Today may not be the last Marmonte League XC Championship race, but it certainly is the end of a chapter as the last League Finals meet takes place on the Agoura High School course before the league splits in 2014. The Marmonte League has been one of the toughest leagues in California for decades, producing both team and individual stars on both the the boys and girls sides. There are certainly other extremely strong leagues in California, and the question of "Which league it toughest?" certainly comes up every year. The strength of the league ebbs and flows from year to year, with 2013 producing one of the nations best girls teams, (Simi Valley),and one of the deepest boys team lineups in it's history. In this piece I want to share a little history for those who aren't familiar, and celebrate it with those who are.    

     The Marmonte league has produced CIF Southern Section Champions, CIF State Champions, and even Footlocker and NXN National Champions. Being a part of a team that does great things is an experience of a lifetime. But watching a young person discover what hard work can do is the greatest reward of being involved in this sport. Thousands of young people have gone through the cross country programs which have been a part of the league since it's inception, making an impact on every kid. As a Marmonte Alumni (Westlake '84 - Go Warriors!) and Marmonte Parent (Thousand Oaks - GO LANCERS!) I've had the pleasure of seeing and experienceing this first hand.  That's why so many people that get involved in this sport love it so much. 

     But I digress. Let's look a little closer at Marmonte League XC...

League Membership - Past, Present, and Future

     The Eight team league currently consists of Agoura, Calabasas, Moorpark Newbury Park, Royal, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake. It wasn't always that way - Camarillo and Channel Islands were original members of the league dating back to the 1960's, with changes coming in the 80's, 90's, and now in 2014.  Here is a summary of league membership past and present:

      The year 2014 will bring significant change, with the existing eight team league being split into two halves: "League A" will keep the Marmonte name, while "League B" will be called the Camino League.  Additionally, Camarillo will rejoin the new Marmonte League, while Oak Park will join the Camino League, resulting to two 5-team leagues as follows:

Past Champions

      The Marmonte League has a rich history with many individual and team champions going on to win CIF Southern Section and State titles.  All told, Marmonte League Cross Country has brought home 82 CIF Southern Section and State Titles since it's formation.

CIF Southern Sections Championship Titles

     Agoura leads all schools with a staggering 29 CIF Southern  Section and State Titles. Obviously I could go on, but I will spare you. A full list of title winners I provided at the end of this article.

The Agoura High School Course & Part 2

     The Agoura High Scool course has been the league finals course for the Marmonte League since 1998.  It follows that 2013 should be the 16th year the Marmonte League Finals has run on this course, and with Agoura joining the Camino League, it is likely to be the last. Unfortunately I have only been able to find results going back to 2002 depite my best efforts. I am putting togehter a Top 10 list for individuals and teams since 2002, which I will update and publish in Part 2 after we have 2013 results.  For now, here are the course records based on the history I have found:

• Girls individual: Sarah Baxter of Simi Valley, 16:37 in 2012
• Girls Team: Simi Valley, 89:07 (17:49 avg) in 2011
• Boys Individual: Michael Cybulski of Royal, 14:51 in 2006
• Boys Team: Royal, 77:11 (15:26 avg) in 2009

     I have obtained the missing years which ware 1998 to 2001, and will update the all time lists accordingly.

     The last league finals race is today. The meet starts at 1:15 with the girls JV, and girls and boys varsity races are at 4:10 and 4:35 respectively. Expect to see the fastest races in history for the girls (up front) and the boys (deepest pack).  See you there! 

Marmonte League - CIF Southern Section & State Champions

CIF Southern Section Champions

Note: Only includes titles won while a Marmonte League Member

Marmonte League - CIF State Champions

Note: Only includes titles won while a Marmonte League Member

Part 2

Credits: I must give credit to those who supplied much of this data, including Ken Reeves, Chad Scott, Joe Snyder, Bill Duley, and Jack Farrell. Thanks for sharing this history with us!