bettisworth, a senior.

"He is a 50-second quarter-miler, which makes him dangerous in the closing 800 of any race," says Smith. "Exhibits great leadership and dogged determination, making him an invaluable asset …"

Matt Weiss, a senior, is No. 7.

"If he can stay healthy and focused throughout the season," says Smith, "he could finish as high as our No. 3 runner…Consistency will be the key to Matt’s success."

Kyle Martindale, a senior, is No. 8.

"He is another key senior that will teach our underclassmen how to win," says Smith. "Has a renewed energy and dedication that could put him on the line at the State meet."

Listed No. 9 is junior Blake Casaly.

"Is coming off a 2:01 800-meter during track last year," says Smith. "We hope he can translate that success to a 3-mile cross country race…has an incredible finishing kick…"

Ryan Hopkins, only a sophomore, is listed No. 10 on the Oak Park boys CC depth-chart.

"The cream of the sophomore class, Ryan is making the transition into the varsity ranks," says Smith. "Some early confidence will be the key to his success this year."

Newcomers this year are junior Kevin Potter, sophomores Tyler Fox and Garrett Spiegel and freshmen Jordan Rankell, Ryan Rickard, Henry Yi and Forrest Baranoff.

Fillmore ended Oak Park’s boys’ string of five Tri-Valley League titles last year but the Eagles responded by winning the Southern Section and state titles (while Fillmore placed second). Smith expects St. Bonaventure and Carpinteria to be competitive this season.

Looking ahead to defending the state title, Smith says, "As always, McFarland is the team to beat at the championship level, and they have the winning tradition to make them our targets."

King City, Carmel and Orange Lutheran will also have tough teams, according to Smith.

Regarding the postseason, Smith says the key is "always having your best seven runners healthy and motivated."

––Wayne Harrison