2008: Boys 1-5 Central California Conference; girls 4-2 CCC
Head coaches: Mike Brown (20th) and JoAnn Davison (23rd)
Top returners: Ron Barton, Nick Gemperle, Jorge Guzman and Juan Meja for boys; Alisa Pennick, Channing Wilson, Taylor Doo, Amanda Garcia and Teresa Soltero for girls.
Key newcomer: Blake Matos.
Outlook: With an experienced coaching staff overlooking their workouts, the Bulldogs have a simple yet ambitious goal this season: They want to run the races of their lives every time they step up to a starting line. “If we can do that,” Davison said, “then we will be OK with whatever finish we get.” Both Turlock squads are looking to be a challenge in league action, as the girls will have to go up against tough teams like Buhach Colony and Atwater, while the boys have Los Banos, Golden Valley and Atwater as their main competition. Two standouts are Pennick and Doo, as Pennick was the freshmen/sophomores league champ last season and Doo returns for her senior year as an all-league runner.
Meet to watch: Anytime the Bulldogs go up against Pitman, it seems like there’s more at stake than producing a fast time. There’s also pride involved and no runner wants to be beaten by his or her cross-town rival.