Story by Mike Wood | Photos by Berry Evans III
Rayna Stanziano reflects the tranquil nature of Concord High’s cross country team, appreciating more subtle aspects of competition and sport, rather than the trophies and banners that larger programs collect like Halloween candy.
These days, however, the senior is quite a name in the sport. This fall she has impressive wins at the Ed Sias Invitational and the De La Salle/Carondelet Nike Invitational. Her remarkable start is on the heels of a stellar spring in which she won a North Coast Section track and field championship in the girls 800 meters and then took third in the state in that event.
She’s generated quite a buzz around the modest little program that doesn’t even have a tent for big meets — another stark contrast to the established programs with huge contingents and banners.
Stanziano, in her shy, quiet manner, puts her imagination to work while competing. At the Nike Invitational on Sept. 15 at Concord’s Newhall Park, she was so far out in front of the pack in the varsity girls race, she opted to conjure up an opponent to chase during her wire-to-wire win.
“I was just kind of imagining that I was racing with my teammate, Logan Jacobs,” Stanziano said. “He is a sophomore, and we train together every day. For tempo runs, I am trying to catch him. So I imagine he is ahead of me and I am running towards him.”
Stanziano completed the 3.02-mile course in 18 minutes, 7.3 seconds — 14 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor. On Sept. 8, she won the Ed Sias Invitational 2-mile varsity small-school girls race in 11:36.2, a mark that was 35 seconds faster than the winning time in the girls large-school race, and her best time by 40 seconds on the Hidden Valley Park course in Martinez.
Once again, it was strength in small numbers.
“Seeing all these huge schools, their varsity teams, it’s really nice to know we have somebody who can stay with them,” said Hannah Jenevein, her teammate and best friend. “Somebody who is very competitive. And that they are scared of, kind of.”
As for Nike, Stanziano wanted to break 18:00, and her time would have been 17:59 factored onto the meet’s typical 3.0-mile course.
“It was a little bit longer because they wanted to avoid the gopher holes,” she said. “We are used to running on the grass over there. The geese are always over there. We have to avoid the geese when we practice. I love it when the baby ducks come out.”
Her fondness for animals is a bonus in her running endeavors. There are many chances to appreciate the smaller things in life.
“My favorite street to run on is probably Myrtle Drive (in Concord), because it’s really quiet there and they have goats,” she said. “They have a little day care with goats on that street.”
At Nike, Concord was inconspicuous, gathering at picnic tables. Stanziano is used to the school’s obscurity in cross country, but turns that into a positive.
“I think after four years I am pretty much used to it,” she said. “I kind of like being the underdog, because I just focus on my individual accomplishments, while being part of a close-knit family.”
Stanziano is part of a girls varsity squad that often competes with just five runners. Jenevein appreciates what Stanziano has done for the school and their team. Again, it’s the small things.
“We’re not used to winning huge titles,” Jenevein said of Stanziano, whom she has known since kindergarten. “And so, we are so proud of her because she has made Concord a name in the record books. She’s made it on the news and our school’s name is out there. And it feels really good to be part of something like that. At practice we push her, too, so it’s good to know we’ve helped her be as successful as she is.”
This is an excerpt from a larger article appearing in the October issue of SportStars Magazine. Read the full story when the issue releases online Oct. 2 at SportStarsMag.com. The printed version will appear inside many East Bay San Francisco Chronicles on Oct. 14
Congratulations, Rayna, CHS and Coach Lanette! Not only is Rayna a great athlete, she is a smart and gracious young woman.
Awesome!
LOVE TO HEAR GOOD REAL NEWS! Keep doing great things in the world !
So glad to know her. That young woman has an amazing brain too.
Congratulations to Rayna and the team !
Rayna, we are so proud of you as you should be of yourself. You are a beautiful, gracious young woman as well as an amazing athlete.
We admire all that you do and love you so much.
I like seeing these features on local high school students. Hopefully Rayna and the rest of the Concord High CC team will be able to continue running in college and beyond.
Is Concord High dropping the use of the “Minuteman” theme? Unfortunately, there were no pictures of Rayna from the back, which is how nearly 100% of her competitors see her. Maybe the Minuteman is there.
Thank you Mr. Mayor for posting. Very cool story. She doesn’t even look winded crossing the finish line. Very composed. Distance runners are so tough…
She sure has a wonderful attitude. Good job Rayna!
Rayna is a first class athlete with an incredible work ethic in and out of the classroom. She deserves all her success! CHS Cross Country is the epitome of a quality program that encourages students to constantly strive for their personal best. This program is a family that I’ll always miss.
Rayna is great young woman inside and out. So glad to see her get some recognition. There isn’t anyone locally that even comes close yet she is as humble and helpful as one would hope. Go, Rayna!
What a great story – Congrats Rayna! She’s a pretty stellar swimmer too! Proud that my son considers her one of his good friends. Go Minutemen!!