La Mirada High School

Boys:  In 2007 the Matadores raced as a pack and earned six varsity uniforms at the annual time trail.  This season, led by Andrew Garza who crushed the school time trial record in route to his course PR, they managed only three.  The good news is that Regan Garcia and Michael Palmer, both of whom finished just behind Garza, are closing the gap on the front runner.  Additionally, freshmen Clint Bales and Paul Rael, and sophomore Frankie Nogales were just behind Andrew Herrick and Richard Marquez over the hilly terrain.  The boys were bolstered after the race when they added six new runners to the team and also learned that senior Mateo Codova is cleared to compete.

Garza leads from start to finish and establishes a new Time Trial Record

Girls:  A new era for the Lady Mats began last weekend at the team's annual time trial.  On a team dominated by underclass freshmen and sophomores, the girls showed they plan to remain strong in 2008.  Although their team time was 1 minute slower than last season's team at the time trial, the gap was a narrow 75 seconds.  Last season the gap between the #1 finisher, Stephanie Felix, and #2, was 90 seconds!  This season, led by sophomore, Celinda Manzo, six Lady Mats earned their varsity stripes on the difficult 3-mile course.  Close behind Celinda was junior, Lauren McIntyre, who cruised to the finish ahead of senior, Melissa Byrd and sophomore, Ashley Casanover.   A chase pack of sophomore, Aja Labasan and junior, Paulina Tapia ran the course together and earned career PRs.  Juniors Bianca Ceballos and Olivia Crigler narrowly missed the cut off for the varsity squad but intend to earn a spot at this week's Bosco Tech Invite.  Of the 10 remaining girls who competed, eight were rookies running their first race!

After the race, four captains were named to lead the 37 member girls team and two captain were named to lead the boys.  2008 captains are Lauren McIntyre, Melissa Byrd, Andrea Landeros, Chelsea Eubanks, Michael Palmer and Andrew Garza.

2008 Varsity Six: Melissa, Aja, Lauren, Ashley, Celinda, & Paulina