This is the first year that Otay Ranch High School will field a senior class, not that its boys and girls cross country teams have been particularly lacking for success over the past two seasons without a senior class. Just consider this:

•The Mustangs boys team has either won outright or shared the last two South Bay League cross country championship titles while placing second in the San Diego Section Division IV championship finals in its inaugural campaign (earning a trip to the state finals in the process).

•Both the Otay Ranch boys and girls teams completed undefeated dual meet seasons last year.

Photo: Jasmine Leija, left, and Jazmine Schoonmaker both earned First Team All-South Bay League honors last year.

In essence, the team’s sophomores and juniors took it to heights seldom visited by few established varsity programs. The team’s success stands as tribute to the team’s hard work and dedication as well as its astute coaches.

However, the addition of seniors — and a lineup spanning four grade levels — will speak volumes for the team in terms of leadership, veteran experience and, of course, depth this season.

"Both the boys and girls teams have done very well without seniors to this point which is a great tribute to our present juniors and seniors. These students led the way without the benefit of role models who were trained in the habits and traditions which go into building and maintaining a successful and enjoyable cross country team," Mustang head coach Ian Cumming said. "Our young leaders of the past two seasons were able to lead us to two league championships on the boys side and an undefeated dual meet season on the girls side last year despite dealing with many injuries. Their ability to stay positive even in the most challenging times is what allowed our teams to have a high degree of success, including a second place finish in Division IV of CIF in the school’s first year."

The Mustangs’ maturing leadership should be tested this season. Otay Ranch moved up to the Division III enrollment level last year and will jump all the way to the Division II level this season.

Cumming and his staff, however, can count on veteran experience to help carry the load this year.

"Basically we have everyone back who was a factor at the end of last year," the Mustang coach said.

The girls team can count on a pair of First team All-South Bay League returners in senior Jasmine Leija and junior Jazmine Schoonmaker. Otay Ranch can also count on senior Jessi Tinsley, who won last year’s junior varsity league title, as well as Natalie Dygert and Estefania Fregoso, both of whom were injured and did not race at last year’s league finals.

Sophomore Tina Poole should also be a factor after recuperating from back problems that sidelined her as well at last year’s league championship meet.

"We also have several other returnees along with a few freshmen who could move into the top seven runners," Cumming said.

There is a lot of expectation to see just what the Mustangs’ boys squad can accomplish this season in a traditionally deeper talent field against Division II schools. This group has already accomplished so much and a prolific ending for its senior leaders would seem to be on order.

Photo: Ernesto Valdez led the Mustangs boys team at last year's South Bay League finals.

The Mustangs return four First Team All-South Bay League runners: Matt Danielson, Ryan Matias, Ricky Pimentel and Ernesto Valdez. With the exception of Pimentel, all are seniors this year.

Cumming credited Marc Corrales, Ivan Dallet and Jesse Matias, along with Michael Limon, also to have contributed significantly to the team’s success last year. Corrales is a senior this year while Dallet and Jesse Matias are both juniors.

But that veteran group expects to be pushed, Cumming suggested.

"There are many other returnees who have put in many miles over the summer to earn a shot at the top seven," the Otay Ranch coach said.

Heading that group of newcomers are Leon Medina and Brandon Velasquez. "Add to this mix several newcomers, including freshman, who look strong and our depth should be very good," Cumming said.

Danielson (22nd), Valdez (32nd), Ryan Matias (33rd), Dallet (36th) and Pimentel (37) all managed top 40 finishes (out of 103 runners) in last year’s Division III finals. Valdez finished second at last year’s league championship meet while Danielson was sixth,Matias was seventh and Pimentel was 10th in the field of South Bay League harriers. The Mustangs’ five-man spread at CIF was 32 seconds.

Photo: Matt Danielson led the Mustangs boys team at last year's CIF Division III finals.

Leadership includes more than just winning medals, however.

"The difference I have seen this year is that the leaders now understand how important it is for them to share with the underclassmen the concepts and habits which helped the team to be successful to this point in time. This is especially impressive since these leaders have never had anyone to set the example for them. They are starting to understand how their example and words of positive encouragement have a strong effect on the motivation and work ethic of our newer runners," Cumming said.

The 2005 high school cross country season kicks off with the West Hills Wolf Pack Invitational on Sept. 2, followed by the Vaquero Stampede on Sept. 3 and the Mustang Invitational Sept. 9.

Other invitationals include the Bronco Roundup on Sept. 10, the Mt. Carmel Invitational on Sept. 17, the South Bay Invitational on Sept. 23, the Saints Small Schools Invitational on Sept. 30, the Southern California Invitational on Oct. 15, the Jaguar Invitational on Oct. 21 and the Mt. SAC Invitational Oct. 21-22.

This year’s section championship meet is scheduled Nov. 19 at Balboa Park’s Morley Field. The state finals are Nov. 26 in Fresno.