Rancho Re-cap!

The Panthers were out in full force Friday on a hot and breezy afternoon in Rohnert Park. All results can be found by clicking on the "RESULTS" tab up top and then clicking on the "Rancho Invitational" link.

The JV Boys put everyone on notice with their intimidating "MAN-CHANT" -- people in the stands stared in both awe and befuddlement (with perhaps more emphasis on the latter). Maybe they will learn the New Zealand Haka for their next performance? Don't know what the Haka is? Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdMCAV6Yd0Y


The testosterone-fueled incantation clearly aided the performances as Panther after Panther attacked the course with Isaiah Egan, Ethan Foster, Tommy Lucas, and Josh Peck leading the way. Josh would end up being the top JV of the day, clear evidence of his innate talent and proof that he'll be working harder in practice now :-)!

The JV girls were inspired by the fast finishes of the JV boys and did some damage of their own. Natalie Fritz stunned the field (and Sean, who said: "Who's the girl with the hair?") by going out hard and holding on for 4th place as a fast-charging Puma was denied by the Fritz-en-ator in the final push for the finish line. Next were senior stalwarts Amber Peters, Nicole Chodora, and Tab Srisfenga, who strutted their stuff by running savvy and sensational season openers (check out that alliteration!)

Many of the JVs were first-time racers who learned a lot about just how hard they can push themselves. They learned that they won't give up when things get hard -- an important lesson that they will carry over into all aspects of their lives.

Then it was time for the Panther Varsity Boys -- showtime! They raced like seasoned Div. I veterans, running a smart first mile, an aggressive middle mile, and a do-or-die last mile. Their pack-oriented tactics earned them a coveted victory over rivals Maria Carrillo. Michael Tomasi led the way, nearly breaking 16 minutes (#4 all time on the course). All 7 boys broke 17 minutes, a rare and amazing feat!

The Varsity Girls wrapped the afternoon up with a solid effort that earned them 2nd place to a very tough Maria Carrillo team. Eva Herbst and Sadia Ibrahim took control of the pack and pushed the middle mile to pick off many runners and run as fast as our state qualifier, Kelly Brooks, did last year. The rest of the pack ran tight and smart, with Evvy Archibald making an inspired last mile push to pass what must have been 10 runners. There is no doubt that the girls will tighten up their pack as lingering injuries release their hold.

Now on to some hard work this week geared toward one of the coolest races of the year: Ed Sias!

Labor Day Practice 10 AM at Graveyard

What would Labor Day be without a hard workout? It would be LAZY DAY! And Panthers aren't lazy, Panthers are fierce. So meet at the graveyard at 10 AM for a workout.

SR Marathon Volunteer Details

These are the shifts we've established. My group will be meeting at the Fulton Road SR Creek overpass. Parking/dropoff locations are available on either side of the street on Chatham Dr or Placer Ct. Sean's group will be meeting at Willowside Road at the trail junction, which can be accessed via Hall or Guerneville Road. Park at the school or along Hall Road.  Please show up on time for your shift. Account for an extra five minutes of walking time because both are too dangerous to park or be dropped off in front of. Bring lots of water and food/snacks. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are recommended. It's gonna be hot, so dress in layers. Here is the course information, with links to the course map on the page. I advise checking out the google bird's eye view and selecting hybrid mode under map options. We need two parents to help lead the second shifts and more athletes would be appreciated for both time slots. Please contact me if you can help or have any questions.

6:30-10:30AM:

Fulton Road- Leader: Jonathan

Alex Thomas
Tab
Ellie
Jordan

Willowside Road- Leader: Sean
Avi
Cristain
Samantha
Amber
Evvy

10:30 AM-2:30 PM

Fulton Road:

Connor Moore
Michael Kennedy
Cleo
Connor Runge
Josh

Willowside Road- Leader: John Withers

Sarah
Trixie
Isaiah
Felix
Alex Hong

In Search of Digital Watches!!

Please get in the habit of bringing (and even wearing) a digital watch to practice. This will be immensely helpful in timing your runs and workouts.

Parents, if you have any digital watches that you can lend to us for the season, we will gladly take them!

BACK TO SCHOOL PANCAKE RUN!!!

Come to Carrie's house for homemade chocolate chip pancakes (and some blueberry ones... maybe a plain one here and there...). We run first, then we feast!


Where: 2908 Field Stone Court (go south on Summerfield, left on Carissa, right on Field Stone)
When: Saturday, Aug. 20th at 9:00 a.m.

See you there!