Bakersfield Running Rankings

Predictions for Area 2009

2009-05-07T20:41:00.000-07:00

800m

Jerrid Lewis, Ridgeview (1)- Lewis has been the leader in a strong year in the 800m. With wins against all the best in Bakersfield, he will be the favorite, especially with that great kick of his.
Chris Schwartz, Foothill (2)- Schwartz did a triple win at league and tried it at the Patriot Games. If he decides to run in the 800m he will have a great chance to avenge a lose to Lewis.
Jake Van Zandt, Highland (3)- PR wise he is literally right behind Lewis, but the last few races haven't gone well in the 800m. Van Zandt did have a great 1600m at league so he might be on the rebound looking for a big performance on Wednesday.
Stephen Burke, Stockdale (7)- Burke has the PR (couple sub 2) and shown that when he runs only the 800m he is a competitor (2nd in SWYL). Hasn't been consistent all year in this race, but if he runs his race he can win a spot to valley.

Dark Horses: Caleb Barger, Frontier (4); Colin Lewis, Highland (5); Jim Diller, Centennial (6)

1600m

Chris Schwartz, Foothill (1)- No question he will win this event, (baring any major injuries). Schwartz was a highly ranked miler in the state all year and could be a double winner at valley.
Robby Baker, Ridgeview (2)- Seem to be focused on the 3200m this year, but he has stated that his intentions are to go for the mile as well. Baker has been a competitor in every race this season and has a unique knack of winning (minus Chris Schwartz) local races in both distances.
Colin Lewis, Highland (3)- Lewis is a tough kid that will be right up with the leaders the whole race. It should be a great race between him and the other Ridgeview runners.
Alex Garcia, Ridgeview (4)- Interestingly he didn't race at league in this event, even though he has a PR around 4:30. If in this race he will be up with Baker and Lewis.

Dark Horses: Blair Slaton, Stockdale (6); Zach Holt, Bakersfield (7); Brian Solis, Ridgeview (8)

3200m

Chris Schwartz, Foothill (1)- As the runner up to German Fernandez at state in 2008, Schwartz could be able to win this event at state this year. Valley might have some competition, but Area should be an easy win.
Robby Baker, Ridgeview (2)- Even though he will be focused on the mile, Baker is the closest to Schwartz all year. Like said above, he has a tendency to perform well in every race.
Andrew Ariey, Bakersfield (4)- The only other runner who has been great at finishing races this year is Ariey. Only runners that have been given him trouble are Baker and his teammate Garcia, but he will be running just the 3200m for the third time all (broke 10 in both races).
Alex Garcia, Ridgeview (3)- Even though he has beaten Ariey on multiple occasions, Ariey has closed the gap every time, and it should be a great race to watch. If Garcia only has one race it could go either way between him and Ariey. Which ever way it happens, these 4 runners are a good bet to take the 4 Valley spots available. Only Kelly has the prove creditals (two sub 10 3200m) to steal a spot.

Dark Horse: Curtis Kelly, Stockdale (5)

Update #3

2009-04-26T02:12:00.000-07:00

800m

Jerrid Lewis, Ridgeview (2)- With his victories the last two times he has raced Bakersfield competition, including his win this last weekend over Schwartz, Lewis takes the #1 spot going into the last weeks of the season.
Chris Schwartz, Foothill (1)- After the first lost in an invitation in Bakersfield, we will have to see if Schwartz tries again at Area to take on some of the best 800m runners in the section.
Jake Van Zandt, Highland (3)- After a curiously slow race at the Patriot Games, Van Zandt will have a few weeks before another show down with Lewis.
Caleb Barger, Frontier (7)- This sophomore has been rising up lately and has the potential of scoring one of the 4 spots to the section meet.
Colin Lewis, Highland (4)- After racing the mile he still was contention at in the 800m at the Patriot Games.
Jim Diller, Centennial (6)- Had a good race against Lewis in a dual, but once again had trouble in an invite situation. Still has a chance of bursting into the top 4 because of his ability shown to come on strong at the end of the year.
Stephen Burke, Stockdale (5)- Even though he doubled still didn't have the strongest race at the Patriot Games. Once he drops the mile he will have a great shot at competing with this talented group of half milers.
Chris Whitaker, Centennial (8)- Still is contending in the best 800m runners, but will have to hit a big PR to contend in the Area race.
Zach Holt, Bakersfield (NR)- After a bizarre turn of event, Holt is considering the 800m again after a few successful races around 2:05.

1600m

Chris Schwartz, Foothill (1)- Continues his dominance at Patriot Games with a bizarre sit and kick tactic leading to a very fast second half of the race.
Robby Baker, Ridgeview (3)- Once again shows his distance dominance by winning in a slow kickers kind of race at Patriot Games.
Colin Lewis, Highland (2)- Ended up in fourth at Patriot Games, but still has had some strong races in the last couple of weeks.
Alex Garcia, Ridgview (4)- Out sprinted Lewis for 3rd at the Patriot Games, and shows that he is still on the heels of his super teammate Baker.
Andrew Ariey, Bakersfield (5)- Didn't have a strong Patriot Games, but is still learning how to compete in fast race situations in the 1600m.
Blair Slaton, Stockdale (8)- He has come out of ineligibility with style. Slaton has put down only quality races, but still needs to control himself in the middle laps.
Zach Holt, Bakersfield (6)- Still trying to find his niche in track, Holt's style of gun to the end is similar to former teammate McCarthy, who was a great racer at any distance event. Holt's best shot at valley looks to be at the 1600m because of the interest that many have in the 3200m.
Brian Solis, Ridgeview (NR)- A preseason favorite who started off with an average start to the season, but after a decent showing at the Patriot Games, Solis might be returning to 2008 form.
Curtis Kelly, Stockdale (8)- Only raced 3200m at Patriot Games, which is probably his strongest race, still has a great potential in the 1600m for only being a freshman.

3200m

Chris Schwartz, Foothill (1)- Returns to form with a much needed win at Mt. SAC after a curious mishap at Arcadia.
Robby Baker, Ridgeview (2)- While an unfortunate break took him out of the 3200m at the Patriot Games, Baker showed his talent in the 1600m and will be ready to finish up the season with some fast marks in the two mile.
Alex Garcia, Ridgeview (3)- Challenging Schwartz in a bizarre race at Patriot Games, Garcia is still looking to be a strong candidate for a spot at valley in the 3200m.
Andrew Ariey, Bakersfield (4)- Ended up opting out of the 3200m this last weekend, will compete at this distance in the upcoming Reedley Invite looking to drop even lower under the 10 minute barrier against some great competition.
Curtis Kelly, Stockdale (5)- Besides the previous 4, Kelly is probably the only one who can compete for a spot at valley in the two mile. He will need to catch one of the upperclassman to steal a spot for valley.
Ivan Esquivias, Highland (6)- Ran a decent race at Patriot Games, but still has done a great job as a gutsy frosh.
Blair Slaton, Stockdale (8)- Slaton ran a great double at Patriot Games, but still not close to those competing to for the valley top 4.
Zach Holt, Bakersfield (7)- Like mentioned above this kid wills himself through any race. He will compete with the Slaton and Esquivias, but a spot at valley looks like a dim hope in this strong field.
Andrew Edquist, Bakersfield (9)- Edquist probably could have a shot at gunning down a few ranked runners, but he will need to run probably one of his best races to do so. Still a talented kid who is underachieving.

Update #2

2009-04-03T22:03:00.000-07:00

800m

Chris Schwartz, Foothill (1)- The former state cross country champion hasn't lost a race yet this season and remains the favorite to be able to pull a triple victory at valley.
Jerrid Lewis, Ridgeview (2)- With a great performance at WCR, Lewis might be able to give Schwartz some competition in this race.
Jake Van Zandt, Highland (3)- Another one who proved himself at WCR, look for a great race to happen at Area with these top three.
Colin Lewis (5)- Still doesn't have a true 800m time but still has had success in this distance.
Stephen Burke, Stockdale (9)- Has shown his potential when he hit his first sub 2, but still needs some constituency.
Jim Diller, Centennial (4)- Has had a strong start, but since then hasn't been able to find a rhythm, but still is one of the best when he races well.
Caleb Barger, Frontier (NR)- Has dropped his time down and is showing improvements.
Chris Whitaker, Centennial (8)- Has had a constituent season with some quality finishes.
Joe Clevenger, North (6)- Clevenger can be one of the best, but still hasn't singled out a race.

1600m

Chris Schwartz, Foothill (1)- Schwartz had the fastest time in the state for the 1600m before the Arcadia Meet.
Colin Lewis, Highland (2)- After taking 2nd at Kern, he put a fast time when he broke 4:30 at WCR.
Robby Baker, Ridgeview (NR)- Has a couple of low 4:30s including a win in the seeded section of the 1600m at WCR.
Alex Garcia, Ridgeview (8)- Garcia has shown that everything Baker can do, he can keep it close.
Andrew Ariey, Bakersfield (NR)- After a few low 4:40s in the 1600m, Ariey looks to break into the low 4:30s.
Zach Holt, Bakersfield (4)- Didn't compete in the 1600m at WCR, but still has shown some speed in dual meets kick finishes.
Curtis Kelly, Stockdale (5)- Keeps dropping time and impressing all of the Area.
Blair Slaton, Stockdale (NR)- After being ineligible all season he finally shows his speed at WCR.
Joe Clevenger, North (3)- Didn't compete at WCR, but has had some strong races this year.

3200m

Chris Schwartz, Foothill (1)- Has only one lost on the year, and it was after a puzzling Arcadia debacle.
Robby Baker, Ridgeview (2)- After multiple dips under 10 flat, he has solidified his place as the second best in the Area.
Alex Garcia, Ridgeview (4)- Has beaten Ariey in multiple races this there and moves up after his WCR performance.
Andrew Ariey, Bakersfield (3)- Now that Ariey has broken the 10 flat barrier, he will gun for the two Ridgeview runners which could make for a great finish at the Area meet.
Curtis Kelly, Stockdale (5)- Biggest surprise was his win in the seeded 3200m at WCR with an impressive 10:01.
Ivan Esquivias, Highland (8)- Another Frosh that keeps running well with his 10:18 at WCR.
Zach Holt, Bakersfield (6)- Holt has shown guts in his races this year, but needs to run smarter if he is going to to challenge at Area.
Blair Slaton, Stockdale (NR)- Another great debut at WCR.
Andrew Edquist, Bakersfield (7)- Still hasn't ran what he is capable of, but is starting to slowly pick up PRs.

Update #1

2009-03-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

800m

Chris Schwartz (Foothill)- (NR) Finally showing an interest in running a triple, when Schwartz decides to run, its his race for the taking.
Jerrid Lewis (Ridgeview)- (3) Has had some strong showing so far this year with all of them close to 2:00.
Jake Van Zandt (Highland)- (1) Hasn't had a lot of races yet but has ran some good ones so far in both the 800m and the 1600m.
Jim Diller (Centennial)- (2) Not that he hasn't ran well, but had a bad showing at Kern Invite, which has been his only real race against the Bakersfield competition.
Colin Lewis (Highland)- (NR) Colin has showed that he can compete well in the double.
Joe Clevenger (North)- (NR) Joe has recovered from a terrible start at Lee Adams. He has been solid in ever race he has ran.
Weston Hill (Liberty)- (4) Hasn't shown yet what he can do. Still waiting to see what shape he is in this year.
Chris Whitaker (Centennial)- (NR) One of the most constituent 800m the last year has had a great debut so far, after an injured filled cross country season.
Stephen Burke (Stockdale)- (6) Hasn't shown much interest in running the 800m, but if he starts running he could be a threat with his decent 400m speed and endurance he has showed in the 1600m.

1600m

Chris Schwartz (Foothill)- (1) Hasn't disappointed so far this season.
Colin Lewis (Highland)- (2) Even while not being 100% at the start, he has shown that he is picking up were he left off last season.
Joe Clevenger (North)- (NR) Shown he can compete with the best in Bakersfield.
Zach Holt (Bakersfield)- (NR) Has had a great season so far with his first three races all under 4:50.
Curtis Kelly (Stockdale)- (NR) Has lived to his all the hype, this frosh is competing well in every race.
Brian Solis (Ridgeview)- (2) Has had disappointing season so far, but from what he showed last year, he gets better as the season goes on.
Stephen Burke (Stockdale)- (NR) Has really improved on his mile running this season and is now a threat in this distance.
Alex Garcia (Ridgeview)- (NR) Has shown well so far this season in racing the mile
Daymon Sandles (Golden Valley)- (7) Still haven't seen him run in town yet, besides Lee Adams.

3200m

Chris Schwartz (Foothill)- (1) Nothing unexpected, Schwartz does enough to win by a good margin.
Robby Baker (Ridgeview)- (3) He has been on fire this season, great 1600m and 3200 racing for this athlete.
Andrew Ariey (Bakersfield)- (2) Hasn't shown much in the 3200m yet, but his 1600m 3rd place at Kern Invite shows he is ready for a great season.
Alex Garcia (Ridgeview)- (4) Has had some really solid races this season.
Curtis Kelly (Stockdale)- (5) Once again this frosh has hung tough in every varsity race.
Zach Holt (Bakersfield)- (NR) Has shown great improvement this track season now that he is health.
Andrew Edquist (Bakersfield)- (NR) Has shown potential to do well in either 1600m or 3200m.
Ivan Esquivias (Highland)- (9) So far he has proved that he is going to be a threat in the future.
Daymon Sandles (Golden Valley)- (6) Once again has done anything yet in this race.

2009 Track Preview Boys 3200m

2009-02-20T08:17:00.000-08:00

3200m

There is a lot of room for new talents to shine in the 3200m as only 2 of the 4 qualifiers from last year's valley meet are returning. The last 3 years especially the 3200m has been dominated by Chris Schwartz who is looking to improve on last's years sub 9 2nd place performance at state. Quite a ways back will be a pack of runners looking to control the other 3 spots for valley. 3rd place finisher from 2008 Area meet, Andrew Ariey is looking like the guy to step into Cody Graggs shoes as runner up to Schwartz. But a huge threat to Ariey will be Robby Baker who qualified for state in a very successful cross country season where he fought off some late injuries to finish strong. A teammate of Baker's, Alex Garcia, is looking great this year after a break out season in cross country, look for him to challenge Baker and Ariey. Another one who will challenger this great cross country runners is the frosh Curtis Kelly, who showed great strength for in his inaugural year to high school cross country. Following Kelly is Daymon Sandles who went under the radar most of his running career in high school, because of last year's teammate Robert Quintero and a poor cross country supporting team this year. Don't be fooled Sandles might break out like Mike McCarthy last season and challenge for a valley spot. Pending on how serious Blair Slaton will take the 3200m or the 1600m will determine his finish. He has the talent to compete in either race, we'll have to wait and see. Next up are two frosh who came on strong in their first cross country seasons. Moses Valdez had a great start leading a younger East squad to a very successful season, but faded a little down the stretch. If he gets stronger look for him to be a threat in the coming years. The other frosh is Ivan Esquivias who built his way up the ranks in the SEYL cross country season and was the best frosh at league barely missing top 10. Look for Coach Mayberry to work Ivan into the next Highland star.

Pre season Area Rankings:

Chris Schwartz (Foothill)
Andrew Ariey (Bakersfield)
Robby Baker (Ridgeview)
Alex Garcia (Ridgeview)
Curtis Kelly (Stockdale)
Daymon Sandles (Golden Valley)
Blair Slaton (Stockdale)
Moses Valdlez (East Bakersfield)
Ivan Esquivias (Highland)

2009 Track Preview Boys 1600m

2009-02-17T22:42:00.000-08:00

1600m

The 1600m has some familiar names from the 2008 season, but there was a lot of seniors in the middle of the top milers in area. Once again Chris Schwartz of is the favorite to win the section at this distance and has a PR over 15 seconds faster than another other runners in Bakersfield. The next few spots will be interesting with some returners that have sectional experience. Brian Solis has been an inconsistent runner the last track seasons, but after a great cross country season fighting through injuries he gets the nod for now. Colin Lewis showed last year that he has learned to control his racing to the point where he was consistently the 3rd best in this event (behind Schwartz and Cody Gragg who graduated) and looks to fight for 2nd with Solis. Another great runner from last year is Blair Slaton, who was hitting low 4:40s all season, but recently I have heard he might try to move up to the 3200m. If he stays down look for him to contend for one of the sectional spots. After Blair there is gap from last year's milers, but they have the talent to content for the top 4. Andrew Edquist has improved his racing this cross country season and is looking to improve his mile time this season. Another runner who is looking to improve upon an injury ridden season is Thomas Turner, who showed he's ability to come on strong in the second half of the race in last cross country season, which is essential in the mile. Daymon Sandles was a solid miler last year and had a strong cross country season, finishing in the top 10 in league. Steven Gonzales has the potential to run in the top of the area, but without cross country this last season and his lacking motivation that was expressed last year he looks t be on the decline. Still if he takes it serious enough than look from him to contend. Jose Ramirez had a great finish to the season and then had a great cross country season, but is now suffering from an wrestling injury, so he might not be ready for track until later in the season. Lastly like in the 800m Joseph Clevenger could make an impact in the top 5 in the area.

Area Preseason Rankings:

Chris Schwartz (Foothill)
Brian Solis (Ridgeview)
Colin Lewis (Highland)
Blair Slaton (Stockdale)
Andrew Edqusit (Bakersfield)
Thomas Turner (Highland)
Daymon Sandles (Golden Valley)
Steven Gonzales (Liberty)
Jose Ramirez (East Bakersfield)

*Joseph Clevenger could be in the top 5 pending on his choices of race and eligibility

2009 Track Preview Boys 800m

2009-01-29T20:37:00.000-08:00

800m
For the 2009 year there are many experienced runners returning. Jake Van Zandt is the favorite with 2008 seniors Anthony Mitchell and Arturo Ramirez graduating onto college (both local). Jim Diller was right with Van Zandt at the Area meet, but since Diller hasn't competitively ran since last season and with Van Zandt's progression in cross country, Van Zandt has the edge this season. Another athlete to progress this last cross country season is Jerrid Lewis (far right in pic) of Ridgeview. He will be a wild card in this bunch, because of his speed and newly found endurance (16:13 in the 3 mile). Weston Hill of Liberty had a successful season, but didn't have his best race in the Area meet. Other runner that could compete are: Stephen Burke of Stockdale, Caleb Barger (center of pic) of Frontier, Jose Ramirez of East (note that Ramirez sustained injury during wrestling which will limit his early to mid season racing), and Joseph Clevenger (left in pic) of North (note that Clevenger will run other events and was ineligible grade wise for the second half of the 2008 season). One more runner who might be a threat if he has the legs for multiple events is the junior Colin Lewis of Highland. He is most likely going to focus on the mile, but if he gains consistency in both races he is a top 5 threat here in the 800m. There will be a few runners that will are new to Bakersfield 800m competition. The best candidate to make a big impact is Alex Clayton of Bakersfield High School. He has sub two minute experienced and with better competition it will be interest to see what he is capable of. One last note that has been brought to my attention: Chris Schwartz is the best runner in the town and if he chooses to run at area (which he ran a 1:57 last year at the SEYL meet to win) he will be the favorite, but until he shows an interest the rankings will be as followed.

Area Rankings Preseason:

Jake Van Zandt (Highland)
Jim Diller (Centennial)
Jerrid Lewis (Ridgeview)
Weston Hill (Liberty)
Alex Clayton (Bakersfield)
Stephen Burke (Stockdale)
Caleb Barger (Frontier)
Jose Ramirez (East Bakersfield)

*Joseph Clevenger (North) could move into top 6 if running this season and the focused events
**Colin Lewis (Highland) could jump into the top 5 if running this event this season
***Chris Schwartz would be #1 if he chooses to run the event at area

Runningdave's Cross Country Awards SWYL

2008-11-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

Boys:

All League Teams:
Robby Baker- favorite to win league until late injury, still manage to salvage a 7th place finish at league
Alex Garcia- most consistent runner in the league, always near the front and it payed off with his first league championship win
Curtis Kelly- great frosh runner, a great season of experience showed in the last races of the year, 3rd in league
Jerrid Lewis- another new cross country runner, Lewis takes his 800m speed to the 3mile with great success, 4th at league
Blair Slaton- Slaton has been around in track, but in his first cross country season he shows his running talent, 6th in league
Brian Solis- started season with 2nd (behind Schwartz) at EB, but injuries slowed him down mid season, great finish to season with 2nd place finish
Nathan Vincent- SWLY is loaded with great new runners and Vincent is no exception, lead a depleted to team to a solid season, 5th in league

Runner of the Year:
Alex Garcia- his main competition for this title was his own teammates, but in the end Garcia won when it counted most

Best New Runner:
Curtis Kelly- technically Garcia is the best new runner, but Stockdale's Frosh is no less deserving

Most Improved from 2007:
Brian Solis- we don't really know exactly how much he improved from 2007 league to 2008 league because he won the F/S title, but he was no where near this fast last year

Most Improved during 2008 Season:
Adam Ralls- Adam didn't even start #1 on his team, but ended up missing a medal by one place, improved by close to 2 minutes during the season

Runningdave's Cross Country Awards SEYL

2008-11-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

Boys

All League Team:

Andrew Ariey- great year for BHS's number 1, only lost to Schwartz in the dual season, and put a lot of pressure on at League meet but got past in the last stretch to finish 4th
Vincent Herrera- started out on a close pack team, but when he was on he was near the front, ran best race of his life to take 3rd at league
Colin Lewis- started out inconsistent, but when needing a big race Lewis delivered, 5th place at league
Daymon Sandles- Sandles was the Golden Valley team, gutsy runner who is always challenging others, 7th at league
Thomas Turner- finished right with both teammates at almost every race, a conservative starter Turner pours it on the last mile, 6th at league
Chris Schwartz- 3rd straight league championship individually, has not been beaten by a Californian since the great German Fernandez last year
Jake Van Zandt- one of the most consistent runners of the year, lead his team in almost every race, his great kick payed off with 2nd at league

Runner of the Year:
Chris Schwartz- another season means another undefeated league record and league championship (3rd in a row)

Best New Runner:
Moses Valdes- this East Bakersfield frosh was leading team most of the season, only bad race was at league

Most Improved from 2007:
Zach Holt- wasn't on varsity team at league in 2007, turned into a great runner for his team only getting beaten by a limited few in duals, 11th at league

Most Improved during 2008 season:
Vincent Herrara- wasn't on the team the first meet, but as the season went on Herrera moved up the ranks among teammates to a great finish at league, 3rd place

Girls

All League Team:
Sarah Baker- the great race between Fernandez, Garcia, and her finished with Baker edging Fernandez for her 2nd start title
Ashley Barton- started the season out looking like a favor to contend for the league title, but slowed down near the end, 11th at league
Nichole Berry- great first season leading her team to a team title after finishing 2nd in duals, 4th at league
Natalie Fernandez- once again got out sprinted, but Fernandez will be ready for Valley and a good shot of qualifing for State, 2nd at league
Lucia Garcia- Garcia's sister (injured as of late) made state last year and Lucia is picking up right where she left off with a great race at league, 3rd at league
Monica Guzman- Guzman looked like a favor to win league with a big race at KC, but her hard first mile cost her while the other runners ran huge improvements from the week before, 5th in league
Emily Shuford- another new runner that help the BHS team keep strong, Shuford's conservative racing strategy pays off, 6th at league

Runner of the Year:
Sarah Baker- once again Baker started out slow, but once again she is the best in the League

Best New Runner:
Nichole Berry- this track runner has converted nicely to cross country, she is one the reason why Highland is league champs

Most Improved from 2007:
Monica Guzman- Guzman came on the map last track season and picked up where she started this year with performances like the one at KC (3rd overall), but her guts out racing strategy is risky

Most Improved during 2008 season:
Karina Rocha- barely missed out on being on the all league team, she started out slow with on and off races, but came up big at league with 7th place finish

About Girl Rankings

2008-11-09T00:10:00.000-08:00

It has been asked multiple times why I don't have girl rankings and there are a few reason. I am first a college student and time is limited. Second off I really don't know that many girl runners in Bakersfield. I was friends with most of the guys there are running right now so I know them, but the only girls I truly know are the BHS team and a few runners from other teams. So I am sorry to those who would like to see some girl rankings. I will try to have some rankings for girls for the 2009 track season, and about the track rankings I will only have distance events.

League Meet Results

2008-11-07T18:05:00.001-08:00

The 2008 Cross Country has been great, but the League Championships made it unforgettable.

SEYL Boys Finals:

Chris Schwartz (Foothill) 15:18 3 time SEYL league champion
Jake Van Zandt (Highland) 15:52
Vincent Herrera (East Bakersfield) 15:53
Andrew Ariey (Bakersfield) 15:54
Colin Lewis (Highland) 16:12
Thomas Turner (Highland) 16:13
Daymon Sandles (Golden Valley) 16:16
Jose Ramirez (East Bakersfield) 16:20
Charlie Zaragoza (East Bakersfield) 16:22
Andrew Edquist (Bakersfield) 16:27
Zach Holt (Bakersfield) 16:28
Ivan Esquivias (Highland) 16:30
Jose Lopez (Foothill) 16:34
Connor O'Malley (Garces) 16:34
Jesus Guzman (Garces) 16:40

Teams: (Overall Placement)

Highland (1) 46 Repeat Champions
East Bakersfeld (2-tied) 54
Bakersfield (2-tied) 84
Foothill (4) 85
Garces (5) 107
Liberty (6) 134
Golden Valley (7) 160

SWYL Boys

Alex Garcia (Ridgeview) 15:44 1st time champion
Brian Solis (Ridgeview) 15:53
Curtis Kelly (Stockdale) 16:09
Jerrid Lewis (Ridgeview) 16:13
Nathan Vincent (Centennial) 16:23
Blair Slaton (Stockdale) 16:28
Robby Baker (Ridgeview) 16:32
Stephen Burke (Stockdale) 16:37
Miguel Munoz (Ridgeview) 16:40
Michael Bernaba (Stockdale) 16:44
Adam Ralls (North) 16:52
Richard Peralta (Frontier) 16:55
Tobias Lopez (North) 16:58
Anthony Dao (Stockdale) 16:58
Ty Heiter (Centennial) 17:00

Teams: (overall placement)

Ridgeview (1) 23 New Champions
Stockdale (2) 41
Centennial (3) 82
Frontier (4-tied) 93
North (4-tied) 118
South (6) 170
West (7) NS

Also Congratulations:
Highland Girls SEYL champions
Sarah Baker (Bakersfield) Two time champion SEYL
Ridgeview Girls SWYL champions
Tijerra Lynch (Ridgeview) First time champion SWYL

SWYL Pre-League Rankings Individual

2008-11-05T17:09:00.000-08:00

Curtis Kelly (6) (Stockdale)
Brian Solis (3) (Ridgeview)
Alex Garcia (2) (Ridgeview)
Robby Baker (1) (Ridgeview)
Nathan Vincent (5) (Centennial)
Blair Slaton (7) (Stockdale)
Jerrid Lewis (4) (Ridgeview)
Miguel Munoz (10) (Ridgeview)
Anthony Dao (NR) (Stockdale)
Tanner Urmston (NR) (Frontier)
Ty Heiter (NR) (Centennial)
Jose Romero (12) (South)
Gehrig Smith (11) (Centennial)
Stephen Burke (9) (Stockdale)
Jaime Madrigal (8) (Ridgeview)

Drop Outs: Tobias Lopez (13) (North), Eric Millian (14) (Centennial), Chris Whitaker (15) (Centennial)

SEYL Pre-League Rankings Individual

2008-11-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

Chris Schwartz (1)-best runner in the state leaves no doubt at Kern County Championship
Andrew Ariey (2)-not the best this weekend at KC Championship, still only lost to two in SEYL
Colin Lewis (6)-been waiting for this type of performance from this runner
Jake Van Zandt (3)-Van Zandt did place 10th in the league at KC, but too good of a runner the rest of the year to fall far
Connor O'Malley (7)-O'Malley is a runner with State Meet experience, and once again we he is making a post season run
Jose Ramirez (11)-great race from Ramirez the last couple weeks has him moving up the rankings
Thomas Turner (5)-not a bad race this weekend, but Turner did get beat this weekend be others
Moses Valdes (10)-the talented frosh has potential to be in the 10 as he showed last week
Daymon Sandles (4)-another runner who did have the best race, but Sandles is a threat to the top 5 or 10 still
Andrew Edquist (8)-Edquist falled down the stretch but shows the ability to run with the top 10
Jose Lopez (NR)-big race from Foothill's second man
Zach Holt (9)-hasn't had a good set of races, but can be a top 10 runner in league
Ivan Esquivias (14)-most important runner for Highland's chance for league, this frosh has kept his elders honest by improving ever week
Charlie Zaragoza (15)-another runner who started strong but fell the last mile this weekend, East will need him to run strong to win
Kevin Shotts (13)-wasn't at KC Championship but could run well according to past performances

Fall Out: Erick Bautista (12)

2008-10-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry about not having newer rankings, through an entirely unforeseeable series of events I was limited in my Internet use this weekend and will have very little time online this week. New rankings before league meets.

SWYL Individual Rankings 10/21/2008

2008-10-21T17:17:00.001-07:00

Robby Baker (Ridgeview)-been the most dominate runner in SWYL
Alex Garcia (Ridgeview)-great season as Garcia puts pressure on Baker every race
Brian Solis (Ridgeview)-great start with 2nd place finish at EB even with mid season injury Solis is one of the best in Bakersfield
Jerrid Lewis (Ridgeview)-first year cross country runner takes his 800m ability to the 3mile with huge success
Nathan Vincent (Centennial)-beside Ridgeview runners Vincent has dominated the SWYL
Curtis Kelly (Stockdale)-amazing start with EB victory at F/S level, this frosh is becoming a great runner as he becomes mor constitent
Blair Slaton (Stockdale)-great talent is having a great first year of cross country
Jaime Madrigal (Ridgeview)-Madrigal helps boost his team with great races behind the top runners
Stephen Burke (Stockdale)-Burke has talent, but isn't as constitent as other runners in Bakersfield with his talent level
Miguel Munoz (Ridgeview)-this is the reason why Ridgeview is the best team in Bakersfield, with 6th man in top 10 in league Ridgeview has depth
Gehrig Smith (Centennial)-has done well with a team that has a new coach and top three moving on
Jose Romero (South)-the best runner on a bad team keeps his team afloat by beating many of the bottom 4 teams top racers
Tobias Lopez (North)-has had a solid season on a solid team
Eric Millan (Centennial)-another Centennial runner with a good season so far
Chris Whitaker (Centennial)-Whitaker has talent as he showed in the beginning of the season, but hasn't had good races lately

SEYL Individual Rankings 10/21/2008

2008-10-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

Chris Schwartz (1) (Foothill)-with first big meet of the year (Clovis) Schwartz shows he is #1 in CA
Andrew Ariey (2) (Bakersfield)-idle the last two weeks, but Ariey's victory over Van Zandt in duel is a reminder of his talent
Jake Van Zandt (3) (Highland)-strong races at state course has Van Zandt in top three
Daymon Sandles (5) (Golden Valley)-this kid keeps getting better after beating #3 and 4 on super Ridgeview team moves him up this week
Thomas Turner (4) (Highland)-solid races these weeks at the state meets
Colin Lewis (8) (Highland)-finally showing the skills he posses, Lewis could be any spot in the top 3 of Highland
Connor O'Malley (6) (Garces)-after bad showing at Roughrider, O'Malley will be looking to improve perfomace
Andrew Edquist (10) (Bakersfield)-solid race at Roughrider has Edquist moving up
Zach Holt (9) (Bakersfield)-Holt didn't have a good race at Roughrider which keeps him at 9
Moses Valdes (7) (East Bakersfield)-one bad race at state meet course hurts, but its only his first race on this difficult course
Jose Ramirez (11) (East Bakersfield)-was idle these weeks, but teammates ran in a pack suggesting a decent performance at Roughrider was possible
Eric Bautista (12) (Foothill)-great race at Clovis, but not two other races weren't as good
Kevin Shotts (14) (Liberty)-raced well against other SEYL runners
Ivan Esquivias (NR) (Highland)-big improvements the last month shows potential to be the next Highland power
Charlie Zaragoza (15) (East Bakersfield)-strong race at Roughrider has the East Bakersfield runner still in top 15

Drop Outs: Jesus Guzman (13) (Garces)

Bakersfield Mid Season Rankings

2008-10-10T22:12:00.001-07:00

Team Rankings

Ridgeview-best team in Bakersfield has no seniors in scoring 5
Highland-after losing a lot of seniors Highlands big 3 juniors have been carrying team to best of SEYL
Bakersfield-this experienced team is keeping it close between top 3
East Bakersfield-with new coach and new talent East is returning to past glory
Stockdale-adding more young talent this year has kept Stockdale a strong team
Centennial-after losing top three, last year's depth has stepped up
Foothill-with a lack of depth, the Schwartz automatic one is a huge boost
Garces-top three is carrying this team
Liberty-youth is helping Liberty keep it close with Foothill and Garces
North-first season without a strong one is rough
Golden Valley-the SEYL weakest team has stronger one in Sandles then the bottom 3
Frontier-better depth then Golden Valley but no front runner
South-another year another weak team
West-total rebuilding for West after losing coach and top runners

Individual Rankings

Chris Schwartz-national ranked 3rd runner is undefeated in Bakersfield for the last 3 years
Robby Baker-great season has lead team to the top of Bakersfield
Alex Garcia-new face helping team dominate
Andrew Ariey-top returning 3200m in Bakersfield (besides Schwartz) is having great cross country season
Jake Van Zandt-another strong Highland team is lead by one of the most consistent runners in the area
Brian Solis-has the talent to be higher, but lately has had problem keeping up with teammates
Thomas Turner-this season the Turner is showing his talent keeping close to team leader Van Zandt
Blair Slaton-races with a fast make-or-break style similar to Solis and Baker, and his having successful seaon
Daymon Sandles-big break out from track, Sandles is improving and could move up
Nathan Vincent-big season in the absent of top 3 on Centennial's team
Curtis Kelly-this frosh is gifted, but still lacks consistency, but when on Kelly is one of the best in city
Connor O'Malley-O'Malley is a more consistent this season
Moses Valdes-another talented frosh who has shown great consistency in first year
Colin Lewis-could be the most talented runner not in the top 5, but inconsistencies are hurting him
Jerrod Lewis-started season amazingly well for the first timer, but has slowed down a little, only a little

SWYL Boys Rankings

2008-10-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

Team Rankings

Ridgeview (6-0)-best team in Bakersfield wins easily the duel season
Stockdale (5-1)-the close win over Centennial show Stockdale's team has talent
Centennial (4-2)-after losing top 3 somehow Centennial keeps it together to contest for 2nd
North (3-3)-after losing number 1 solid season
Frontier (2-4)-growing program has its best season
South (1-5)-with one victory, South keeps out of the basement
West (0-6)-program is in full rebuild with new coach and new crew

SEYL Boy Mid Season Rankings

2008-10-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

Team Rankings

Highland (6-0)-big 3 and raise of their 4th man has lead to the recent victory over #2 Bakersfield
Bakersfield (5-1)-even with lose Bakersfield is enjoying best season in years with its deepest time in years
East Bakersfield (4-2)-youth and new coach rejuvenates this program
Foothill (2-4)-depleted team still has Schwartz, but struggles to find a scoring 5
Garces (2-4)-with their best runners returning Garces should continuing moving up in the future
Liberty (2-4)-after beating Garces, Liberty shows its potential to grab 4th at league
Golden Valley (0-6)-a newer program still rebuilding after great class of runners in 2007

Individual Rankings

Chris Schwartz (Foothill)-the nations 3rd best runner has dominated every race right from the start
Andrew Ariey (Bakersfield)-the league's runner up in the 2008 3200m has had an excellent duel season only losing to Schwartz
Jake Van Zandt (Highland)-the 800m runner up has taken over team leadership and lead team to an undefeated season
Thomas Turner (Highland)-injuries in track slowed him down, but been a key reason behind the success of the team
Daymon Sandles (Golden Valley)-after a break out track season in 2008, Sandles over comes a slow start to become an elite distance runner
Connor O'Malley (Garces)-another member of the super 2010 class, the top finisher from league (minus Schwartz) is having another solid season
Moses Valdes (East Bakersfield)-top frosh has become the front runner of the new improved East Bakersfield team
Colin Lewis (Highland)-even though he has been disappointing most of the season, the 3rd best miler in Bakersfield in 2008 has ton of talent
Zach Holt (Bakersfield)-the most improved runner in the league has helped Bakersfield succeed after losing 2 scores
Andrew Edquist (Bakersfield)-another solid season helping Bakersfield to best season in years
Jose Ramirez (East Bakersfield)-strong runner on a young team
Eric Bautista (Foothill)-Bautista has had a strong season steping up from a depleted team
Jesus Guzman (Garces)-Garces's big three has kept them close in meets most meets, and Guzman is the 2nd man on the team
Kevin Shotts (Liberty)-has had to take over the team along with Shawn Hicks with top 4 leveling the team
Charlie Zaragoza (East Bakersfield)-break out season has season has lead to East Bakersfield to great season