CARMICHAEL, Calif. — There aren't many programs that can boast about being ranked in the top 10 in the nation. There are also not many programs who have had the same head coach for over 50 years. But then again, there's not many programs like the Jesuit High School boys cross country team.
The Marauders have seven elite runners on the boys team who contribute to the team being ranked #2 in the state and #9 in the nation. They all started running for various reasons.
"When I was about seven, I saw the movie McFarland USA, and I asked my dad to sign me up for my first race," said Drake Hoferer, a junior on the team.
"Both my parents ran collegiately, so it was immediately in my life," said Isaac Abbott, a junior runner.
The one thing they all have in common is an unparalleled work ethic. It begs the question, what does it take to be the ninth best team in the country?
"Every morning this summer, we got up at 6 a.m. and got in an eight-mile run," Abbott said. "Once the season started, we've been racing every weekend. We do a good job holding each other accountable, telling each other to pick up the slack."
It also helps when you have a legendary coach. Walt Lange has been the head coach at Jesuit since 1971.
"It's very rewarding," Lange said. "You start with people who may have never done track or distance running, and see them progress into a college career. I've heard from a lot of alums, some in their 60s now, and their fondest memories were running at Jesuit here."
For the athletes, they're honored to learn from a legend.
"To come here, I'm able to train with one of the best coaches in the state," Hofferer said. "And that's a great experience that I'm not able to experience anywhere else."
"We have great coaches and they really care about us," said senior Navin Kadel. "They do all of our plans, and make sure we're held accountable."
So far, Jesuit has won nine state titles in cross country and, with the talent of this year's team, a 10th state title could be coming soon.
"More than any other group we've had, they really have their act together and they're team conscious," Lange said. "They're very smart guys."
"We're all just such a tight group this year," said sophomore Ryan Tait. "It's such a great environment."
There's nothing the team would love to do more than capture a 10th state title for Coach Lange.
"The date Nov. 30, the California state meet has been on our minds," Hoferer said. "Trying to win state championship #10 for the program."
The state meet will be held Nov. 30.
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