The Powers that be

Camarillo cross country standout is primed for big senior season



TRAINING DAY—Lauren Powers is a standout senior long-distance runner for the Camarillo High girls’ cross country team.

TRAINING DAY—Lauren Powers is a standout senior long-distance runner for the Camarillo High girls’ cross country team.

Lauren Powers didn’t attract much attention when she joined the Camarillo High cross country team four years ago.

She was a shy freshman who chose the sport because her father, Dwayne, and sister, Candace, ran in high school.

Scorpions’ head coach Mary Perez barely even noticed the younger Powers.

“She was hard to notice because she was so quiet,” Perez said of Powers. “She never complained about workouts. She just got through them.”

ON THE ROAD AGAIN—Camarillo girls’ cross country runners train along Adolfo Road. The Scorpion 4-way is at 3 p.m. on Sept. 9 at home.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN—Camarillo girls’ cross country runners train along Adolfo Road. The Scorpion 4-way is at 3 p.m. on Sept. 9 at home.

Powers’ drive to improve kept her coming back for more.

“That season alone, she improved almost four minutes on her time,” Perez said of Powers. “From there, she decided she wanted to be a runner. She wants to compete. She’s very determined.”

Since her freshman season, Powers, 17, has constantly topped her personal bests. The senior standout cut five minutes off her first times and is working on topping her best three-mile time of 18 minutes, 56 seconds, which she set at the Woodbridge Invitational last year.

WARM UP—Camarillo boys’ cross country runners train on Sept. 1.

WARM UP—Camarillo boys’ cross country runners train on Sept. 1.

So what’s her secret?

“I honestly have no idea,” Powers said.

“I just worked really hard and came to practice every day. I didn’t do anything special.”

Powers’ teammates know what’s special about the humble team captain.

“She really pushes herself,” junior Kylee Yturralde said of Powers. “If she says she’s going to do something, she’s going to do it. There are no ifs, ands or buts about it.”

Perez said Powers’ work ethic is unparalleled.

“She’s extremely hardworking,” Perez said. “She’s someone you almost want to tell to ease up a little bit and take a break.”

Powers took a week off this summer to vacation in Hawaii with teammates Sonali Mayer, Danielle Berejikian, Brenda Cortes and Yturralde, but the Scorpion is in midseason form. She trains six days a week by running between four and nine miles.

There’s no time for a siesta. Powers has big goals for her final year as a Scorpion.

“I want to beat my times from last year,” she said. “I want to beat 19 minutes at Mt. SAC this year. I also hope my team and I can get to CIF finals.”

She’s also a workhorse in the classroom.

Powers, who has a 4.38 grade-point average, takes six Advanced Placement classes. She hopes to attend UC Berkeley after high school.

When she’s not training or hitting the books, Powers spends time with Yturralde, a close friend.

Yturralde said Powers is one of a kind.

“She’s super nice,” Yturralde said of Powers. “If you need anything, she’s there for you. She’s the type of person to drop off candy at your door if you’re having a bad day.”

Hardworking, smart, dedicated . . . and she brings candy. What’s not to like about Lauren Powers?

“She’s a great example of somebody who’s earned everything,” Perez said. “It’s not just about pure talent—it’s a matter of hard work. She comes with a positive attitude every day and she’s ready to work.

“She’s the perfect role model for a team.”

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THE SCORPIONS

Camarillo is ready to make a move to the top of the Coastal Canyon League standings.

Seniors Marissa Gonzales and Keira Buchheit-Parker and junior Kylee Yturralde and Chrissy Robins lead the girls’ team, which finished third at league finals last year.

A trio of seniors—Fisher Price, Allan Nichols and Daniel Gomez—boost the boys’ squad, which took fourth at league fi- nals in 2014. Expect sophomore Spencer Gravel to have another impressive season. Freshman Mark Pizza is a Scorpion to watch.

The Scorpions kicked off the season at the Oak Park Invitational on Thursday. Camarillo hosts the Scorpion 4-way at 3 p.m. on Wed., Sept. 9.

“We’re looking good,” girls’ head coach Mary Perez said of the Scorpions. “We’re excited for the season.”