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2009 San Diego P:reseason Rankings
Southernmost Section traditional strength in 2009
San Diego Section Preview
by Doug Speck - Editor DyeStatCal - any move-ins or move-outs or items affecting teams - e-mail us
The state’s southern most section once again will continue its tradition of fine teams and super individuals powering over courses dithe courses to some real success. A number of teams will need to be considered in a mix in the run to statewide honors come November. Times below for track were the best marks reported to our episports.com database, with the obvious 800, 1600, or 3200 meter clockings unless noted. Thanks to George Green with his pre-season research per his site that covers San Diego
late August divisional changes for teams: (reflected in below rankings as of 8/28)
Bonita Vista moved from D2 to D1
Mar Vista and San Marcos moved from D3 to D2
Olympian, High Tech, and Santana moved from D4 to D3
Girls Division I
 
photos by Dennis McClanahan
Torrey Pines 2008 Champs - Lead Girls D1 Pack 2008 SD Finals
Torrey Pines was second at the 2008 State Meet at this level and they return a dynamite group, led by three (Alli Billmeyer 3rd, Megan Morgan 4th, and Ashlyn Dadkhah 12th in state scoring). The group had fine track seasons in the spring, with Morgan a 10:31 3200(2nd section CC), Billmeyer at 4:51 1600, and Dadkhah 2:13 for 800 meters, and Soffe Watson 5:16/11:27 and Rachel Hiraoka 11:40 adding to the powerful depth. There are other individuals and groups of real quality to make this a fine division. Rancho Buena Vista (Vista), seventh at State DI 2008, returns a loads of talent, with Shanna St. Laurent (4th section) the 20th scorer at State Division I last year. Harper Cooksey, Harper Cleves, help lead a deep group that had Madisen Vandam add a 5:25 1600 in the spring to hopefully add to the varsity depth. Rancho Bernardo led by one of the nation’s best, defending divisional champ Molly Grabill, a 10:23.75 3200 star, with a very capable crew behind her, with Michelle LeRoux, Michelle LeRoux, and Darina Dinov top twenty-five scorers in last year’s Section Finals. Escondido was fourth at Section last year, with a pick for that spot once again, as top dozen scorers there, Emily Birch (5:05 track 1600 and eighth in the section CC) and Tiffany Duffy head six returnees from the 2008 Varsity. Poway has a good pack, with five under the 5:30/12:00 barrier in track, Tara Trujillo a big improver in the spring for the Titans with 5:25-11:49 bests.
La Costa Canyon is very dangerous, with a good group back, Shanoah Souza racing 5:10/11:05 in the spring. Vista has Michelle Cruz, a 2:15 800 star, leading, with a couple of frosh newscomers strong in track. Granite Hills had a very young, successful 2008 team that could be a factor here. Mission Hills has five returnees from the 2008 Varsity, with Savannah Vasquez 4:59 in the spring for 1600.
San Diego Section Division I Rankings:
1. Torrey Pines
2. Rancho Buena Vista
3. Rancho Bernardo
4. Escondido
5. Poway
Boys Division I
photo by Dennis McClanahan
Chris Brewer (Rancho Buena Vista)
Rancho Buena Vista will attempt a big win here, with a very, very strong Boys’ squad. They are led by super junior Chris Brewer (4:21-9:14 - 7th CC DI), with a half dozen on the team sub 4:30 or 10:00 or better in track in the distances. If all goes well they can be a statewide threat at their level. Poway returns everyone from their fifth place squad in 2008 at this level, led by junior Alex Smith (4:29-9:42 in track), with a big handful of folks showing the ability to jump on the varsity in track, led by soph Eric Hayen (4:30). Rancho Bernardo has five back from the 7th place 2008 team, with junior Travis Linder a fine 9:56 in the spring though not a part of the 2008 CC varsity. Otay Ranch has fine star Jacob Roach (4:20-9:12 track) leading a good foursome back from last year’s Section Finals, a good group outside of them improving greatly in track. Bonita Vista was second last year Division II, with Alfredo Rodriguez (1:57-4:19 spring - 6th D2 CC) and Shinaloa Agbede (9:41) nicely leading the 2009 Varsity
Escondido returns a solid five scorers from last year and is just outside the rankings. Carlsbad, with 4:15 1600 star Mike Godger on top, can develop into a factor here, with Torrey Pines returns only two from its 2008 second place section group, but had an army run sub 4:45 and 10:15 in track to provide real potential for the 2009 harrier group. Graham Hettinger (Vista) was ninth at this level individually last Fall.
San Diego Section Boys Division I Rankings: (ADJUSTED 8/28 OFF SECTION DIVISIONAL CHANGES)
1. Rancho Buena Vista
2. Poway
3. Rancho Bernardo
4. Otay Ranch
5. Bonita Vista
Girls Division II
photo by Dennis McClanahan
Erin Menefee (Mt. Carmel)
A “sweep of the titles” will be attempted in Division II where Mt. Carmel brings to the table deep, talented squads who can get the job done! The Mt. Carmel lady Sun Devils return everyone from a 2008 fourth place crew, with Erin Menefee (4:59-11:11 track - 2nd D2 CC 2008) capably leading a strong group. Valhalla, the defending champion, has four back from that squad, Paige Hughes (5:14-11:16 spring - 6th D2 CC) heading the 2009 crew. Steele Canyon was fifth last Fall, with six back from the 2008 Varsity, soph Nicole Nocon (5:18-11:44) on top, and frosh Hannah Kahl sub 12 in the spring for 3200. Westview was second last year, with strong soph Julia Yang (5:06 - 3rd 2008 D2 CC) leading a foursome that returns from that group. Ramona was sixth D2 in 2008 and has fine junior Lindsey Spieker (9th 08 D2) leading five with championship experience.
West Hills havsthe potential to challenge if they improve during the summer and fall. Meghan Breadmore (Point Loma) was a much improved 5:09 1600 in the spring, with Christina Hernandez (Bonita Vista) fourth at the level in the Fall D2 CC battle, and Aylin Mejia (Sweetwater) fifth.
San Diego Section Girls Division II Rankings: (ADJUSTED 8/28 OFF OF SECTION DIVISIONAL CHANGES)
1. Mt. Carmel
2. Valhalla
3. Steele Canyon
4. Westview
5. Ramona
Boys Division II
photo by Dennis McClanahan
2008 Sun Devil Champs
The Mt. Carmel Boys took this Division last Fall, and return return everyone from that Varsity. Jacob Wood (4:23-9:25 track - 5th D2 CC) ably leads, with a couple beyond the Varsity doing a fine job in the spring, so the Sun Devils will be loaded. Patrick Henry drops down from Division I where they were the Section Champs, and return the fine duo of Ryan Urie (4:20-9:32 - 2nd D1 2008 CC) and Kellen Bumberg (9:22 - 5th 2008 DI CC) as they attempt to go after Mt. Carmel and others. Steele Canyon has six back from its 2008 fifth place squad, top fifteen scorer from the section Ryan Lawler leading a talented group of juniors. Ramona has six back from its 2008 sixth place team here, with Paul Reynolds heading the group and talented junior Conner Jenson 4:31 in track not a part of the Section Finalist crew last November. Westview has the potential to break big-time into the above group, as the team had a fine spring, Mike Kloha (4:28 - 11th D2 2008 CC) leading, with a couple of sub-4:40 1600 runners not on the 2008 harrier Varsity.
Scripps Ranch is another with potential in 2009.
San Diego Section Boys Division II Rankings: (ADJUSTED 8/28 OFF SECTION DIVISIONAL CHANGES)
1. Mt. Carmel
2. Patrick Henry
3. Steele Canyon
4. Ramona
5. Westview
Girls Division III
photo by Dennis McClanahan
Cathedral Catholic 2008 Champions
Cathedral Catholic is the defending champs here, with a strong group intent on taking home the championship trophy once again. Talented soph, Caitlin Krol (3rd D3 2008 CC), was hot in the spring, with 2:15 (800) and 5:07 (1600) bests, with a flock of good flyers behind her for the Dons. Clairemont returns six from its 2008 fourth place group, four of them frosh, Savannah Roberts (5:23 - 8th D3 2008 CC) heading the 2009 run. University City, runner-up here last Fall, has talented soph Jessy Hansen (2:18-5:09 - 4th D3 CC) and Devin Cowick (5:21-11:21 - 6th D3 CC) leading the 2009 squad. El Capitan was ninth last year at this level, with Heidi Swan and Alysa Medina heading the 2009 group. Brawley, off in the desert, has five back from its 2008 fifth place group, soph Mindy Branham on top.
Canyon Crest Academy was seventh here last year, with four frosh on that varsity, Charlotte Kuzminsky (2:17-5:22-11:35 - 7th D3 CC) a quality leader for 2009. La Jolla has the ability to develop into a strong squad, with San Marcos another that shows potential with some good summer prep.
San Diego Section Girls Division III Rankings:
1. Cathedral Catholic
2. Clairemont
3. University City
4. El Capitan
5. Brawley
Division III Boys
photo by Dennis McClanahan
David Macfarlane (Valley Center) third 2008 Division III
Valley Center was third in 2008 at this level, with a solid five back to go after the title, Ismal Rodriguez (9:44) tough in the spring, and David Macfarlane 3rd last Fall D3 in CC. Santana has Kyle Moran (7th 08 DIII) leading the 2008 championship sixth place Sultans into 2009, with an outstanding group of six back from that team Brawley has 4:29 1600 star Leo Banales heading everyone back from the 2008 eighth place squad. . Monte Vista took the title last year, with Dillon Breen (4:29-9:30 - 5th D3 2008 CC) and Terry Winters quality runners leading the 2009 version of the Monarchs. University City was second last year here, with soph Riess Haslam and 4:27 spring 1600 star Charlie Hewett providing nice leadership in 2009.
Cathedral Catholic was fourth last year, Tyler Robinson (9:45) and Thomas Valente (1:57) heading a capable 2009 crew. Central (El Centro) has everyone back from the 2008 10th place squad and will be much-improved this Fall. La Jolla has fine junior, Andrew Farkas (4:31) and Michael Conroy (4:33-9:57) heading the start of a potentially strong 2009 Varsity, with St. Augustine four back from its 2008 fifth place squad.
Dylan Marx (Mt. Miguel) and Eamonn McCarey (Clairemont) both clocked 4:17 last spring for 1600, and will be strong individually here.
San Diego Section Boys Division III Rankings: (ADJUSTED 8/28 OFF SECTION DIVISIONAL LISTINGS)
1. Valley Center
2. Santana
3. Brawley
4. Monte Vista
5. University City
Division IV Girls
photo by Dennis McClanahan
Coronado High School 2008 Varsity
Coronado should dominate here, with three sub-5:20 1600 stars, defending divisional CC Champ, Sallie Privett (5:12), D4 runner-up Annie Lovering (5:17), and Adrianna Davies (5:18) returning for the defending Divisional team champs. D IV fifth placer Sadie Gimber adds tough depth to Coronado for 2009. Christian was fourth last year with a young squad that has six back from that team, Taryn Dunton leading the show off her 6th individually here in 2008. Francis Parker was third in 2008 at this level, with six returnees from that group. Guajome Park Academy has everyone back from its sixth place team, but will have to hustle to stay ahead of La Jolla Country Day, with four frosh back from its fifth place squad from last Fall.
Should Alissa Campanero (2:15) join Lauren Collins (7th 2008 D4) and Naomi Wagner (8th 2008 D4), on The Bishop’s School squad, they will be an instant hit here.
San Diego Section Girls Division IV Rankings
1. Coronado
2. Christian
3. Francis Paker
4. Guajome Park Academy
5. La Jolla Country Day
Division IV Boys
La Jolla Country Day took the title here last year, with Lee Klitzner, 2nd here last Fall, and 4:27 1600 star Dennis Roth (third 2008 D4 CC) a very strong 2009 group. The Bishop’s School was fourth with a very young squad in 2008, 4:38 soph Will Botta (5th 2008 D4 CC) and Patrick Hoagland (7th 2008 D4) leading a group that will perform nicely this season. Francis Parker has five returning from its 2008 third place Division IV squad and will be a factor this Fall. Christian returns three juniors from its 2008 runner-up squad, Michael May 9th last year here. Guajome Park Academy has five back from its 2008 varsity, and is a touch better than Santa Fe Christian on the "return" clock through that number.
San Diego Section Boys Division IV Rankings: (ADJUSTED OFF SECTION DIVISIONAL CHANGES)
1. La Jolla Country Day
2. The Bishop’s School
3. Francis Parker
4. Christian
5. Guajome Park Academy
Girls Division V
photo by Dennis McClanahan
2008 Calvin Christian Girls Varsity Champs
Calvin Christian is the defending champs here and they return five from that Varsity group, with defending Divisional soph champ Keely Craig and runner-up, senior Monica Kozak, heading a crew quite a bit ahead of the pack if they remain healthy. Tri-City Christian had a young group take second last year, with juniors Holly Keating (5th 2008 D5) and Natalie Harper (6th 2008 here) heading a capable 2009 group. Foothills Christian should be next, a ways back, with soph Amanda Edwards (4th D5 2008) a strong leader. River Valley Charter was fifth last year here, and shows the ability to move up a spot, soph Christina Martin heading five back from the 2008 Varsity. Julian should round out the top five, with the apple-country group senior Kalyn Kelly heading four returnees from the 2008 Section Finalist fourth placers.
San Diego Section Girls Division V Rankings:
1. Calvin Christian
2. Tri-City Christian
3. Foothills Christian
4. River Valley Charter
5. Julian
Boys Division V
photo by Dennis McClanahan
Tri-City Christian - 2008 Champions Division V
Tri-City Christian will attempt to repeat here, with Divisional champ, soph Eric Causey, heading five from the 2008 Varsity who return. Pacific Ridge is part of a group that will keep Tri-City honest, with an all frosh-soph group third in 2008 here, with juniors David Hines (3rd 2008 D5) and Mitch Guerin (5th 2008 D5) heading a team that can challenge for the title. Calvin Christian is close behind, with this a wicked three team battle, the 2008 CC runner-up group having junior Jake Bons, 2nd here last Fall, a quality leader of five from the that group. Julian has five back from its 2008 fourth place group, Joseph Munson (4th 2008 D5), and should rank there once again, with Foothills Christian a decent trio to build on for 2009.
San Diego Section Boys Division V Rankings:
1. Tri-City Christian
2. Pacific Ridge
3. Calvin Christian
4. Julian
5. Foothills Christian
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