Kyle Medina, front center, and other cross-country athletes take a run through the streets of Chico as preparation for the upcoming season.
Running an average of 70 miles per week isn’t for the faint of heart, and the opportunity to join Chico State’s championship-winning cross-country and track teams isn’t for couch potatoes.
Luckily, 19-year-old freshman Kyle Medina is neither. He’s ready to run his first year for both of Chico State’s intercollegiate running clubs, a prospect cross-country coach Gary Towne is happy with.
“It’s rare to land a recruit with such a great balance of speed and endurance,” Towne said.
Towne definitely has an eye for talent, as his men’s cross-country team has appeared in 14 consecutive NCAA championships and won 11 straight California Collegiate Athletic Association titles. The track and field team has been just as dominant, winning its 10th consecutive conference title in 2013.
Medina will have the privilege of running with extraordinary athletes on both squads. In high school, he excelled in middle distances on his track team, placing third at the CIF Southern Section Finals after running 800 meters in 1:53.20. He began his cross-country career as a junior at Ventura High School and used the long-distance sport to help him train for track season.
“I really enjoy cross-country,” Medina said. “But track is definitely my favorite.”
Even after starting late in high school, he succeeded in cross-country and eventually placed third in the Asics Clovis Invitational.
Medina will definitely be prepared for track in the spring as he has doubled his average cross-country training from his high school days. He said he has enjoyed the ability to build his endurance.
“Coach Towne does a good job building you up all summer so you really come into the season prepared,” Medina said.
Even though Medina brings versatility and dedication to the team, he will more than likely be redshirted for his first season here in Chico.
“It’s probably been about six or seven years since a true frosh ran on our championship lineup at the NCAA meet, given the strength of our squad,” Towne said.
Though Medina won’t be able to compete much in his first year at Chico, he has found some seasoned players to help make his transition into college sports easy.
“Everyone has been so supportive and helpful,” Medina said. “I just hope to get through it without any injuries and be ready for track.”
Ariel Hernandez can be reached at [email protected] or @ariel7hernandez on Twitter.
