Coming off of their best season in school history, the St. John Bosco cross-country team find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Never before have the targets been so big, as the Braves have already been placed at or near the top of several preseason rankings. Last season the Braves were ranked high during the preseason, but were unproven. This year, because they proved they were the best they have much more to live up to. The 2004 campaign will see the Braves attempt to capture an unprecedented 11th league title, and second straight Southern Section and State titles.

Leading the way for the Braves will be four seniors and a junior. Returning #1 man and All-CIF runner, senior Randy Skillens will again lead this year's team. Randy posted school record times on most of the major courses he raced last year and looks to duplicate that feat with faster times again this year. Skillens is a 2004 preseason All-State first team selection.

Senior Kevin Urak has fought long and hard to be the best runner he can be and it has been paying off nicely. Urak is expected to be the team's #2 man and could very well earn All-CIF honors. His "lead by example" ways should help his team in their quest for a second round of championships. Luis Perez, a senior and returning state champion team member will also be looked upon for leadership and strength. After coming into his own in 2003, Perez took it to another level during the Track season and claimed the 3200 meter league championship. Junior Jon Batres finds himself running quite strong. Despite his up and down seasons over the past two years, Batres is focused on helping his team win more championships. His limitless amount of talent could prove invaluable to his team over the next few months. Four year runner, senior Matt Pruter has had an amazing summer and is stepping up to fill in the voids left by last year's seniors. His will to achieve greatness should put him on par to race right with his other four team mates.

Sophomore VIctor Bonilla is proving that he can make a difference as the team's sixth man, while senior Bradley Bonilla, junior Michael Alvarez and sophomore Justin Martinez are all making their cases this summer to capture the final 7th man spot.