SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lancers cross country team began summer workouts last week in preparation for the quickly upcoming fall season, and are looking to put together the building blocks for a successful program under new head coach Charlie Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, who spent the previous six years coaching both the track distance and girls soccer teams at Diamond Ranch High School in Pomona, Calif., immediately mentioned wanting to build a positive and successful culture when asked what his goals were for his team during the upcoming season.

“We want to build a culture,” Gonzalez said. “It’s our first year here, and we just want to build a good culture that’s competitive. Get more kids out here and develop good work ethic.”

On the boys side, sophomore Charli Ramirez-Oliva, who finished in fifth place in the freshman two-mile race at the Sac Joaquin Section Championships a year ago, figures to have an impact. As for the Lady Lancers, Gonzalez mentioned junior Leslie Rojas when asked who he expects to be a key member of the team this season. Sophomore Sophia Caseres is a newcomer to the program who has quickly made a good first impression on the Lancers’ new coach as well.

It has been so far, so good according to Gonzalez, who is excited to get the program up and moving.

“It’s nice,” Gonzalez said. “The facilities are nice, there are trails right next to the school. It’s been good so far.”

This season the team will be moving into the competitive Metro League, which will provide a new challenge for the program. Although it is his first season at Cordova, Gonzalez has quickly familiarized himself with at least one upcoming opponent.

“The competition is going to be a lot tougher,” he said. “With McClatchy there, and being one of the better teams in cross country, it’s exciting. We'll have good competition that will make us work even harder to get to our goals."

The Lancers will start the season on August 24 at the Sierra Invitational located at Sierra College.