Gator racin’: Green Valley cross country aiming for lofty goals

Green Valley’s boys cross country team has faced little competition locally, opening the season with nine consecutive victories in local meets.

But the Gators have loftier goals.

“We all work hard together and push each other in practices and races, but most importantly we all feel like brothers and are very close friends,” Green Valley senior Julius Kim said. “We try to inspire and encourage each other because our ultimate goal is to win regionals and state.”

Kim has proven to be one of Southern Nevada’s top individual runners, and he finished an impressive 24th at the Woodbridge Invitational in Irvine, Calif.

The Gators’ top individual is joined by fellow seniors Jason Ferraro, Matt Campa-Moreno, D.J. Padilla-Montello and Cagen Combs to form a deep group.

“So far this season, our boys have shown that we have a lot of depth and a yearning to be top contenders and strong competitors all the way through the end of the season,” Green Valley coach Blaine Thompson said. “I tremendously respect these boys because they are not arrogant or conceited at all; they demonstrate good sportsmanship and friendly competition; and they always have an optimistic and great attitude.”

Padilla-Montello said the team has fun together — but also knows when it’s time to get serious.

“We joke around, laugh and have fun together, but we also know when and how to stay focused and train smart, consistently and with a lot of effort,” Padilla-Montello said.

The Gators have reasons for their high hopes. Green Valley returned five runners from last year’s Sunrise Region championship team. The team finished fifth at state last year, but all five runners have improved and have a desire to attain bigger goals.

“All of our varsity boys have run their fastest times this season and much more consistently compared to our past seasons,” Ferraro said. “This year, we have all run personal bests of over one minute and beyond in races, which is amazing and incredible for us.”

Not only has Green Valley been strong in regular-season meets, but the team has stood up well against top competition at various invitationals.

Green Valley showed its depth at the Palo Verde Labor Day Classic, clinching the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and 12th spots.

The Gators also finished in second place at the Larry Burgess Las Vegas Invitational behind Rancho Buena Vista, Calif., which won the meet for the third year in a row. Kim placed fourth in that event.

“We run together in practices and help strengthen each other’s weaknesses,” Campa-Moreno said. “We also try to motivate and encourage each other to never give up and to strive for all of our goals. I definitely feel honored and proud to be a part of this great team.”