Starting the 2025-2026 school year at Selma High, fall season sports have also begun. One of many sports included in this is cross country, which is currently being coached by Coach Gonzalez and Coach Manter. The team focuses on improvement and effort rather than rankings. Even so, a total of six medals have been awarded throughout the beginning of this season. There have been a total of two races, during the first race, the team won only one medal. However, during the second race, a total of five medals were won, this includes JV Girls winning second, JV Boys getting fourth place, and Frosh/Soph Boys ranking at third place.
The two coaches strongly focus on improvement within each player, ensuring that everybody acknowledges their hard work and is proud of themselves.
Coach Octavio has been coaching for Selma a total of three years now, however, it is Coach Manter’s first year coaching Cross Country.
“I decided to coach cross country because I have a passion for running and empowering students,” Coach Manter states. “I had just finished my masters and I needed something else on my plate and I thought, ‘What better way to do both than coach cross country?’”
Both coaches have strong passions toward the sport and are always aiming to keep runners motivated and improving. One of the most crucial aspects of cross country is endurance, which is consistently sought after in daily practices.
Practices for cross country most typically begin with a mile warmup, followed by drills and stretches. Runners will commonly run a total of 5 or more miles per day, while also focusing on speed or strength workouts. Practices end with a cooldown jog, allowing for players to properly retrieve their stamina. Although cross country is a demanding sport, students are supported and encouraged based on their level of running.
“With new runners, I start off their training by doing some VO2 max training so they build up a good foundation of endurance before they go out for long runs,” expressed Coach Octavio. “With my advanced runners, they would go for longer or tempo runs which means trying to pace themselves for a certain amount of time per distance.”
Alongside the physical demands of running, the sport also brings mental challenges.
A new member of cross country, sophomore Gisele Libby Jimenez explains, “I was told that doing cross country was easy, but when I actually got involved in it, I wanted to quit. I deal with breathing, anxiety, panic attacks, and being sore, but lately I have been getting better.”
Having joined cross country this year, Gisele has faced all the challenges a sport offers head on. However, with the support of her teammates and coaches she has been able to become more comfortable with cross country.
Along with taking care of one’s mentality, diet plays an important role in preparation for a race.
William Vega explained, “I prepare for a race [by] following what my coach recommended, not eating heavy or spicy food and focusing on eating carbs for energy.”
Currently a junior at Selma High, William Vega joined cross country after receiving an invitation from Coach Manter, finding it to be an opportunity to try something new. He remains motivated by seeing his own improvement and being constantly surrounded by the liveliness of his team. His main goals for this season are to qualify for state or win in the valley.
Another member of the team, sophomore Brandon Zarr, who has been playing for two years now, aims to improve with every race and win at least two medals throughout this season. He maintains confidence through the support of his friends and family, and is also motivated by his teammates.
“It’s a very positive place, we all keep each other going throughout the practices,” Brandon states.
The cross country team is a place where all skill levels are acknowledged and highlighted, a very welcoming community has been built within the team.
Coach Manter expresses, “Next year, I would love to have more individuals on the team. So if anyone is interested, they need to come see me, and if not, I might hunt them down and convince them to join.”
