BURBANK — The cross-country teams at Burbank and Burroughs highs can’t catch a break.
When they competed in the Foothill League, they went up against powerhouses like Saugus and Canyon, battling some of the top teams and runners in the state.
Nothing changed since the squads joined the Pacific League three years ago. During that span, the locals have had to run against top-notch competition.
This year should be more of the same, as the Arcadia boys’ squad is ranked No. 1 in the state and Crescenta Valley is usually loaded.
For Bellarmine-Jefferson, its girls’ squad will be looking to continue its dominance in the Santa Cruz League, after taking home three straight championships.
The Guards boys’ team will be looking to make it back to the postseason after missing by one point a year ago.
Providence should have small squads, but the Pioneers have a girls’ athlete who could be competitive in the Liberty League, and possibly make the postseason.
Here is a closer look at how the teams are shaping up:
BURROUGHS
The Indians boys’ team did lose the area’s top runner, Western Nelson, to graduation. Nelson, the Leader Male Athlete of the Year, helped pace Burroughs to a second-place league finish. Nelson placed third in the league finals.
He also advanced to the CIF-State Cross-Country Championships at Woodward Park, finishing 15th.
The team’s next big thing could be sophomore Anthony Monroy, who is coming off an impressive freshman campaign in which he earned second-team all-league accolades. The All-Area honoree was one of the top freshman in Southern California, finishing eighth among a fine field at league finals.
Complementing Monroy will be senior David Campos, junior Alex Martinez and sophomores Charlie Camacho, Kamal Chahal and Alex Quispe.
“Yes, we are young, but the younger kids bring talent to the table,” Burroughs Coach John Peebles said.
“Anthony is ready to roll, and hopefully the others will be following closely, not only in races, but also in trying to match his drive, focus and maturity.”
The Indian girls’ team (fourth in league) is paced by second-team all-league standout Monique Martinez, a senior, and fellow senior Kristy Payne. Also in the mix are seniors Jessica Aguilar, Lauren Andrade, Angie Martinez and Celina Rodriguez.
