Boys’ Cross-Country Preview: Plenty of unknowns, intrigue for city trio

Intrigue appears to be the key word and the common thread that unites the Flintridge Prep, La Cañada High and St. Francis boys’ cross-country programs as the upcoming 2016 season nears its start.

Perhaps there was no better season in the history of Flintridge Prep boys’ cross-country than last year, as the Rebels won the Prep League, CIF Southern Section Division V and CIF State Division V Championships. Valley Sun Boys’ Athlete of the Year Jack Van Scoter wasn’t just the catalyst, but the heart and soul behind the team’s success as the Georgetown University freshman captured individual league and Southern Section titles, while finishing second in state.

Throw in the graduation of steady No. 2 runner Nikhil Poole and Flintridge Prep Coach Ingrid Herskind certainly has more parity on her squad than she’s had in a while.

“There’s no denying we lost some heavy hitters from last year, some great runners,” Herskind said. “And for the first time in a while, we don’t have a set lineup. We have a battle for who’s going to round out this team and it’s one of the more interesting and fun starts to the year we’ve had in a while.”

While it’s unlikely anyone can replace Van Scoter, Herskind has a solid returner in Evan Pattinelli. The junior finished second for the Rebels in state and ninth overall in a mark of 15 minutes, 52.2 seconds at Fresno’s Woodward Park. Pattinelli also tied Poole for second at the Prep League finals (16:17) and was seventh overall (15:55.2) at the Southern Section championships.

“Right now you probably have to say Evan is going to be our No. 1,” Herskind said.

Behind Pattinelli, the Rebels boast seniors Jonathan Vahala and Riley Coan.

Vahala finished fourth (16:29) in league, 10th (16:17.8) in CIF-SS Division V and 17th (16:19.1) at state, while Coan is coming off a strong year in track and field in which he finished second in league in the 800-meter run (2:03.47).

Sophomore Sebastian Evans also figures to make an impact with the Rebels.

Flintridge Prep opens the season Sept. 3 at the Rose Bowl at the Cool Breeze Invitational.

Down the hill at La Cañada, Spartans Coach Nick LaCapria is trying to trim down a beefy squad into a lean, consistent unit.

“I honestly have 15 guys who can run at the varsity level and I can’t tell you for certain everyone who will be here,” LaCapria said. “Plus, we only have one senior, so it’s not like anything is set in stone.”

Last season, the Spartans held off Temple City, 73-77, at the Rio Hondo League Championships at Lacy Park on Nov. 5 to claim third place and the league’s final automatic qualifier to the Southern Section Division IV preliminaries.

All five scorers return in 2016, which has LaCapria thinking this may be the year his team makes a charge up the league standings and knocks off No. 2 San Marino or league champion South Pasadena.

“Well, I don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves, but I think we can get second in league,” LaCapria said. “I’ve been coaching cross-country for years and it always comes down to health and depth. I think we have both, but you never know.”

Last season, the Spartans had different runners step up seemingly in each race. At the Rio Hondo League finals, junior Ethan Crane led the way by taking seventh in 17:08.85. Nine days later at what turned out to be the season-ending Division IV preliminaries, it was junior Ryan Van Slooten (41st, 16:52) who was the team’s top dog.

LaCapria believes that junior David Sarkisian, who was 24th (18:23.75) in league and 81st (17:29.9) at the prelims, might just be No. 1 this year. However, senior Seve Rodriguez could very well be the team’s top runner, while LaCapria expects big things from Shaan Sandhu, Christos Menemenis, Ryan Lui, Tom Raney, Ryan Fitzgerald and Prescott Hong.

La Cañada kicks off its season Sept. 3 at the Fastback Shootout at Bonelli Park.

Over the last few years, the St. Francis cross-country team has seen its share of progress, albeit at an agonizing pace.

Last season, the Golden Knights made a strong surge to qualify for the Division IV postseason and just came up short at the Mission League finals at Crescenta Valley Park on Nov. 4.

Needing to finish in the top four, the Golden Knights placed fifth and were bested by Bishop Alemany, 112-128.

“Every year you hope it’s your year and we were close last year,” St. Francis Coach Pat Donovan said. “We lost some guys from last year, but we have three returners back, so I’m cautiously optimistic.”

St. Francis graduated its top three league finishers from last year in Chris Rodriguez, Ryan Hambley and Matthew Fernandez.

Despite the losses, Donovan has some strong returners led by senior C.T. Mayne, who sat out half of last season due to transfer rules. Mayne was the Golden Knights’ No. 4 runner and took 33rd in league.

Senior John Gandara and junior Ben Grace will be right behind Mayne.

“This is only John’s second season of running and he’s shown a lot of progress,” Donovan said. “Ben is back with us after taking a hiatus last season. He was a strong runner for us as a freshman and I think he’ll be that guy again.”

St. Francis commences the season Sept. 3 at the Fastback Shootout.