With additional reporting by George Laase. 

Most people who watch track meets think they are won in the starting blocks when the sprinters line up to run their races.

However, track experts and coaches know that is not true.

Winning championships requires a well-rounded program that begins with a strong distance program.  That is how the University of Oregon won the Pac-12 and NCAA championships.

Culver City High School’s track and field and cross country programs are moving in that direction under the guidance of Tom Fitzius, cross country and long distance coach.

Quietly, the Centaurs are building a program that will be hard to beat.  They  already are strong in the boys and girls sprints.

Now the long distance program has reached a higher level. “We had 51 eighth-graders sign up for our summer workout program,” said a happy Fitzius.  “That is the biggest group we ever have had. We need two sessions to accommodate all of the runners.”

He says a huge amount of credit should go to Culver City Middle School.  “Their program really has improved the past two years,” Fitzius said.

He commended Middle School teachers Tayo Balogun and Kelly Wilcox for “a fantastic job” with the students.

What do the athletes think?

“Running gives me a really good feeling,” said sophomore Sterre Hesseling who also plays girls soccer.

“I like it because the team makes me feel like family.  We are close. We are supportive of each other, and I like being in that kind of environment.  Also running is good for me.  It helps relieve stress.”

Senior Abraham Vasquez, one of the top runners in the Ocean League, enjoys competing for Culver City and Coach Fitzius.

“He always thinks about us, how he can make us better,” said Vasquez. “He puts a lot of time and hard work into the program. He prepares us to compete at a high level.  It’s hard work but we still have fun.”

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com

Mr. Laase may be contacted at GMLaase@aol.com