1988 National High School XC Rankings

"To look back for a while is to refresh the eye...to restore it and render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward"

If you have ever been a part of a state championship team you know the feeling of accomplishment accompanied with victory. Each year there come very special programs across the country that steps beyond simply winning and into a realm of total domination. It is in these moments of triumph that the questions of teams "greatness" are raised. Extraordinary accomplishments that warrant recognition and validation to set in stone once and for all, their XC Legacy.

1.     Palos Verdes, California: 3-peat National Champions

Palos Verdes News Release 1/10/10

Few teams in California cross country lore carry as much historic impact as the teams from Palos Verdes in the 1980’s. For decades some of the greatest prep stars in the nation have come from the sunshine state. A state, up until 1987 did not have a unified state championship race. But it was in that inagural year that everything changed and the future became the present as teams from the CIF Nothern Championships and the CIF Southern Sectionals squared off head to head to determine a true CIF State Champion.

"1988 promised more success, and Laurie Lucas, a transfer from Colorado, increased everyone's effort. Unfortunately she was injured for the state meet, but her presence (and in a way, the absence of it in the final race) made us tougher. Three underclassmen bought into the tradition, our four-year stud Ashley Black combined with frosh Maya Muneno, and we were on our way. I can't begin to relate how spirited the competition among these girls was, and everyone dedicated themselves to contribute. With two of our girls still fighting injury, three others ran far better than their talent predicted. This truly was a gritty bunch of girls, pulling off another championship with two stars sidelined and one licking wounds." ~Joe Kelly, Head Coach

For the second season in a row Palos Verdes would go undefeated and claim the CIF State Championship in epic fashion repeating as National Champions. No team was as dominant, as well coached and won as much as the Sea Kings. Led by legendary cross country Coach Joe Kelly the Palos Verdes team was so dominant the varsity scorers would place 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd at the prestigious Mt. Sac Invitational Team Sweepstakes. At Mt Sac, Palos Verdes ran a 94:03 total team time which was superior to their 1987 National Championship teams 94:12 total team time. So dominant they would claim the Clovis Invitational team championship with a meet record low 25 points. So commanding were the Sea Kings that they perfect scored each of their seven league teams and scored a meet record low 19 points in the Bay League Finals, their 11^th in a row. It is safe to assume Palos Verdes was the class of California asserting themselves as the most preeminent team in the nation for the second season in a row. Coach Joe Kelly would go on to be awarded the California Coaches Association 1988 XC Coach of the Year award.

The Palos Verdes team website, pvcrosscountry.com carries indepth information on teams dating back into the 1960’s. Containing valuable information this website has served as a resource on the foundations of greatness for one of the elite programs of the 80’s. As published on the site for the epic 1988 season;

“Once again the girls cross country teams had undefeated seasons. The varsity team won their 4^th consecutive CIF title and second consecutive state championship. Captain and MVP Ashley Black said, “Being on the CIF Championship team for all four years was a memorable experience.” Captain Traci Goodrich was also a member of the varsity team all four years. Joanna Della Gatta received the most improved award, while Captain Dana Sublett won most inspirational. Sharon Sekiguchi was JV MVP and Margaret Alley and Yoko Senga both won the JV Frosh-Soph MVP award.” (pvcrosscountry.com)

 "It always seemed like the hallmark of our program was runners exceeding in competition what they were penciled in to do on paper, people who were determined to buoy their teammates rather than to let them down. Over the years I coached, I saw this phenomenon time and time again, and I was always lifted by what these people did. Frankly, although some teams over the years gained more attention and received more accolades than others, they were all special in their own way and all left a stamp on my life as a coach." ~ Joe Kelly, Head Coach

(Photo courtesy pvcrosscountry.com)

Palos Verdes Team Season Results

8.     Altoona, Pennsylvania: State Champions

Courtesy of Steve Rhodes, Altoona Area Junior HS Athletic Director

* The girls were coached by Gordon White. He retired after the 1993 cross country season and was replaced by Gary Isenberg (93-98). Gary was replaced in 1999 by current coach Tabitha (Nicolini) Quinn, a member of the 1988 US#8 squad.

* The team was undefeated PIAA District 6 champions which included a dual meet win over State College.

* The top runners of the 1988 team were:
Tracee Mills, Sr. : Ran at the University of South Florida
Tabitha Nicolini, Sr. : Ran at California University of PA for one year then St. Francis University for three.
Heather Guyer, JR. : Ran at Ashland College one year
Kim Harrity, Soph. : Later walked on and ran at Penn State for four years.