Nation’s top high school cross country runner Marcelo Mantecon eyeing 3rd state title with Belen Jesuit Prep

When you re the number one ranked high school cross country runner in the entire nation, you get used to looking over your shoulder. However, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School cross country star Marcelo Mantecon has gotten used to being hunted in any race he runs. I m always ready for anything, and I always have an extra gear in the tank, and even if they don t come back, I m always trying to push myself the hardest I can, he said. Mantecon, the number one ranked high school boys cross country runner in the U.S., just led Belen to their 23rd straight district title. Frankie Ruiz has been his coach since he started running in grade school. Everybody wants to take down the champion. I hate to be Marcelo, because every race, somebody s waiting for you to have your bad race, and your target on your back just gets bigger and bigger and bigger, said Ruiz. The better the athlete, the more glory there is, I guess. Taking the athlete and beating him, right? Getting beat in