NHS, Thacher run to state championships
by Ken Reeves

Senior Bessie Hatch became the first Thacher runner to capture an individual CIF title in cross country by running away with the Division V title in a time of 18:25, a 30 second personal best on the challenging Mount San Antonio College course. Bessie led from wire to wire, winning by a margin of 41 seconds, making her the second-fastest Ojai girl to ever run the ount SAC course, behind the legendary four-time CIF champion from Nordhoff, Elaine Canchola. Hatch, a participant in the state championships in her freshman year, will return to the Woodward Park course as one of the favorites to capture the Division V individual state title.
The Nordhoff Ranger girls joined Hatch in returning to their November home away from home. After a one year absence, the Nordhoff girls will once again be toeing the starting line at the California State Championships.
Sophomore Allysa Robinson helped lead the charge on Saturday at Mount SAC. Allysa's lifetime best time of 19:06 earned her a ninth-place finish in the Division III girls race while helping Nordhoff to secure the seventh and final qualifying spot for the state meet.
Alexa Pulley was the second Ranger finisher at 20:04, just a few steps in front of senior, Kate Krumpschmidt.
Freshman Kalie Brown, a recent addition to the varsity squad, turned in a huge performance to finish in 20:17. Junior Lindsay Hewett rounded out the scoring for the Rangers by finishing in 20:45. Lauren Lansing and Julie Kentosh were the sixth and seventh runners for the state- bound Rangers.
On the boys' side, both Thacher and Nordhoff finished their season at the CIF finals. For Nordhoff, this was their 13th straight year in the finals. The Rangers, led by senior Austin Magill, were 12th, while the Toads were able to secure the 13th spot.
Bel Lepe was the first Toad to cross the line at 17:15, just two seconds in front of teammate Matthew O'Meara. Ben Babbot, Troy Pollet and Nathan Parker rounded out the scorers for Thacher.
Santa Clara, the Frontier League champions this past season, were able to come home with the runner-up trophy in this division, while Flintridge Prep secured the team title.
For the Rangers, there is much hope for the future. While three- year varsity letterman Austin Magill will graduate, sophomores Dieter Duran (16:44) and Evan Jenkins (16:47) both broke the 17-minute barrier. Juniors Brent Baker (17:54) and Chris Grant (18:04) were the final two scorers. Sophomore Carlos Gomez also ran a lifetime best of 18:16.
The division winner was Barstow, running a time of 79:09.
Next week, it is on to Fresno for the girls. Hatch will make her run for the state championship Saturday.
The Rangers will step up to the starting line at 11:10 a.m. for their annual experience.
On another running note, Mary Biggs, former Nordhoff and Ventura High cross country runner, was the No/ 1 finisher for the Ventura College Pirates as the Pirates finished sixth at the State Community College meet on Saturday.
Danny Bolanos, a state qualifier for the Rangers last year, was the No. 3 runner for the Pirates as the men's team finished 11th in the state.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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