Monroy runs to victory

LOS ANGELES — Both portions of the first Pacific League cross-country meet of the season had something to offer Thursday afternoon at Griffith Park.

When their respective races concluded, both the Crescenta Valley High girls' and Burbank boys' teams left the venue encouraged after challenging Arcadia's powerhouse squads.

Burbank Coach Trevor Marca said he couldn't have asked for a better effort from his team, which was fended off, 27-28, by an Arcadia squad ranked No. 1 in the Division I poll.

"We ran hard and we looked forward to this race," said Marca, whose team is ranked 10th. "It's our only home-course meet and we wanted to make the most of it.

"We want this to be a confidence boost for us."

"I thought we ran great," Crescenta Valley Coach Mark Evans said after the Falcons girls were edged by fifth-ranked Arcadia, 25-30. "I'm impressed."

Individually, there was also a changing of the guard, as Anthony Monroy, the reigning All-Area Boys' Cross-Country Runner of the Year, had no problem winning his race. The senior clocked 15 minutes 24 seconds to turn back Arcadia's Sergio Gonzalez (15:38). In the process, Monroy became the first non-Arcadia runner to win a boys' league race since CV's Zack Torres in 2008.

Monroy took to the three-mile course with a quick start and maintained a lengthy lead while entering the final mile.

Monroy said he also excelled during the portions of the race that involved hills.

"I didn't have any strategy because it's the first league meet," Monroy said. "I just tried to keep it steady on the hills, especially going down hill.

"I prefer hills because it brings out the best in the competition."

Seven area runners turned in top-10 marks in the boys' meet. Isaiah Amos of Burbank was third in 15:43, followed by Sergio Fraire (fifth, 15:47) of Burbank, Crescenta Valley's Mike Duncan (sixth, 15:48), Jeremy Zadoorian (seventh, 15:54) of Hoover, Bernie Corea (ninth, 16:13) of Burbank and Glendale's Chris Canlas (10th, 16:13).

Duncan said he was satisfied with his place and time.

"I'm absolutely happy," Duncan said. "Our team showed it can run well when you get a race like this.

"I tried to stay with the guys because I know they are quick. I stayed close all the way to the end."