KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
SAN PERLITA — The question heading into the 2018 cross country season, was who will step in and lead the pack for the Trojans.
San Perlita has won two straight district titles and has their sights on a third. The Trojans lost three of their top runners from last year, but returned a hand full of runners with experience.
“I graduated three seniors, and that was a hole I knew we would have to replace,” said Trojans coach Nataniel Garza. “Coming into this year I was looking for someone to step up and we have some strong freshman that have stepped up and the returning members that returned they have gotten better. The kids have stepped up to the challenge and are ready.”
The Trojans top four runners are freshman Diego Ortiz, sophomore Andrew Reoh and brothers Bryan and James Herrera.
“I worked on something’s over the offseason and coach pushes us to get better each day,” Reoh said. “The preparation this year was a lot tougher, from the work outs to the running, but it has made us better. We have competed in a few meets already and that helps us with the team chemistry, we motivate each other.”
As for the Herrera brothers, James is a sophomore while Bryan is a senior. The two are looking at another successful year and enjoying their final full season together.
“It’s great to be alongside my brother,” James said. “We are always together working out and getting better.”
“We work hard and push ourselves every day,” Bryan added. “It means a lot to our family for them to come out and see us play. Not a lot of people can say they get to play with their family. I love being able to be a long side my brother, I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts.”
The Trojans have competed in three different meets this year and will compete in this Saturday’s Meet of Champs in Donna. October 10th will be the district meet for the Trojans.
“When I was in junior high I would watch the varsity compete and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.” Ortiz said. “I’m glad to be a part of the family now and I have learned so much from the older guys. The tempo and speed was faster when I got here, but I’ve learned and adjusted and I’m ready to help the team succeed this year.”