University’s Marquand Flashes to Front of Pack

IRVINE —  University High sophomore Allyson Marquand insists she’s just another high school student--well, except that she is regarded as the best prep girls’ cross-country runner in Orange County.

Marquand already has accomplished many things that only the finest runners in county history have accomplished. And she is also a top-flight soccer player, earning a spot on the Olympic Regional Development 16-and-under squad.

Marquand’s speedy performances on cross-country courses are already comparable to county legends like Polly Plumer of University and Shelley Taylor of Edison, both of whom won multiple Southern Section championships and ran at UCLA.

“I think you can put Allyson up there with those great runners too,” University Coach Janice Rolfing said.

But Marquand shies away from that pedestal.

“I’m not a superwoman,” Marquand said. “I spend time with my family like everyone else, I have a boyfriend, I like hanging out with my friends, I have to do homework.”

Marquand laughs at the notion that she is unbeatable. It’s simply hard to picture this petite runner intimidating anyone, especially if she’s wearing her Sesame Street Grover socks.

But her performances are undeniable.

Last season, Marquand won the Division II-AA individual title, finishing Mt. San Antonio College’s course in 17 minutes 38 seconds, the third-best section time by a freshman. She followed it up with a fifth-place finish in the state Division II race.

During soccer season, Marquand helped the Trojans finish second in the Pacific Coast League and also earned first-team all-league honors.

As a sophomore, Marquand won the Orange County championships for the second consecutive year. Last weekend, she qualified for her second consecutive trip to the state meet by finishing second to Palmdale Highland’s Andrea Neipp in the Division II race.

Still, what was one of the biggest highlights for her?

“I finally got my [learner’s] permit [to drive],” said Marquand, who won’t turn 16 until July. “I think my dad will really be happy when I get my license. He drives me everywhere.”

And the Marquands have plenty of driving to do.

Allyson’s parents, Mike and Anne, get to cart around Allyson and her sisters Jennifer, 11, and Nicole, 8, who also play soccer.

Because Allyson plays club soccer with the Mission Viejo Mirage, a typical weekday includes University cross-country workouts after school until 4:30 p.m., then a drive to Mission Viejo for practice until 8 p.m., then back home for a late dinner.

“Running is a big part of my life, but it’s not my whole life,” Marquand said.

Marquand is not about to give up anything for running and she plans to continue to play soccer. And why not?

“I think she could play soccer or run cross country at the Division I college level,” said University girls’ soccer Coach Evelyn Yeager, who is in her fifth year. “She’s an aggressive, tenacious defender.

“She really frustrates the player she’s marking because she never seems to get tired. She just might not have the size right now to play Division I. But she’s young; she has everything else.”

Although Marquand has already attained most of the individual titles available in cross country--except a state title or Foot Locker National championships berth--she was still disappointed after the Trojans finished fifth at Saturday’s section meet and missed qualifying for the state meet as a team.

Marquand also lost a race for the first time this season, finishing 22 seconds behind Neipp, but still qualified for state as an individual.

“I think we were counting on making it as a team,” Marquand said. “It was hard for me to be happy even though I made it as an individual.”

Although most of her teammates were saddened by not qualifying for the state meet, five of Marquand’s teammates will make the trip anyway to root on their teammate.

“They’ll get to experience it anyway,” Rolfing said. “I’m hoping they’s see what it’s like and that will motivate them even more next season.”

And that future has Marquand excited.

Before looking to next season though, Marquand wants to finish in the top five at the state meet and qualify for the Foot Locker National championships with a good performance at the Foot Locker Western Regionals Dec. 7.

And don’t be surprised if Marquand accomplishes those goals soon.

“She is a very competitive person and she’s also a great leader with the team,” Rolfing said. “That tenacity combined with her natural abilities . . . well, an athlete like Allyson doesn’t come around that often.”

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Among the Best

Although only a sophomore, Allyson Marquand has already proved she ranks with the county’s all-time elite runners. Here are some of the fastest county performances on Mt. San Antonio College’s three-mile course, site of the Southern Section finals since 1981:

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Name Class School Year Time Polly Plumer Sr. University 1981 17:27 Shelley Taylor Sr. Edison 1991 17:29 Shelley Taylor Jr. Edison 1990 17:37 Allyson Marquand Fr. University 1995 17:38 Teresa Barrios So. University 1981 17:43 Heather Garritson Fr. Buena Park 1994 17:49 Shelly Taylor So. Edison 1989 17:50 Allyson Marquand So. University 1996 17:51

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