By Inno Sita |Staff Writer|
Coyotes’ Women Cross Country team ranked first at a meet in Pasadena City College on Friday, Oct. 4.
The team made definite improvements each and every time they steppped on the track.
After finishing third with 97 points in their last meet, the team acknowledged some of the best techniques and strategies to redeem themselves, proving that hard work pays off.
Coach Tom Burleson is preparing the team for an even bigger challenge, the CCAA Championships. With the help of his best runners, the team is certainly on the road to victory.
Senior Rebekah Frazier continues to show no sign of limitation as she finished third place with 19 minutes and nine seconds in the 5,000 meter-course.
“The first race of the season was pretty tough, especially since I haven’t raced for two years,” said Frazier.
“I took last season off, so it was quite interesting getting back to racing,” said Frazier.
Senior Jackeline Felix, started this year finishing in 32nd place, her next meet in 56th place, and the latest meet in sixth place.
Showing that she has made definite improvements and is willing to train harder and longer to be number one.
“It was satisfying to see how my training this summer paid off. After the first game. I wanted to step it up, because I knew that I could push myself,” said Felix.
Senior Deserae Perez injured herself on the first meet, however Coach Tom Burleson, as a great motivator ensured that she quickly recovered to get back in the game.
She finished tenth place with 19 minutes and 37 seconds, helping the team rank in first place.
“After getting injured and getting back in the game, it was good for my team. It set the tone for the season, because they performed really well,” said Perez.
The Coyote’s Women Cross Country received 155 points on their first race at UC San Diego, ranking at fifth place.
On their second race, they got 289 points at UC Riverside, ranking at 11 place.
“Running is our passion. It’s what we do, it’s our lifestyle. We are all pretty healthy. We all have good habits. It keeps us focused,” said Deserae Perez.
Coach Tom Burleson, who is coaching his 22nd season, leads his team to the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) West Region top 10, at the 10th place.
“This is my second year running and I love his coaching. He’s such a big motivator. He’s like a big Dad to some of us. Not only he coaches us, however he also cares about personal lives out of running,” said Patricia Cortez.
Coach Burleson teaches full-time at CSUSB, urging his players and coaching staff to have a powerful commitment to excellence.
In the 2012 season, Burleson and the team made 11th place at the regional in Kaneohe, Hawaii.
“He has stepped up his coaching and his communication with the whole team. In general, it has been a total improvement. This is my fifth year, so from my freshman year to now, the team definitely improved with his coaching style. Better work out, better strength and good advice,” said Deserae Perez.
With the powerful bond and determination, we wish our Coyotes the best of luck at the CCAA Championships.
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