CANYON COUNTRY – Last year, Canyon’s boys and girls track and field teams as well as its boys and girls cross country teams captured Foothill League titles.
The Cowboys are attempting to repeat the sweep this year.
The talent in those programs was on display Wednesday when the school held a ceremony to honor the student-athletes who will be continuing their careers at the college level.
How have the Cowboys transformed into the premier team in the Foothill League?
“At the end of the day, it’s the kids,” said Canyon cross country and track and field coach George Velarde. “Their work ethic, their dedication, their sacrifice. We as coaches, we’re just there to guide them. And motivate them and push them, challenge them. But ultimately, it’s their desire.”
Five Cowboys student-athletes were honored during a midday ceremony. Four of them have been integral parts of the Foothill League championships in recent years.
“I tell the kids, you’ve got to make this running thing personal,” said Velarde. “When they make that decision, wow. A lot of great things happen. And that seems like it definitely happened with them. They all seem to get better every year. They keep growing.”
Star sprinter Mikaela Warr is the school record holder in the 100 meters (11.56 seconds) and is headed to San Diego State to continue her running career. Her 100 time is currently the best this year in the state. Warr also is ranked first overall in CIF-SS Division 2 in the 200 (24.18), where she ranks second statewide.
George Stansell, who throws shot put and discus, is currently second all-time at Canyon in both events. He will throw at Sacramento State next year.
Cynthia Herrera, who will be going to UC Irvine, is currently ranked third overall in CIF-SS Division 2 in the 3,200. She helped anchor Canyon’s success in cross country and track and field.
Adrian Rodriguez, a member of a school-record relay team, will run track and cross country at Cal Lutheran.
“We’re so excited for our kids,” said Velard. “You know, we call them our kids. We’ve had them for two years, three years, four years, whatever the case may be. We’re just looking forward to all the great things that they’re going to continue to do.”
Canyon’s softball program also had representation at the ceremony. Gabby Wensley will pitch and play the infield at Mesa College in San Diego. Wensley is a career .323 hitter for the Cowboys and has posted a 2.86 ERA this season pitching for the Cowboys, who are coached by her dad.
“Probably her ninth grade year, she, you know, recognized being not only a pitcher, but a fielder and a hitter, that she had something special,” Todd Hensley said. “And so she’s been working hard at it. You know, she’s never, never shied away from a challenge, and she’s always been wanting to get extra reps in and stuff, without me having to push her or ask her, which is, you know, which is huge.”
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