The Oak Park High boys’ cross country team has a leg up on Oaks Christian in the early stages of the Tri-Valley League title chase.

While the Eagles have the talent, depth and confidence of a squad that’s focused on defending its TVL crown and reaching the state meet, Oaks Christian is trying to keep pace.

In Tri-Valley boys’ water polo, Oaks Christian is ranked No. 2 in the CIF-Southern Section Division 6 coaches’ poll.

OCHS head coach Larry Felix, however, did not return numerous phone calls for this story.

Here’s a closer look at the respective boys’ cross country teams at Oak Park and Oaks Christian:

OAK PARK EAGLES

Head coach Marc Minasian is a happy man.

That’s because his Eagles are good, starting with a tantalizing trio at the top of the lineup.

“My top three guys are on fire,” Minasian said. “They’re all breaking 15:30.”

Patrick Thedinga, Sahm Bazargan and Ryan Zelada lead the Eagles.

Thedinga is the “complete package,” Minasian said.

“Pat’s got tremendous talent and dedication,” the coach said of his star junior. “He eats, sleeps and drinks cross country and running. He absolutely loves the sport.”

Bazargan, a sophomore, runs with a competitive edge.

“Sahm’s a true competitor and champion,” Minasian said. “Anytime I see him in the last mile within the leaders, I know he will be the one to come across in first. If he’s close enough to the finish line, he’s going to be there sprinting for that line.”

Zelada, also an accomplished soccer player, is a savvy senior.

“Ryan is a big, strong kid,” the coach said. “He uses his strength to his advantage. If he’s close to someone—100 or 200 yards away—he will leave everything on the line to pass someone. His drive is amazing.

“He’s focused on everything he’s doing. As a senior, he’s really driving the enthusiasm for the team.”

A strong armada of runners bolsters the Eagles’ lineup.

Andrew Khaw, Jacob Lowry, Tyler Milles and James Anderson are seniors who are running well.

Juniors Chris Carlson, Ben Goldstein, Joey Vetti, Austin Duerfeldt and Nick Billig, and sophomores Abhi Bhutada, Adam Frey and Tyler Quinn consistently finish races under 17 minutes.

“It’s just ridiculous,” Minasian said of his depth.

Senior Michael Tucker is injured, but the Eagles expect him to contribute this postseason.

Oak Park’s success started with the first team meeting on May 24. Then, in August, 15 boys went to the Boulder Running Camp at the University of Colorado for high-altitude training.

“Our goal is to go to state this year,” Minasian said. “We’ve missed it the last two years.

“Quite literally, everyone on the team has the same focus.”

OAKS CHRISTIAN LIONS

Senior Vince Colarossi leads a young Lions squad.

Colarossi, a four-year varsity veteran, has been Oaks Christian’s No. 1 runner for three years.

“He’s a kid that’s very hardworking,” said head coach Wes Smith. “Not just in practice, but also in how he helps the team set up practice.

“He pulls canopies off the van, he throws trash out, he moves the ice chest. He’s that kind of guy—if I need something, boom, he’ll do it.”

Colarossi’s older brothers, Mike and Nick, reached the 2006 and 2007 state meet with OCHS.

A.J. King has overcome adversity to rise up the ladder.

The senior caught mononucleosis last year and had a tonsillectomy this summer before dislocating his knee playing soccer.

“He’s frustrated,” Smith said of King. “But in the last few months, he’s been doing very, very well. He’s done the best training of his high school career. I’m excited to see him improve.”

King’s sister, Abby, is a track standout.

Jordan Combe, a junior, has improved dramatically since running the middle of the junior varsity pack in 2010.