Photo by: SMC Athletics / Piper Westrom
MXCTF | Meet the New Gaels
8/1/2024 6:01:00 PM | Men's Track and Field, Men's Cross Country
MORAGA, Calif. — Head Coach Harlan Lopez continues to see the growth of the Saint Mary's Men's Cross Country and Track programs since taking the helm in 2022. A hefty recruiting class incoming for the 2024-25 season could make this year the best to date for the program. The team welcomes seven to join the 26 returners ahead of their first race of the year, slated for the final week of August.
About his incoming class, Coach Lopez noted:
"The 2024 SMC recruiting class is the most talented class we have ever recruited. We have a
great balance with four freshmen and four transfers which brings youth and experience. Along
with being great athletes they are all well rounded individuals which is very important for our
program. We expect some immediate impacts from some of these guys and it's going to be a lot
of fun this year."
Let's meet the new Gael additions:
TK Berhe | 5-7 | Grad Student | University of La Verne | San Diego, Calif.
PRs: 2:07.22 (800m), 4:00.33 (1500m), 4:38.72 (Mile), 8:41.97 (3000m), 14:30.96 (5000m), 29:39.55 (10,000m), 20:23.2 (6K Cross Country), 24:33.7 (8K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: 5x All Region, 4x All Conference, 5x All Academic Team, 3x National Championship Qualifier, Team Captain
Projected Major: Business Analytics
Why He Chose Saint Mary's: I chose Saint Mary's for their excellent academic curriculum along with their great running program.
From Coach Lopez: "We are thrilled to finally have TK at Saint Mary's. We recruited TK while he was in high school and he chose to stay closer to home for his undergraduate studies. He had an excellent career at La Verne and I am excited for the opportunity to coach him while he is in graduate school for his Master of Science in Management and Technology."
Amelio Chio | 6-0 | Grad Student | San Jose State | Cathedral City, Calif.
PRs: 4:08.07 (1500m), 4:32.35 (Mile), 9:07.91 (3000m), 15:23.11 (5000m), 34:14.68 (10,000m), 24:48.2 (8K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: Team Captain for San Jose State and College of the Desert, State Qualifier for COD, Coach Program record in the 8k for San Jose State
Projected Major: Marriage and Family Therapy/Professional Clinical Counseling
Why He Chose Saint Mary's: I chose Saint Mary's because of the smaller school feeling, the ability to grow as an individual, and being able to run fast with guys at my level and the potential to compete on the national stage seemed more open.
From Coach Lopez: "Amelio is no stranger to Saint Mary's as he was always an athlete to watch out for when we raced San Jose State. He is an amazing person and we are lucky to have him at SMC. He brings D1 experience with him that will be invaluable to our team. We expect big things from Amelio and he has yet to show his true potential."
Aidan Doherty | 5-9 | Freshman | Menlo-Atherton HS | Menlo Park, Calif.
PRs: 42.46 (300m), 1:59.60 (800m), 3:28.72 (1200m), 4:07.66 (1500m), 4:17.07 (Mile), 8:58.38 (3000m), 9:35.94 (Two Mile), 4' 10" (High Jump), 15:49.9 (5K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: 6x All-League, 4x Team MVP
Projected Major: Kinesiology
Why He Chose Saint Mary's: Coach Harlan's ambitions for this team, lined up with my goals for myself in college running. Combined with the small class sizes and tightly knit community made Saint Mary's the obvious choice for me.
From Coach Lopez: "Aidan had a breakout season his senior year track season because of his relentless work ethic. When he came on his visit to Saint Mary's he immediately meshed well with our guys and it was obvious he would be a great fit here. I am very excited to watch his
growth the next few years."
Anthony Erickson | 6-1 | Junior | Cuesta College | Los Osos, Calif.
PRs: 1:58.65 (800m), 3:51.39 (1500m), 8:35.73 (3000m), 19:57.4 (Four Mile Cross Country)
Accomplishments: CCCAA SoCal 1500m Champion
Projected Major: Sociology
Why He Chose Saint Mary's: I chose Saint Mary's because it is a very prestigious and high quality school and I thought the team and coaches were guys that were going to help me improve in running and help me reach my goals.
From Coach Lopez: "We have had several California Community College transfers the last few years and we found another gem in Anthony. Anthony won a lot of races in cross
country and track and competed very well at the State Meet in both. Anthony is a tireless worker and I am thrilled he will be at SMC this fall."
Zane Jackson | 5-9 | Grad Student | Elon | Charleston, S.C.
PRs: 3:56.61 (1500m), 4:21.46 (Mile), 8:26.68 (3000m), 14:29.72 (5000m), 18:17.1 (6K Cross Country), 24:29.7 (8K Cross Country), 31:51.6 (10K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: Team MVP, team leadership award, CAA conference leadership award
Projected Major: Kinesiology
Why He Chose Saint Mary's: When I came on my visit, I felt a connection with the team and saw myself enjoying their company if I were to join. I was really able to see myself living and enjoying my time in the Bay Area.
From Coach Lopez: "Zane has such a positive and energetic personality. From the first phone conversation I had with Zane I knew we wanted him to be at Saint Mary's for his graduate
studies. He is moving across the country from Elon University in North Carolina to a new coast and we are excited for what he will bring to the program."
Daniel Martinez | 5-9 | Freshman | Clayton Valley Charter | Concord, Calif.
PRs: 50.75 (400m), 1:59.85 (800m), 4:02.12 (1500m), 4:11.92 (Mile), 9:20.25 (Two Mile), 15:37.1 (5K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: 2024 NCS 4x400m Champion, 2023 NCS 4x800m Champion,
Projected Major: Accounting
Why He Chose Saint Mary's: I chose Saint Mary's because it is close to home and the on-campus community is smaller, which is better for engagement. I am also looking forward to running for and representing Saint Mary's for track and cross country,
From Coach Lopez: "Daniel is a local product and the fastest high school 1600 meter run we have had come to Saint Mary's in a very long time, possibly ever. He also has outstanding speed and was on his high school's state 4x400 meter team which is very impressive. He is going to do some very special things while at SMC."
Andrew Perez | 5-6 | Freshman | St John Bosco HS | Downey, Calif.
PRs: 57.55 (400m), 2:04.48 (800m), 4:23.56 (Mile), 9:28.48 (Two Mile), 15:51.5 (5K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: 2020 2nd Team All Trinity League, 2021 1st Team All Trinity League, 2022 1st Team All Trinity League, 2023 1st Team All Trinity League, 4x Long Beach Press Telegram XC Dream Team, 2020-21 Scholar-Athlete of the Year, 2020 Cross Country Coaches Award, 2021 Cross Country Brave Award, 2022 Track & Field Sophomore MVP, 2022 Cross Country Junior MVP, 2023 Cross Country Senior MVP, 2024 Track & Field Coaches Award
Projected Major: Business Administration
Why He Chose Saint Mary's: I choose Saint Mary's because of the growth of the team and the location of the college itself.
From Coach Lopez: "The enthusiasm and energy Andrew will bring to our program will be unparalleled. He has a knowledge and drive in our sport that will be contagious to our entire
team. I see Andrew being a leader of this team in years to come and I look forward to watching his progression."
Zach Zlobinsky | 6-3 | Freshman | Burlingame HS | San Mateo, Calif.
PRs: 56.39 (400m), 2:05.28 (800m), 4:47.62 (Mile), 11:21.61 (Two Mile)
Accomplishments: 5th at AAU Junior Olympics in 2023
Projected Major: History/Philosophy
Why He Chose Saint Mary's: I chose Saint Mary's to help me pursue both academics and sports at the same time.
From Coach Lopez: "The passion and excitement Zach has for our sport is just awesome. Zach is underdeveloped and has huge upside over the next few years. He understands what it is going to take to excel at the next level and he is ready for the challenge."
#GaelsRise
About his incoming class, Coach Lopez noted:
"The 2024 SMC recruiting class is the most talented class we have ever recruited. We have a
great balance with four freshmen and four transfers which brings youth and experience. Along
with being great athletes they are all well rounded individuals which is very important for our
program. We expect some immediate impacts from some of these guys and it's going to be a lot
of fun this year."
Let's meet the new Gael additions:
TK Berhe | 5-7 | Grad Student | University of La Verne | San Diego, Calif.
PRs: 2:07.22 (800m), 4:00.33 (1500m), 4:38.72 (Mile), 8:41.97 (3000m), 14:30.96 (5000m), 29:39.55 (10,000m), 20:23.2 (6K Cross Country), 24:33.7 (8K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: 5x All Region, 4x All Conference, 5x All Academic Team, 3x National Championship Qualifier, Team Captain
Projected Major: Business Analytics
Why He Chose Saint Mary's: I chose Saint Mary's for their excellent academic curriculum along with their great running program.
From Coach Lopez: "We are thrilled to finally have TK at Saint Mary's. We recruited TK while he was in high school and he chose to stay closer to home for his undergraduate studies. He had an excellent career at La Verne and I am excited for the opportunity to coach him while he is in graduate school for his Master of Science in Management and Technology."
Amelio Chio | 6-0 | Grad Student | San Jose State | Cathedral City, Calif.
PRs: 4:08.07 (1500m), 4:32.35 (Mile), 9:07.91 (3000m), 15:23.11 (5000m), 34:14.68 (10,000m), 24:48.2 (8K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: Team Captain for San Jose State and College of the Desert, State Qualifier for COD, Coach Program record in the 8k for San Jose State
Projected Major: Marriage and Family Therapy/Professional Clinical Counseling
Why He Chose Saint Mary's: I chose Saint Mary's because of the smaller school feeling, the ability to grow as an individual, and being able to run fast with guys at my level and the potential to compete on the national stage seemed more open.
From Coach Lopez: "Amelio is no stranger to Saint Mary's as he was always an athlete to watch out for when we raced San Jose State. He is an amazing person and we are lucky to have him at SMC. He brings D1 experience with him that will be invaluable to our team. We expect big things from Amelio and he has yet to show his true potential."
Aidan Doherty | 5-9 | Freshman | Menlo-Atherton HS | Menlo Park, Calif.
PRs: 42.46 (300m), 1:59.60 (800m), 3:28.72 (1200m), 4:07.66 (1500m), 4:17.07 (Mile), 8:58.38 (3000m), 9:35.94 (Two Mile), 4' 10" (High Jump), 15:49.9 (5K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: 6x All-League, 4x Team MVP
Projected Major: Kinesiology
Why He Chose Saint Mary's: Coach Harlan's ambitions for this team, lined up with my goals for myself in college running. Combined with the small class sizes and tightly knit community made Saint Mary's the obvious choice for me.
From Coach Lopez: "Aidan had a breakout season his senior year track season because of his relentless work ethic. When he came on his visit to Saint Mary's he immediately meshed well with our guys and it was obvious he would be a great fit here. I am very excited to watch his
growth the next few years."
Anthony Erickson | 6-1 | Junior | Cuesta College | Los Osos, Calif.
PRs: 1:58.65 (800m), 3:51.39 (1500m), 8:35.73 (3000m), 19:57.4 (Four Mile Cross Country)
Accomplishments: CCCAA SoCal 1500m Champion
Projected Major: Sociology
Why He Chose Saint Mary's: I chose Saint Mary's because it is a very prestigious and high quality school and I thought the team and coaches were guys that were going to help me improve in running and help me reach my goals.
From Coach Lopez: "We have had several California Community College transfers the last few years and we found another gem in Anthony. Anthony won a lot of races in cross
country and track and competed very well at the State Meet in both. Anthony is a tireless worker and I am thrilled he will be at SMC this fall."
Zane Jackson | 5-9 | Grad Student | Elon | Charleston, S.C.
PRs: 3:56.61 (1500m), 4:21.46 (Mile), 8:26.68 (3000m), 14:29.72 (5000m), 18:17.1 (6K Cross Country), 24:29.7 (8K Cross Country), 31:51.6 (10K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: Team MVP, team leadership award, CAA conference leadership award
Projected Major: Kinesiology
Why He Chose Saint Mary's: When I came on my visit, I felt a connection with the team and saw myself enjoying their company if I were to join. I was really able to see myself living and enjoying my time in the Bay Area.
From Coach Lopez: "Zane has such a positive and energetic personality. From the first phone conversation I had with Zane I knew we wanted him to be at Saint Mary's for his graduate
studies. He is moving across the country from Elon University in North Carolina to a new coast and we are excited for what he will bring to the program."
Daniel Martinez | 5-9 | Freshman | Clayton Valley Charter | Concord, Calif.
PRs: 50.75 (400m), 1:59.85 (800m), 4:02.12 (1500m), 4:11.92 (Mile), 9:20.25 (Two Mile), 15:37.1 (5K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: 2024 NCS 4x400m Champion, 2023 NCS 4x800m Champion,
Projected Major: Accounting
Why He Chose Saint Mary's: I chose Saint Mary's because it is close to home and the on-campus community is smaller, which is better for engagement. I am also looking forward to running for and representing Saint Mary's for track and cross country,
From Coach Lopez: "Daniel is a local product and the fastest high school 1600 meter run we have had come to Saint Mary's in a very long time, possibly ever. He also has outstanding speed and was on his high school's state 4x400 meter team which is very impressive. He is going to do some very special things while at SMC."
Andrew Perez | 5-6 | Freshman | St John Bosco HS | Downey, Calif.
PRs: 57.55 (400m), 2:04.48 (800m), 4:23.56 (Mile), 9:28.48 (Two Mile), 15:51.5 (5K Cross Country)
Accomplishments: 2020 2nd Team All Trinity League, 2021 1st Team All Trinity League, 2022 1st Team All Trinity League, 2023 1st Team All Trinity League, 4x Long Beach Press Telegram XC Dream Team, 2020-21 Scholar-Athlete of the Year, 2020 Cross Country Coaches Award, 2021 Cross Country Brave Award, 2022 Track & Field Sophomore MVP, 2022 Cross Country Junior MVP, 2023 Cross Country Senior MVP, 2024 Track & Field Coaches Award
Projected Major: Business Administration
Why He Chose Saint Mary's: I choose Saint Mary's because of the growth of the team and the location of the college itself.
From Coach Lopez: "The enthusiasm and energy Andrew will bring to our program will be unparalleled. He has a knowledge and drive in our sport that will be contagious to our entire
team. I see Andrew being a leader of this team in years to come and I look forward to watching his progression."
Zach Zlobinsky | 6-3 | Freshman | Burlingame HS | San Mateo, Calif.
PRs: 56.39 (400m), 2:05.28 (800m), 4:47.62 (Mile), 11:21.61 (Two Mile)
Accomplishments: 5th at AAU Junior Olympics in 2023
Projected Major: History/Philosophy
Why He Chose Saint Mary's: I chose Saint Mary's to help me pursue both academics and sports at the same time.
From Coach Lopez: "The passion and excitement Zach has for our sport is just awesome. Zach is underdeveloped and has huge upside over the next few years. He understands what it is going to take to excel at the next level and he is ready for the challenge."
#GaelsRise
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
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