Bob Fraley, who has spent a lifetime championing the opportunities that track and field and cross country offer to athletes of all race and gender, will stand near the finish line at Woodward Park on Saturday and applaud coach Rich Parris.

Regardless if Parris' Madera South boys team actually makes a serious run at nationally fourth-ranked Arcadia and Southern Section king Warren-Downey in the 9:40 a.m. Division I race of the CIF State Cross Country Championships, former Fresno State coach Fraley will surely admire the continued ascent in purple and black.

And it all begins with Parrish in one of the most remarkable sports stories the Central Section has known.

"He gives them hope," Fraley says.