School: Buchanan

He's qualified because: Became the first coach this side of Bakersfield High to win three straight Central Section boys track and field team titles in the 93-year history of the meet. The others were Bakersfield's Dwight "Goldie" Griffith (3, 1921-23), J.B. "Cap" Haralson (4, 1937-40) and Mark Perry (3, 1993-95). In addition, Buchanan's 108 points in this year's section finals rank third in section history to Bakersfield's 126 in 1984 and Coalinga's 121 in 1917.

Dream Weaver: The numbers of recognition are mounting for Weaver, clearly the most successful coach in the sport – high school, junior college and college – in the Central Valley today. The Bee Coach of the Year honor is his eighth, combining cross country and track and field. He's produced a combined nine boys and girls section team titles in the two sports; and, including his role as a former assistant, he's been involved in 19 section cross country boys and girls team championships in 20 years at the school.

Numbers that really matter: The secret to team success in track and field is clear, if not difficult to achieve – depth. Buchanan had 184 boys and girls involved this season. The Bears have had as many as 204. Yet Weaver takes little credit: "The biggest recruiters are the athletes; they get their friends out. Yes, I talk to kids in all of my P.E. classes, and all my assistants talk to kids. But, most of all, we ask our kids on the team: 'Bring a friend.' " This season, the bring-a-buddy system resulted in Buchanan's boys scoring in 12 of 16 events in the section finals, winning four and having at least three medalists in three events.

Weaver says: "I knew we would do well, but I didn't know how well. We had people in most every area and they were hard-working kids who truly enjoyed the sport of track and field. They knew how to perform without us hovering over them; they executed the job. They were just a phenomenal group of kids with a lot of desire, which made me look good."