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CaptainsAs Captains we want to continue on the legacy of Thousand Oaks Cross Country--a competitive team that has state, CIF, and league titles on both sides, and a fun team known throughout the state for our TOXC capes and goofy antics at meets. We encourage new runners to really buy into our team and into our program, and to get everything they can out of the joy of running with friends. If anyone comes into TOXC ready to run and to work hard they'll get more out of it than they put in; all of us captains can attest to that. We welcome all new runners; welcome to the TOXC family! And to all returning runners, welcome back. Keep up the hard work from years past and you'll be amazed to see where you'll get!
Your 2014 TOXC Captains
Sally Deng, Spencer Flynn, Mikayla Ybarra, Brian Joerger, Katlin Hughes, Edward Si
Spencer Flynn  Nickname: SPENSUH
Favorite subject in school: Math
I’m really good at: Telling bad puns, drinking water loudly, having poofy hair in the morning
Favorite quote: “We should take Bikini Bottom and push it somewhere else!” –Patrick Star
Theme song: “I’ll Make a Man out of You” from Mulan
Hidden talent: My pinky finger is extremely flexible.
What is the hardest thing about being a member of TOXC? Probably the hardest part of being a member of TOXC is the mental aspect of running -- learning to believe in and to have confidence in yourself. In reality, that is what this sport is all about – trusting your training, trusting your coaches, buying into the fact that you are strong and in the best shape of your life, that you can face down challenges. That unstoppable belief in yourself is an invaluable life skill, and one that we seek to teach and grow in during our time at TOXC. Getting into that mindset is oftentimes difficult, but by putting in the time with the team and the simple work of running, and by talking it out with your friends and the captains and the incredible coaches, anyone can adapt into that belief in themselves and come out much better for it. The easiest thing is buying into the team environment and enjoying the camaraderie of TOXC. A little harder is the work of actually running all the long runs and the workouts, but in my experience that is not too bad. Running is almost always fun, after one gets in good enough shape a few weeks into summer program. The beautiful hills around TO and just the simple fun of long runs (adventure runs!) with your best friends is amazing. It is nice to have those easier pieces of being a member of TOXC, because it takes both of them for a new person to adapt to the mental aspect of racing and for them to really get that confidence and self-esteem that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
 Sally DengNickname: Sallyandra or Elephant Foot
Favorite subject in school: Writing, Algebra
Performance you are most proud of: One league meet at Calabasas, I told myself that a race is nothing more than a timed workout and that instead of having to run, I get to run. I ended up pulling into first for our JV team, and I set a new personal record. That was the very first race in which I was able to control my nerves
I’m really good at: Being Prepared
Favorite quote: “Honey? Where’s my super suit?”
Hidden talent: Typography
When did you start running? What got you interested? I honestly could not picture myself in Cross Country before joining. My sister ran Cross Country and Track when she was in high school, and since no tryouts are required, I figured this would be the only sport I could get into. I played Tennis on and off for about 7 years. By on and off I mean I’d play for half a year, quit for half a year, play for half a year, quit, etc. I still remember running the 10-minute landmark in eighth grade and thinking that it was the worst possible test ever. Now, even thirty minutes would be easy. I also ran a 9:25 mile in eighth grade, so if you think that you are slow, you will get so much faster because I ended up running a 6:22 mile exactly a year later.
Brian Joerger  Nickname: Joerger [Yay-ger]
Favorite subject in school: Chemistry
Performance you are most proud of: Anchoring the 4x1600 relay at the Arcadia Invitational
I’m really good at: Everything
Favorite quote: "It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed" – Theodore Roosevelt
Hidden talent: Music
As a captain, what are you goals for the team going into the TOXC season? This year, the other captains and I want to expand this team’s belief that we can achieve great things. Our varsity team has achieved goals that we never thought we could this past year, and we want to share that success and excitement with everyone else. Everyone on our team can improve this year, and potentially surprise themselves with their improvements. Over the past 8 years or so, I have seen runners start from the bottom of the team, and end up at the top of Junior Varsity, or even manage to earn a varsity spot. Also, we varsity boys have our heads set on the state championships this year, and are excited to achieve what we know we can there.
 Katlin Hughes Nickname: Kat-lin Hug-hes (Pronounced: Cat lynn Hug hess)
Favorite subject in school: Spanish
Performance you are most proud of: 400 leg of Pasadena Games DMR. I got a PR (63 sec.) and our team killed it!
I’m really good at: charades, fitting in small places, and baking/cooking
Theme song: “Good Time” by Owl City
Hidden talent: I can do the splits.
How would you describe your experience with Thousand Oaks Cross Country? Cross Country has changed my life and helped me in so many ways. It has mostly been the people; in cross country everybody is a family. Seeing my team every day is the best part of my day and makes me feel so good to be a part of such a wonderful family.
Edward Si  Nickname: Eduardo the elefante or Pimp Daddy Si
Favorite subject in school: Science
Performance you are most proud of: My 4:41 at a home meet just for finishing strong
I’m really good at: overthinking
Favorite quote: “Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.” -Steve Prefontaine
Hidden talent: I'm able to sleep anywhere and at anytime
How have you changed through your experience with TOXC? Physically, I have become stronger in endurance and faster. Mentally, I have learned that any challenge or obstacle can be overcome if one puts his or her mind towards success.
 Mikayla YbarraNickname: Mika
Favorite Subject in school: Science
I’m really good at: Always Being Happy
Favorite Quote: "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is to always try just one more time"
Hidden Talent: I play the cello
How would you describe your experience with Thousand Oaks Cross Country? I would describe my experience as a never forget experience. TOXC is a very special program and I truly believe that there is no other sport and no other team that is as supportive and as caring as TOXC. The coaches are also one of a kind each and every one of them because they put so much effort and time into this team. They would do anything for us. TEAM TOXC  |
