Orange County Cross-Country Championship : One Week Later, a Classic Rematch : Valencia’s Lugo Looks to Avenge Loss to Santa Ana’s Nava

When Roger Nava and Chris Lugo meet at the starting line today in the Orange County Cross-Country championships at Irvine Park, they’ll be trying to fulfill some high expectations.

It’s the rematch many want to see. Nava wants to race Lugo for a second time; Lugo wants to meet Nava so badly he told his coach to try to get them into the same race.

Now, the rematch. Last Saturday, Santa Ana’s Nava dealt Valencia’s Lugo his first defeat of the season at the Buena Park Invitational.

Nava stayed just behind Lugo most of the race and then drew even with about 400 yards remaining. They continued stride for stride until Nava passed Lugo with about 40 yards left. Lugo then caught Nava with five yards remaining. Both runners finished in 14 minutes and 58 seconds.

Nava, a sophomore, was awarded the victory because his torso crossed the finish line first. Although Nava is undefeated, the victory over Lugo gave him countywide recognition. Lugo, a senior, is the defending Southern Section 2-A champion.

One race does not necessarily make a rivalry, but Nava and Lugo have a good start. Or is that Lugo and Nava?

“I’ve tried to turn it around and use the loss to him as a positive thing,” Lugo said. “I know what my weaknesses are now, and I know what I have to work on.”

Lugo said he is still trying to figure out what he will do differently today. He knows what he won’t do.

“That’s the way I usually run (taking the early lead),” he said. “And it was wrong. Until Saturday there wasn’t much competition. I tried to power it against him (Nava). He has good power, and he stayed with me until I just burnt myself out. I don’t want to take anything away from him. I have a lot of respect for him.”

Nava and his coach, Jeff Davis, return that respect.

“It really says something when you’ve beaten Lugo,” Davis said. “If you can stay with Lugo, you’re running with the best in the county. He should take that as a compliment. Roger knew if he did that he’d have the best time of his life.”

Said Nava: “I really do want to win this. I feel like I have a chance to be No. 1 in the county. But if I don’t win and I have a better time than last Saturday, I don’t care. I want to keep improving.”

Because of two moderate hills at the three-mile long Irvine Park course, it’s doubtful the times will be fast. That favors Lugo, who is a better runner on hilly courses.

Whatever happens today in the Nava-Lugo race, don’t expect to see another finish like the one at Buena Park.

Orange County Championships Notes

The first race today is the freshman boys’ competition (three divisions), which starts at 8:15 a.m. Varsity boys (four divisions) begin racing at 9:45; varsity girls (four divisions) at 10:45. . . . La Habra is Orange County’s top-ranked boys’ team, and defending team champion Newport Harbor is ranked first in the girls’ division. The most notable girls’ team that won’t be competing is No. 3-ranked Canyon. Instead, Canyon will travel to Oceanside for the Southern California Invitational. . . . Lugo and Nava are scheduled to race at 10:15. Other top teams in Valencia’s division include Villa Park (No. 7) and Tustin. . . . Among the boys competing, Terrence Mahon of La Habra was the top sophomore in last year’s race. Roger Nava had the top freshman time. Another top runner is sophomore Eddie Lavelle of Corona del Mar who has lost only once.