Cross country runners compete at district

Blue Franklin, Sports Editor|October 23, 2013

The cross country season was one of changes and new beginnings. Senior veteran Michael Condarco ran his last district race weeks after long-time Coach Rick Spruill resigned, and freshmen Ian Diaz and Yesenia Olivas made debuts as top finishers at district for the Indians and Maidens.

Diaz was the Indians’ top runner finishing 15th in the district meet on Oct. 22 at Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock. The Indian team took sixth overall.

Diaz runs with the backing of his father SHS running legend Danny Diaz. As a 1987 Indian, Danny Diaz set the school’s district cross country record and was the district champion. He placed third at regionals and fifth at state.

“It is hard because he is expecting me to be like him,” Ian Diaz said. “It is very difficult to get to that dream.”

Olivas’s story began when she was discovered in physical education class.

“I started thanks to the coaches,” Olivas said. “They told me I would be good at it.”

Ovilas has consistently finished in the top 20 at meets this year, taking 12th at the district meet.

“This isn’t a sport you can just show up to,” Olivas said. “You have to be strong mentally because that is half the battle.”

The Maidens struggled to make a varsity team as transfer issues moved senior Noemi Werthmuller to JV, and sophomore Bryce Darby was sidelined in a walking boot. Freshman Emily Swinnea was the only other Maiden who ran varsity at district.

For Condarco, his last season ended with a 26th place finish at district.

“I improved on trying to be a leader being the most experienced,” Condarco said. “It was my last year, and I worked probably the hardest I ever have this year.”

Condarco said the loss of Coach Spruill hit the Indian team hard.

“It affected us mentally,” Condarco said. “It is a lot harder to progress because your coach is your guidance.”

DISTRICT RESULTS

Varsity Women–Yesenia Olivas-12th (14:02.50), Emily Swinnea-28th (15:18.60)

Varsity Men–Team-6th (138 points)

Ian Diaz-15th (18:22.70), Michael Condarco-26th (19:20.90), Jarryd Karr-30th (20:30.40), Skyler Franklin-32nd (20:47.90), Andy De La Rosa-35th (22:27.50), Jesse Carrillo-37th (23:03.60), Evan Manzano-38th (25:10.20)