Freshman leads Gaucho runners

<p>The Casa Grande High School cross country team has both quality and quantity.</p><p>Coach Carl Triola welcomed 60 runners this fall. “This is the most kids we've ever had out,” he said. “We have a lot of freshmen and sophomores.”</p><p>Among the returners is the entire varsity boys team, but the best of the bunch this year is a newcomer. </p><p>Freshman Matt Salazar, moving up to the prep ranks after a spectacular run in youth competition, is not only an outstanding runner, but already a team leader with is determination and dedication. </p><p>“He has a lot of talent,” said Triola. “He has a drive I haven't seen in a long time. The way he attacks a workout inspires everyone. He pulls the other kids along. He has already had a tremendous impact.”</p><p>The Gauchos also have several talented runners behind the freshman. </p><p>Juniors Harrison Weistock, Griffin Wiegert and Jack Jones are joined by Nicolas Rauch, Adam Harwood, Dakota Iribarne and Kevin Moffett to form a solid group.</p><p>An interesting newcomer is Andrew Langwell, who is running cross country for the first time as a senior. “Coming out for cross country as a senior is difficult, but Andrew has bee a surprise,” Triola said. “He seems to be learning very quickly.” </p><p>The coach and the team have high expectations, but Triola cautions that it is a new season and a new league. </p><p>“Moving to the NBL will be a different story,” he said. </p><p>Much will be determined in the Gauchos' second NBL meet of the season when they run against both Santa Rosa and Maria Carrillo, two of the favorites for the title.</p><p>One thing Triola knows for sure. The Gauchos will be ready.</p><p>“We had a great summer,” the coach said. “The kids worked very hard. It was the best summer we've had since I've been coaching here.”</p><p>The Casa Grande girls are loaded, led by returning state-meet qualifiers Ashley Moffett and Chloe Hall.</p><p>Moffett is sensational. She won the Sonoma County League meet last season and ran second in the North Coast Section. Hall was a strong 10th in the NCS to also qualify for state. Both are even better this season as seniors. </p><p>They are only the top and most noticeable of the Casa girls. </p><p>Sophomore Andrea Gonzalez just missed being among he top 20 in NCS as a freshman.</p><p>Saskia vanOmmeren, Hailey Faulk, Ellorina Carli and Makayla Chavez are all quality runners.</p><p>Casa Grande is also benefiting from a pair of freshmen. Triola knew that Ileana Moon was going to help in her first year of high school, but Adria Barcich has proven a pleasant surprise. </p><p>“The girls have enough depth down through 10 to be competitive,” the coach said. “Santa Rosa and Maria Carrillo are going to be tough, but I think we can run with just about anybody. </p><p>“They are going to compete. They won't back down.”</p>