Madera South senior runners eye redemption at state meet

There won’t be any sneaking up on the competition by the Madera South High boys cross country team, like it did last year when it shocked the Division I competition in capturing the CIF Central Section championship.

This year’s version of the Stallions, coached by Sky Fierro, boasts five seniors who are looking beyond another Valley title.

“Last year in the beginning, we knew we were contenders for Valley. We all felt good throughout the season,” said senior Adrián Hipolito.

It was a team victory against a talented Clovis North team at the John Seamans Invitational in Kingsburg that Hipolito said Madera South recognized its potential.

The Stallions went on to win the section title, but stumbled to a 13th-place finish at the state meet. (Clovis North placed sixth).

Don’t expect a letdown at state this year.

“Last year, because we were such an underdog, the emotions (the runners) had after winning Valley was so emotional for them,” said Vierro.

When they lined up for the state meert, “they were just drained emotionally. It wasn’t so much physical because they actually had a great workout the Monday before state,” said Vierro.

“It was just mentally and emotionally.”

The Stallions served notice they are picking up from where they left off last season, dominating the Dennis DeWitt Cross Country Invitational at Lions Town & Country Park.

Hipolito and four teammates swept the top spots in the senior race, and led Madera South to the combined team title with 23 points. Clovis High was a distant second with 80 points.

Madera South grabbed the section’s No. 1 preseason ratings compiled by local expert Larry Lung, ahead of San Luis Obispo and Clovis High.

“This year, they’re fully expecting to win Valley and go to state,” said Vierro. “So, they’re already mentally prepared to go far on into the postseason.”

Hipolito, who was hoping to break 9 minutes on the 3,000-meter (he missed by 3 seconds), is looking forward to the upcoming Woodbridge Cross Country Classic (Sept. 15-16) and the Nike Portland XC (Sept. 24) to measure up against other top teams.

“We have a lot of goals to compete, if not win, those races,” said Hipolito.

Fierro said the expectations shouldn’t put too much pressure on the team.

“There’s probably one or two that might be feeling some pressure, but the other ones are dedicated to the sport and have so much confidence in themselves and their teammates,” said Fierro. “I believe that’s actually a good thing for them.”

Fierro talks about his five seniors:

Hipolito: “I’ve known Adrián since he was in sixth grade. What he brings to the team is more than just his ability on the course. He’s always smiling, always cheerful. Even if he has a bad day, he’s going to go around and make sure that he’s pumping everybody else up. He’s just a great person overall.”

Dylan Devine: “Dylan is the most dedicated runner I’ve ever seen in my life. He is going to literally do anything and everything necessary to make sure that he is in his prime and at his peak, and be able to produce his top performance.”

Isaac Chávez: “Isaac was a very talented middle school runner who got a little humbled his freshman year and realized he can’t just go at it alone; that it takes hard work combined with talent. Being around the other guys really helped him grow up faster. The potential in him is almost unlimited.”

Estevan Medina: “At a younger age, he didn’t realize how good he could be with some work. He was among 21 freshmen coming into our program. They’re all friends and it’s amazing to see what they can do for each other. They bring in a lot of energy.”

Vidal Luna: “He’s a hard worker. At a younger age he didn’t have the most talent, but he’s going to work every single day and do what’s necessary. It’s great that he’s part of the top five this year; he was part of the top seven last year. He is the hardest worker.”

At the DeWitt Invitational, Devine clocked 9:13.4, Chávez a 9:14.7, Medina a 9:19.9, and Luna a 9:21.9.

Clovis East junior Carter Spradling turned in the fastest time at 8:57.4. The top sophomore was Nico Palavicini of Clovis West (9:25.2); while Benjamín Fernández of Matilda Torres High was the top freshman (9:27.4).

Each class ran separately.

Clovis North dominates girls division

The Clovis North girls, powered by underclassmen, ran away with the combined team title with 34 points. Sanger was second with 79 points, followed by Clovis East with 84 points.

Clovis North is ranked second in the section, behind defending state champion Buchanan High.

Senior Ashlyn Leath paced Clovis North by finishing first in her race in 11:00.3.

Unlike the Madera South boys, the Clovis North girls rely on underclassmen power.

Juniors Kaitelyn Emmons (11:20.0, first among juniors), Samantha Ebell (11:20.3) and Miya Maltos (11:26.3) provided support.

Madera South’s Valorie Jiménez won the sophomore race in 11:43.5.

The fastest girls’ time was turned in by Clovis West freshman Cameron Macías, who won her race in 10:28.5.