CALIFORNIA STATE
FINALS - Braves Finish A Strong 3rd!
 In
what turned out to be a 4 team race for the State title, the
St. John Bosco cross-country team came up short. For the second
week in a row the Braves captured the 3rd place spot in a
highly dramatic Division 2 race. While the placing may not
have been what the team had hoped for they took solstice in
the fact that many of them ran seasonal bests and were awarded
a team plaque and team medals for their strong efforts.
Through
three runners the Braves looked dominating, but the inexperience
of their final scorers could not overcome stronger efforts
from eventual State champion Loyola and runner-up North Monterey
County. While some of the Braves' team members may have lacked
experience there was no shortage of heart and determination
as the top five scorers all gutted out the 5,000 meter race
and finished with a new school team time record for the course.
Running in the first race of the day the Braves "braved"
chilly weather and scattered showers, but ultimately would
not be detoured from their goal. It was overall a strong accomplishment
when one considers that the Braves had to build from a foundation
that was cracked when their expected #2 runner was forced
to sit out the season with an injury.
 Finishing out the most decorated career of
any cross-country runner in St. John Bosco school history was
senior Randy Skillens. The 4th year varsity runner managed
to lead his team with his 5th place finish. Apart from the
team awards he received, Skillens was also awarded an All-State
medal. His time of 15:35 set a senior class record and breaks
his previous school record of 15:46. Skillens finishes his
career with 3 varsity team league titles, 4 CIF finals appearances,
3 State appearances and school records at Woodward and Central
parks. While Skillens has been the #1 for the past
3 seasons seniors Luis Perez and Kevin Urak have been
the leaders through their example. These two runners worked
their way up from obscurity two seasons ago to be vital parts
of the varsity team. Both runners placed in the top 16 for
their team to give the Braves the second best 1-2-3 punch in
the entire state! Perez and Urak's times of 15:58 and 15:59
both break the previous senior class school record.
Senior Russell Gonzalez and sophomore Victor
Bonilla rounded out the Brave's scoring five. Gonzalez, who
was introduced to distance running as a pole vaulter during
track and field, ran an exceptional race to finish in 16:40.
His time was an huge improvement from the 17:29 he ran here
over a moth ago. Bonilla, who stepped into the varsity ranks
after an adequate freshman cross-country season, was one of
the Brave's biggest assets this year as he met every challenge
put in front of him. His time of 16:47 places him as the 3rd
best sophomore in school history on state meet course.
Rounding out the Braves top seven were senior
Matthew Pruter and sophomore Timothy Barreto. As a four year
cross-country runner Pruter has been able to experience all
the success that the team has built over the years. His work
ethic and exceptional attitude was a welcome addition to the
squad all season. Barreto was introduced to the state meet
for the first time in his short running career and also had
an exceptional race. He will be looked upon in the seasons
to come to help the team match the success it has gained in
the last five seasons.
Overall the season was a roller coaster of
events but always exciting. Family, coaches and friends salute
the St. John Bosco Cross-Country team of 2004. Your never say
die attitude and willingness to put yourselves on the line
for your team will never go unnoticed. Congratulations to you
all on a tremendous season - many teams would give a lot to
experience what you have this year!
GO BRAVES!
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