Senior Jesus Mendoza led the Fillmore Flashes at the Clovis Invitational.

Senior Kiana Hope led the Lady Flashes at Oak Canyon Park in their second league meet of the season.

On a non-race day at 7am in the morning you can find the girls and boys of the Fillmore High School Cross Country team awake and training for their upcoming meet. The time and dedication that these young student athletes put forth each and every day, both in the classroom and in their running is truly inspiring. They train in the hot weather, in the cold weather and if it is raining, in the wet weather.

After a very successful season, the 2012 Division Boys Cross Country State Champs of Fillmore are now off to their collegiate careers. Behind they have helped create and mold a culture of runners that have filled their places for the 2013 Cross Country season. Senior runners, Justin Beach, Nicolas Frias and Frank Chavez return from the 2012 State Champion team. In addition, seniors, Omar Ponce, Mario Gaspar and newcomer Jesus Mendoza join the varsity team of which have been an integral part of scorers in the meets. A very impressive group of juniors has stepped up and join the varsity team. Leading the junior class, Jorge Hurtado has been a key runner, stepping up as the number one runner for the boys’ team this year. Returning juniors Francisco Erazo and Gerardo Rodriguez along with first time runner Dominick Gonzalez have added strength to the varsity team. Currently the Varsity Boys’ Cross Country team is ranked 12th in the CIF Southern Section rankings.

Ending the season last year with a goal successfully accomplished, to make it to the CIF Finals, the girls’ cross country team has emerged into the 2013 season with a strong group of female runners. Leading the varsity girls’ team this year is senior Kiana Hope. Kiana has been the top runner for the lady flashes since her freshman year. She finished in 4th place at the last league meet at Oak Canyon Park. In addition, senior Jordyn Vassaur returns to the girls’ varsity team as a third year runner and a key score. Jordyn continues to improve each and every race. The junior class includes Sofia Gallardo, a first time varsity runner and three-year varsity runner Alexis Tafoya. The sophomore class brings strength and promise to a strong team for the future. Leading the sophomore class, Maria “Lupita” Perez was a nice addition and surprise from the track season. Sophomore teammates, Briana Segoviano and Irma Torres, both return to the girls’ varsity team. Rounding out the varsity team is newbie, Marisol Martinez, a standout freshman. Currently the girls’ team is ranked 13th in the CIF Southern Section Cross Country rankings.

The team travels to Mt. San Antonio College this Friday to compete in the world’s largest cross country meet. This is one of the runner’s favorite meets and we are looking forward to the competition and to racing well.