GONZALES — Runners from the Gonzales High School cross country team gathered last Thursday with family and coaches for a banquet and awards presentation at the school cafeteria.
The program began with dinner followed by an introduction of each runner by head coach Margie Daniels. Runners received certificates of achievement, pins and bars, and team medals. Daniels then presented certificates of school achievement for outstanding performance in the classroom, followed by special certificates for exceptional students from the Central Coast Section.
Team members and everyone in attendance then took their seats to enjoy the famous cross country video show that included pictures, video, and music of the past season.
Senior runners completed the video show with words of encouragement to next year’s team members.
Special awards were presented to Ashley Ochoa and Gonzalo Villagomez for qualifying to the Central Coast Section Division IV Championships. Ochoa was also recognized for being the first girl from Gonzales to make the All-Mission Trail Athletic League team in 19 years.
Varsity boys special team awards were presented to the following boys:
Angel Anguiano, Most Valuable Runner; Gonzalo Villagomez, Outstanding Athlete; Christian Patino, Captains Award; Rodrigo Garcia, Coaches Award; Faustino Mendez, Sportsmanship Award; Pablo Mendoza, Most Improved; Rodrigo Valdez, Spartan Award; Scott Funk, Captains Award; Andrew Funk, Rising Star.
Varsity girls special team award winners were: Ashley Ochoa, Most Valuable Runnner; Alondra Fierros, Captains Award; Mireya Alvarez, Most Improved; Leslie Hernandez, Spartan Award; Nancy Mireles, Sportsmanship Award.
JV boys special team award winners were: Felix Romero, Most Valuable Runner; Ozzie Garcia, Rising Star; Luis Medrano, Spartan Award; Martin Almaraz, Most Improved; Angel Bautista, Coaches Award; Luke Mathews, Coaches Award.
