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Schools

Rain or Shine, Birmingham's Cross Country and Water Polo Teams Train

It was tough to prepare this week because of soaring temperatures, but the Patriots feel good about upcoming games.

It was almost too hot to run last week, but Birmingham High's cross-country team is gearing up for the high-profile Clovis Invitational on Saturday at Woodward Park in Fresno.

The team's top priority is getting healthy, so many of the top runners did not compete at last week's Weisenburger Invitational at Elysian Park.

Training was extremely difficult last week because of the heat. Many schools canceled practices, but Birmingham used the time to learn about hydrating and heat exhaustion.

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Coach Scott King said every runner had to drink 50-100 ounces of liquid during those hot days, and running was limited to the track. Every time a runner went around the track, he or she was sprayed with water.

The team learned a lot, King said, but the unconventional training wasn't ideal to get ready for the Clovis Invitational. The recent change in weather has helped the team.

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"We've had quality workouts," King said before the rain showers hit the Valley. "We're able to concentrate on a better workout this week."

Birmingham's top runner, Mizreal Mendez, was held out of last week's meet. He should be ready to run on Saturday.

"We're trying to get healthy," King said. "We're going to go after it harder this week."

King is most concerned about nagging injuries. One of those trying to come back is Dylan Alexander, who has a stress fracture in his hip.

Alexander is expected to perform well if he's healthy. Jahi Gains could also pique some interest. He ran a 4:21 mile last year.

Three boys placed in the top 25 at the Weisenburger Invitational: Issac Diosdado (sixth), Jorge Mendoza (15th) and Yeltsen Vasquez (25th).

King said the girls' team is led by two freshmen, Jassmine Macon and Stacy Macias. It's unusual to be led by youngsters, but King believes they are great talents.

"We have high hopes," King said. "This is a special group of kids."

Water Polo team is doing swimmingly

Birmingham High's water polo is 5-0 in league play after defeating Kennedy of Granada Hills 15-2, and coach Daniel Parlato believes the Patriots are well on their way.

"Overall, it was good," Parlato said. "Our first unit performed well. Our younger players got some time. They protected the lead. It was a good effort from all of our guys."

Garret Mota, who had six steals, and Robert Kladjian, who is averaging five goals, led Birmingham. Parlato praised Mota's defense and was glad to play Kladjian limited minutes, so others could get a chance.

In fact, all of the rotation players played sparingly as everyone got into the action in the second half.

Parlato said he would like to rest his players more and the match against Kennedy provided the opportunity. 

"The older players showed good habits," Parlato said. "They reinforced what we're supposed to do. They were a good example for the younger kids. I was pleased."

Despite the blowout win, Parlato said the team had a couple of lapses and the goals that Kennedy scored just slipped by.

"A couple of sequences we were sloppy," Parlato said. "Hopefully, we play with good composure. We can't play down. I tell them to practice like you play. They need to understand that every game is important. Don't forget what it's like to be beaten."

The water polo team plays Oct.6 at 6:30 p.m. at Verdugo Hills High School.

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