Three Then Two

What should have been a great Bakersfield end to the valley meet has ended up being marred in controversy and conspiracy theories. Instead of marveling at Centennial's amazing race and the spectacular finish, many are dwelling on the negative.

From what I have pieced together, it all came down to a baton being thrown for some unknown reason and not ready for prime time results being flashed on the big board to soon.

All I want to say is "What a Brilliant Race!" and congratulations Myren, Jim, Matt and Thomas!

2009 Men 4x400 Meter Relay
# School Finals
1 Centennial 3:19.94
2 Ridgeview 3:20.23
3 Buchanan 3:22.29
4 Clovis East 3:22.67
5 Bullard 3:23.21
6 Tulare Western 3:23.86
7 Redwood 3:24.93
8 El Diamente 3:25.12
9 Edison 3:25.94
10 Highland 3:27.26
11 Clovis 3:30.14
12 Hanford West 3:30.30
13 Bakersfield 3:30.33
14 Clovis West 3:33.60
15 Selma 3:34.29
16 Yosemite 3:36.19
-- Tehachapi DQ
-- Liberty DQ

The valley meet record for the 4x400 meter relay is: 3:13.45a edison-fre '79 and the valley meet record is: 3:14.83a bakersfield '02

2008 valley meet results: 1-edison-fr 3:17.86a 2-liberty-bk 3:18.95a 3-bakersfield 3:20.06a 4-clovis east 3:22.40a 5-stockdale-bk 3:22.82a 6-centennial-bk 3:23.09a

For the first time in awhile, Edison and Bakersfield High were nowhere near the top of the valley rankings. With Purvis transferring to Ridgeview, it made them an immediate player in the 1600 relay and Liberty reloaded and was looking for a return trip to state. Last year Liberty came in 13th and Bakersfield came in 17th in the state prelims.

This year, Centennial joined the ranks of state bound 4 x 400 squads.