Westlake High got some big-time leadership from a sophomore runner Thursday when it captured its first Marmonte League boys cross country championship since 1979.

Mikey Giguere's won the individual title in 15 minutes, 18 seconds. He overtook Sam Worley of Thousand Oaks in the last mile and beat him by 31 seconds.

Despite being an underclassman, Giguere has assumed an important role for the Warriors.

"Mikey did an awesome job for us," coach Joe Snyder said after the race at Agoura High. "He's a 10th-grader who has been coming along all season to do a fantastic job for us. He's embraced the leadership role of leading the guys."

Giguere's plans in the league meet worked to a "T" for him, or perhaps it should be a "W."

"My strategy was to take it easy the first two miles," he said, "and then I started trying to get to the front after the second mile. It took all I had left to get back."

HOLLAND'S TUNNEL VISION

Brianne Holland of Royal appeared to have the inside track on finishing second at the Marmonte League girls final, but the freshman was overtaken in the last 200 meters of the race by Simi Valley's Erika Barr. Simi's Sarah Baxter finished first.

Holland still beat her best time by 30 seconds and was wise beyond her freshman years in analyzing the race afterward.

"It was a little (disappointing)," she said, "but you just have to get beat sometimes. On the other hand, I PR'd, so I'm still happy with my race."

Holland shouldn't have any problems qualifying for the CIF-State finals on Nov. 26, but she would love to have some company from her Highlanders teammates if they can qualify.

"I'm really looking forward to hoping that the team makes it," Holland said, "because last year they only had Sophie (Mateu, now a senior) that made it to state. But I really hope that the team makes it to state so it's more enjoyable and I'm really excited for it."