This blog is dedicated to the rich distance running history at Thomas Downey High School. From the school's founding in 1950-51, there have been many superior runners. Ray Hale, Ron Whitney, and Mike Olbranz were the heros of the first decade. The 1960s belonged to Jim Seghrue and Andy Vollmer. The 1970s saw the emergence of Tim Holmes and Laurie Crisp, and Charleen Chituras. The 1980s seemed to be the low point for Downey distance running, but the 1990s would make up for that with Eric Elwess, JoAnna Cerri, and Carrie Tacheria. Since 2000 the program's brightest star was Monica Frailing. This site and associated pages pays tribute to the "fore fathers" of Downey distance running. Perhaps the spirit and success of these stars of the past will guide the Downey distance running stars of the future.

2000-2009 (FRAILING)

The first decade of the 21st century was low on top marks and fast times but high on spirit. Monica Frailing stands out as the top Downey runner of the decade. Her abilities and accomplishments in the face of physical distress are simply jaw dropping. The rest of the teams and athletes of this decade had limited success, but their camaraderie was at an all-time high.



Moni Frailing


MONICA FRAILING
Moni Frailing's story is a remarkable one. With very limited XC experience she set a course record in her first invitational meet. Unfortunately, during the same race she suffered a stress fracture in her tibia. She would spend the entire regular XC season doing workouts in the swimming pool. In her first race back (the league championship) she would break another course record (a mark that still stands).

2004 11th grade TDHS 4th SJS 3200m track2004 12th grade TDHS 1st MMC 17:46  3.03 Legion Park course record
2004 12th grade TDHS 3rd team All Nor-Cal XC, 14th place 18:41 5K@State XC
2004 12th grade TDHS 11:09 3200m track (#2 all-time TDHS list); 5:09.0 1600m track (#2 all-time TDHS list)

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