Monroy makes way to state finals

BURBANK — The Burroughs High cross-country program has had a fine track record recently of sending runners to the prestigious CIF-State Cross-Country Championship.

Prior to his season under Coach John Peebles, former standout Sadee Martinez qualified for the girls’ competition in 2006 and 2007 and Western Nelson made the boys’ competition in 2008.

Anthony Monroy can add his name to that list.

Running in wet, rainy conditions Saturday at the CIF Southern Section finals at Mount San Antonio College, Monroy, a junior, ran well enough to earn a spot in next Saturday’s State Meet at Woodward Park in Fresno.

Because of the conditions in the finals, the runners had to race on a 5-kilometer rain course. Monroy placed sixth in the Division I race in a time of 15 minutes 46 seconds. The race was won by fellow Pacific League runner Ammar Moussa of Arcadia in 15:15.

“I had worked out in the rain but never ran a race in the rain,” Monroy said. “I actually like to run in cooler weather.”

Monroy’s effort earned him All-CIF Southern Section first-team honors.

Although the Burroughs boys’ team qualified for the finals, it wasn’t able to move on to state competition after a 16th-place finish. Behind Monroy, Charlie Camacho was 80th (17:10), Alex Quispe was 89 (17:23), Zach Beimford was 104th (17:50), Brandon Andrade was 106th (17:51), Alex Martinez was 108th (17:56) and Kyle Freudenberg was 112th (8:14).

Also taking part in the finals was Burbank High senior McKenzie Paul. Unfortunately for Paul, she wasn’t able to advance, placing 11th in 18:44. The race was won by Simi Valley’s Sarah Baxter in 17:40.