2003 CIF-SOUTHERN SECTION/TOYOTA CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
GIRLS DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIP – 8:05 a.m.

The greatest team in California history? That was the talk buzzing around Sultana High during the summertime, but a costly injury to one of its top performers slowed the crew in mid-season, sending the Sultans into a virtual free fall in the national rankings. Now, Sultana is back... and apparently better than ever! The Sultans have flashed performance levels at both its league final and the section prelims that tend to suggest the crew is ahead of last year’s pace, when it closed the season ranked #3 in the entire nation! Sophomore Danielle Varela holds special memories of the Mt. SAC course, making the ‘big step up” at this meet a year ago to win the individual title and sparking the team’s course record! Team captain Kelsey Delagardelle and veterans Stacy Tabuena and Kelsey Camara provide unmatched ammunitionwithin state confines this year! Unless a major upset occurs, which teams lead the scramble for the runner-up position? Orange County rivals Cypress and Woodbrige lead the long list of challengers, with the former powered by the frontrunning duo of Stephanie Torres and Lauren Jirges, and the latter squad having Daniela Gergley and Kelly Oeschlager leading a tradition second to none in this division. West Torrance has been a fine surprise this fall, with the crew welcoming volleyball sensation Angela Spadafino during her free time, bolstering an already explosive crew with yet more upside! Mater Dei opened the eyes of many with a finely timed mini-peak at the Serra League Finals, then followed that up with another solid showing at the section prelims, possibly breaking the school’s team time record with its 97:23 showing. The biggest surprise of the entire prelims qualifying scene came from this division, as previously unheralded Whittier High belted out a very impressive 98:08 effort to easily advance. As defending champion and already on a roll in 2003, Sultana’s Varela is tabbed as the individual favorite, with Cypress’ duo of Torres and Jirges looming as a dangerous combo attack.