Saturday Night is Alright for ...

The Boys 3200 will be at 8pm on Saturday night. Prime time! The battle for first should be between the usual suspects: Schwartz, Sanchez and Vilhauer from the 1600 and Sanchez's teammate Reedy should be right there for those three qualifying spots for state. The At-Large Standard for the 3200 is 9:12:57 so the Central section could send four athletes to the state meet

The Buchanan athletes will have added incentive to do well because their team is favored to win the team valley title and valley and state are on their home track.

Event 18 Men 3200 Meter Run
Saturday 5/23/2009 - 8:00 PM
Lane Name Yr School Seed Time

Section 1 of 1 Finals
1 Schwartz, Chris Foothill 9:35.06 ______
2 Sanchez, Jonathan Buchanan 9:37.78 ______
3 Vilhauer, Justin 10 Redwood 9:39.51 ______
4 Reedy, Heath Buchanan 9:42.74 ______
5 Lorenzo, Isaiah Madera South 9:43.20 ______
6 Sanchez, Johnny Roosevelt 9:43.47 ______
7 Baker, Robby Ridgeview 9:46.25 ______
8 Freeman, Jason Clovis East 9:46.89 ______
9 Ariey, Andrew Bakersfield 9:47.59 ______
10 Villaplando, Jesus Shafter 9:50.87 ______
11 Albertson, C. J. Buchanan 9:51.97 ______
12 Chavez, Jesus 12 Golden West 9:54.37 ______
13 Rodriguez, Antonio Washingon Unio 9:54.60 ______
14 Levy, Kellen Clovis West 9:55.24 ______
15 Kelly, Curtis Stockdale 9:55.58 ______
16 Cisneros, Alfonso McFarland 9:59.03 ______
17 Uranga, Xavier 11 Redwood 10:03.60 ______
18 Guerrero, Daniel 11 Redwood 10:12.71 ______

Alternates
1 Garcia, Alex Ridgeview 9:58.59
2 Perez, Jose Parlier 10:08.63
3 Baranard, Kevin Buchanan 10:08.85

top marks '09
c-1 9:02.71a ++justin vilhauer,redwood-vis 4-11 arcadia
n-1 9:04.30a jonathan sanchez,buchanan-clo 4-11 arcadia
s-1 9:12.57a chris schwartz,foothill-bk    4-17 mt sac
n-2 9:15.12a heath reedy,buchanan-cl       4-4  WCR
9:27.99a ss taylor castanon,mission college 4-10 arcadia
n-4 9:23.27a +johnny sanchez,roosevelt-fr     4-10 arcadia
9:35.37a adam delton,buchanan-clo        3-28 CV classic
9:35.64a ++mizreal mendez,mt whitney-vis 3-27 exe monarch
9:37.87a danny vartanian,buchanan-clo    3-7  SSC
n-5 9:40.36a jason freeman,clo east        4-24 SMC
9:42.40a cole younger,mt whitney-vis     4-17 lemoore
  9:43.11a robby baker,ridgeview-bk        4-4  WCR
n-3 9:43.20a isaiah lorenzo,madera south   5-13 no area
n-6 9:46.42a ++cj albertson,buchanan-cl    5-7  trac
s-3 9:47.59a andrew ariey,bakersfield      5-13 so area
9:48.8   +germay tesfai,hoover-fr        3-13 1st c
9:49.02a ++kevin barnard,buchanan-clo    5-1  reedley
9:50.24a alex garcia,ridgeview-bk        4-4  WCR
ss-1 9:50.87a ++jesus villalpando,shafter  5-13 seq-sie
c-2 9:50.89a jesus chavez,golden west-vis  5-8  wyl
9:51.09a ++josh webb,clovis              3-28 azusa m of champ
ss-3 9:53.0 alfonso cisneros,mcfarland     4-29 WsiL
ss-2 9:54.60a antonio rodriquez,wash u-easton 5-13 seq-sie
n-7 9:55.24a kellen levy,clo west         5-13 no area
s-4 9:55.58a +++curtis kelly,stockdale-bk 5-13 so area

The G.O.A.T.?

He was a Division I state cross-country champion his junior year and Schwartz defended his Central Section title as a senior and finished seventh in the state. Then took first at the Foot Locker Western Regional and eighth at the Foot Locker national race.

In track, he placed second in the state in the 3200 as a junior behind German Fernandez who broke the national record in the event.

Since his sophomore year he has won just about every 1600 and 3200 that he has entered. He even wins the 800 often and then finishes off most meets by anchoring the 4 x 400 where he is usually far behind and gets to work on his last lap speed.

Below is how he stacks up against the best Bakersfield runners of All-Time:

1. 4:13.0 Tom Elieff Highland-Bakersfield ‘74
2. 4:14.3 Eddie Granillo East-Bakersfield ‘70
3. 4:14.72a Chris Schwartz Foothill-Bakersfield ‘09
4. 4:15.6 Robert Johnson Bakersfield ‘80
5. 4:15.85a Billy Nelson Taft ‘02
6. 4:15.89a +Terry Hickey Foothill-Bakersfield
7. 4:16.08a Chad Schmidt North-Bakersfield ‘86
8. 4:16.2 Robby Bray North-Bakersfield ’74
   
9. 4:16.6 Scott Hislop West- Bakersfield ’77
10. 4:16.8 Blaine Rudolph Bakersfield ‘78
11. 4:17.12a Taylor Lucero Bakersfield ‘02
12. 4:17.0 Laird Parker Shafter ‘68
13. 4:17 Jose Chavez Bakersfield ‘73
14. 4:17.23a Sean Langer Bakersfield ’65

1. 8:52.1 Felix Elieff Highland- Bakersfield ‘77
2. 8:58.50a +Chris Schwartz Foothill-Bakersfield ’08
3. 8:59.2 Eddie Granillo East-Bakersfield ‘70
4. 9:08.5 Rick Hitchcock North- Bakersfield ‘68
5. 9:14.12a Ricardo Brewer North-Bakersfield ‘93
6. 9:18.0 Lucas Burke Stockdale-Bakersfield ‘03
7. 9:18.5 Roman Gutierrez Foothill-Bakersfield ‘77
8. 9:18 Richard Ursin Bakersfield ‘77

So trek up to Buchanan on Saturday May 23rd and watch Bakersfield's potential G.O.A.T. add to his accomplishments.

Event 4 Men 1600 Meter Run
Saturday 5/23/2009 - 5:27 PM
Lane Name Yr School Seed Time

Section 1 of 1 Finals
1 Sanchez, Jonathan Buchanan 4:20.28 ______
2 Tesfai, Germay Hoover 4:21.49 ______
3 Reedy, Heath Buchanan 4:22.62 ______
4 Vilhauer, Justin 10 Redwood 4:25.00 ______
5 Albertson, C. J. Buchanan 4:25.26 ______
6 Cruz, Noe Clovis East 4:28.38 ______
7 Pace, Joseph Clovis West 4:28.93 ______
8 Schwartz, Chris Foothill 4:29.61 ______
9 Castanon, Taylor Miss. Coll. Prep 4:30.49 ______
10 Rodriguez, Roberto Tulare Western 4:30.54 ______
11 Martinez, Max Buchanan 4:31.54 ______
12 Lewis, Colin Highland 4:32.87 ______
13 Rodriguez, Antonio Washingon Unio 4:33.18 ______
14 Nava, Francisco McFarland 4:33.90 ______
15 Morris, Matt 11 Golden West 4:34.29 ______
16 Penaloza, Ricardo 10 Redwood 4:34.94 ______
17 Solis, Brian Ridgeview 4:36.19 ______
18 Garcia, Alex Ridgeview 4:37.24 ______

Alternates
1 Freeman, Josh Clovis East 4:32.40
2 Lavinder, Josh 12 Mt. Whitney 4:35.03
3 Vanderschuur, Tyler Cent. Valley Chr 4:35.60

In the 1600, it should be a race between Schwartz, Sanchez and Vilhaur. Schwartz and Sanchez have been running against each other for four years and Vilhaur (10) is the new kid on the block. It would be great to see Schwartz break 4:13 and take over the top time by a Bakersfield runner. Even if that runner graduated from my high school!

The boys 1600 is scheduled to be run at 5:27 pm.

top marks '09

s-1 4:14.72a chris schwartz,foothill-bk    3-28 CV classic
n-1 4:15.12a jonathan sanchez,buchanan-cl  4-4  WCR
c-1 4:15.35a ++justin vilhauer,redwood-vis 4-18 mt sac
n-3 4:20.84a +heath reedy,buchanan-cl      3-28 CV classic
n-2 4:21.49a +germay tesfai,hoover-fr      5-13 no area
ss-1 4:23.41a ss taylor castanon,mission prep-slo 4-4 WCR
n-4 4:25.26a ++cj albertson,buchanan-cl   5-13 no area
n-5 4:27.40a noe cruz,clo east              5-1  reedley
c-4 4:28.52a ++ricardo penaloza,redwood-vis 5-8  wyl
n-6 4:28.82a +joseph pace,clo west          5-7  trac
s-2 4:28.94a +colin lewis,highland-bk       5-1  reedley
ss-2 4:29.08a antonio rodriquez,wash u-easton 4-17 lemoore
s-3 4:29.35a robby baker,ridgeview-bk         3-28 pasadena
c-2 4:29.70a roberto rodriquez,tulare western 5-6  eyl
c-3 4:30.33a +matt morris,golden west-vis 4-17 lemoore
n-7 4:31.54a ++max martinez,buchanan-clo  5-13 no area
ss-3 4:33.4 ++francisco nava,mcfarland    4-29 w si l

Jerried & Jake Return to the Mondo

Three Bakersfield athletes have made the fast heat in this event and two of them have a shot at winning the race out right. Jerrid Lewis (Ridgeview 11) has the fastest time in the valley this season and has been winning 800s all season long. He can wait and out sprint you at the end or as he did at area, take it out hard (54 seconds for the first 400) and run a PR.

Highland's Jake Van Zandt (Highland 11) has been the bridesmaid all season long and has the tools to take down a win at valley. Many local coaches are impressed with Jake and coach Mayberry knows how to get his athletes to a peak at the right time. Plus Jake has his teammate in the race with him. Colin Lewis (Highland 11) is known as a 1600 runner but recently PRed at the South Area meet with 1:58.49 clocking. So depending on how the 1600 goes, Colin could help his teammate get the win.

Event 12 Men 800 Meter Run
Saturday 5/23/2009 - 6:50 PM
Lane Name Yr School Seed Time

Section 1 of 2 Finals
1 Gonzales, Christian Exeter 2:03.13 ______
2 Gutierrez, Alfonso 12 Reedley 2:02.89 ______
3 Gillis, Taylor Buchanan 2:01.56 ______
4 Barger, Caleb Frontier 2:00.61 ______
5 Thompkins, Isaac Bullard 1:58.88 ______
6 Burke, Stephen Stockdale 2:00.12 ______
7 Arellano, Geraldo Coalinga 2:01.29 ______
8 Bryd, Tyler 12 Tulare Union 2:02.89 ______
9 Salisbury, Zed Yosemite 2:03.04 ______

Section 2 of 2 Finals
1 Lewis, Colin Highland 1:58.49 ______
2 Fox, Ben 11 Sanger 1:58.16 ______
3 Brown, Chris Madera South 1:57.78 ______
4 Sanchez, Jonathan Buchanan 1:57.13 ______
5 Lewis, Jerrid Ridgeview 1:54.63 ______
6 Arellano, Jesse Madera 1:56.01 ______
7 Van Zandt, Jake Highland 1:57.16 ______
8 Younger, Cole 12 Mt. Whitney 1:57.98 ______
9 Sharwood, William Clovis West 1:58.17 ______

Alternates
1 Ortiz, Marvin Clovis East 2:01.77
2 Arias, Jonathan Central 2:02.58
3 Garcia, Jonathan Parlier 2:03.14

top marks '09
s-1 1:54.63a +jerrid lewis,ridgeview-bk  5-13 so area
n-2 1:55.05a jonathan sanchez,buchanan-clo 4-17 lemoore
n-1 1:56.01a jesse arellano,madera       5-13 no area
c-1 1:56.45a cole younger,mt whitney-vis 5-8  wyl
c-2 1:56.69a +ben fox,sanger            3-7  ssc
s-2 1:56.95a +jake vanZandt,highland-bk 4-4  WCR
n-3 1:57.78a chris brown,madera south   5-13 no area
n-4 1:58.17a william sharwood,clo west  5-13 no area
s-3 1:58.49a colin lewis,highland-bk    5-13 so area

As you can tell this field is fast and packed. Sanchez has had a great career and recently broke his school's record in the 800. Plus Buchanan is the favorite to win the team title, which means he will be a busy athlete at the meet and more than likely triple (8/16/32) at the meet. This is good knews for Jerrid and Jake. I have also heard that Jesse Arrellano is the real deal too.

Bakersfield has five in the 800, the other two are Stephem Burke (Stockdale) and Caleb Barger (Frontier) who are fine 800 runners in there own right. But not being in the fast heat will make scoring in the meet or qualifying for state difficult. Of course, both are underclassmen so the valley experience itself should heed them well in the future.

The boys 800 will be at 6:50pm.

The Road to State

Now that you survived the South Area meet and made the top four in your event or grabbed one of the wild card spots (top three marks at the all area meets combined make it) you are now one step closer to the state meet.

Both the valley and state meet are at Buchanan High school which is good for us valley residents. It is nearby and most local athletes have competed there in the past. Plus they have excellent facilities and know hope to put on a great meet. I look forward to the Buchanan Distance Classic and the West Coast Relays every year.

At the valley meet, the top six places in each will be awarded medals and also score points for their team. First and second place team trophies will also be awarded.

The top three in each event, will qualify for the state meet from the central section:

NUMBER OF COMPETITORS
Sections are allowed the following entries as per State Federated Council rule:
CIF Southern 5 CIF Central 3 CIF Northern 1
CIF North Coast 4 CIF Central Coast 3 CIF San Francisco 1
CIF Los Angeles 3 CIF San Diego 3 CIF Oakland 1
CIF Sac-Joaquin 3

AT-LARGE ENTRIES
Sections may enter additional competitors provided they have met or bettered the “At-Large”
standard for their event in their Section Meet that qualifies athletes for the CIF State Track and Field Championships. The At-Large standards can be found on page six HERE.

Girls 4x400 Meter Relay SWYL

Girls 4x400 Meter Relay SWYL - PHOTOS. With a great leg by Jackson, Frontier won the last event of the meet and the meet
too.





===================================
School Seed Finals Points
===================================
1 Frontier High School 'A' 4:16.10 4:18.90 10
1) Nard, Vera 2) Delarosa, Alyson
3) Dial, Tejera 4) Jackson, Taylor
2 Centennial High School 'A' 4:21.87 4:23.18 8
1) Sanchez, Elizabeth 2) Chudy, Hanna
3) Oliver, Stephanie 4) Braughton, Jorey
3 Ridgeview High School 'A' 4:22.00 4:31.28 6
1) Rubio, Deanna 2) Lynch, Tijerra
3) Armendariz, Desiree 4) Wilen, Emily
4 North High School 'A' 4:38.52 5
1) Lopez, Cecilia 2) Moyer, Kaylee
3) Orton, Hillary 4) Mossberg, Aulvrie

Girls 4x100 Meter Relay SWYL

Girls 4x100 Meter Relay SWYL - PHOTOS. Stockdale's second fell down when trying to hand off to their third runner so
Centennial got the win.






====================================
School Seed Finals Points
====================================
1 Centennial High School 'A' 51.89 53.13 10
1) Chudy, Hanna 2) Oliver, Stephanie
3) Humecky, Taylor 4) Dayanghirang, Eula
2 Frontier High School 'A' 52.24 55.44 8
1) Ellis, Kirby 2) Doxey, Khayla
3) Bennett, Amanda 4) Delarosa, Alyson
3 North High School 'A' 55.51 6
1) McWilliams, Ashley 2) Berks, Amy
3) Bertey, Liz 4) Hinostro, Sarah

Girls 300 Meter Hurdles SWYL

Girls 300 Meter Hurdles SWYL - PHOTOS. Jackson is also the valley leader in this event.








===================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Points
===================================
1 Jackson, Taylor Frontier 44.58 45.53 10
2 Ellis, Kassidy Frontier 50.49 50.28 8
3 Wilen, Emily Ridgeview 52.74 52.97 6
4 Ellis, Kirby Frontier 53.24 53.64 4
5 Underwood, Sarena North 54.00 55.02 2

Girls 100 Meter Hurdles SWYL

Girls 100 Meter Hurdles SWYL - PHOTOS. Jackson is the fastest in the valley and Frontier sweep the top places in this event
for a 23 point gain on Ridgeview in the team title.







===================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Wind Points
===================================
1 Jackson, Taylor Frontier 14.52 14.62 2.4 10
2 Ellis, Kassidy Frontier 16.54 16.32 2.4 8
3 Ellis, Kirby Frontier 16.50 16.51 2.4 6
4 Lewis, Nicole West 18.60 16.60 2.4 4
5 Alexander, Alana Centennial 16.94 16.94 2.4 2
6 Wilen, Emily Ridgeview 17.05 17.43 2.4 1

Girls 3200 Meter Run SWYL

Girls 3200 Meter Run SWYL - PHOTOS. Ridgeview took 3 of the top 4 places and would have had 4 in the top 5 if Lynch had
run (teams can only have three athlete per event).





====================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Points
====================================
1 Armendariz, Desiree Ridgeview 12:31.00 12:41.87 10
2 Haney, Carolin Stockdale 12:31.30 12:44.50 8
3 Huizar, Jessica Ridgeview 12:31.00 12:45.18 6
4 Gonzalez, Linda Ridgeview 12:50.00 13:08.87 4
5 Moyer, Kaylee North 12:29.23 13:11.50 2
6 Castro, Christina West 14:40.00 13:34.15 1
7 Braughton, Jorey Centennial 13:06.31 13:49.31
8 Folsom, Jessica Centennial 13:23.72 14:11.40
9 Habebo, Salem West 14:10.00 14:19.75
10 Dahl, Kelci Centennial 14:22.00 14:32.34
11 McGown, Jennifer West 15:18.00 15:06.47
12 Camacho, Alex Frontier 15:52.80 15:07.00

Girls 1600 Meter Run SWYL

Girls 1600 Meter Run SWYL - PHOTOS. An easy win for Lynch in her first event of the meet.





===================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Points
===================================
1 Lynch, Tijerra Ridgeview 5:25.00 5:26.41 10
2 Delarosa, Alyson Frontier 5:44.10 5:40.55 8
3 Armendariz, Desiree Ridgeview 5:39.00 5:45.57 6
4 Haney, Carolin Stockdale 5:45.60 5:46.11 4
5 Huizar, Jessica Ridgeview 5:40.00 5:48.27 2
6 Moyer, Kaylee North 5:43.00 5:50.80 1
7 Lopez, Cecilia North 5:36.21 5:50.84
8 Castro, Christina West 6:20.00 6:02.26
9 Habebo, Salem West 6:09.00 6:03.23
10 Braughton, Jorey Centennial 5:53.00 6:04.82
11 Lopez, Cynthia Stockdale 6:03.40 6:06.87
12 Moore, Sarah Centennial 6:20.00 6:07.99
13 Folsom, Jessica Centennial 6:08.06 6:08.17
14 Carte, Christine Frontier 6:21.30 6:27.84
15 Marquez, Gabby West 6:35.00 6:31.62

Girls 800 Meter Dash SWYL

Girls 800 Meter Dash SWYL - PHOTOS. As expected, Lynch won this event with Delarosa run a nice time for second.







==================================

Name Year School Seed Finals Points
==================================
1 Lynch, Tijerra Ridgeview 2:22.00 2:26.59 10
2 Delarosa, Alyson Frontier 2:36.78 2:29.01 8
3 Maltos, Jasmine Frontier 2:37.37 2:35.25 6
4 Lopez, Cecilia North 2:29.58 2:37.04 4
5 Armendariz, Desiree Ridgeview 2:30.00 2:38.09 2
6 Huizar, Jessica Ridgeview 2:30.00 2:38.78 1
7 Sanchez, Elizabeth Centennial 2:40.59 2:39.42
8 Lopez, Cynthia Stockdale 2:42.30 2:39.90
9 Oliver, Stephanie Centennial 2:42.90 2:40.21
10 Perez, Yadira North 2:42.19
11 Martinez, Margaret Centennial 2:52.10 2:42.53
12 Castro, Christina West 2:40.00 2:42.54
13 Bell, Ashley Stockdale 2:44.10 2:43.72
14 Cruz, Priscilla North 2:58.38

Girls 400 Meter Dash SWYL

Girls 400 Meter Dash SWYL - PHOTOS. With the surprising absence of Lynch (Ridgeview) who has run 60 flat. Chudy won
the 400, which over the past seasons has been owned by former Centennial great, Ashlee Thomas. Thomas is now competing
for BYU and in 2007 won the super difficult 400/800 double at valley.


=====================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Points
=====================================
1 Chudy, Hanna Centennial 1:02.60 1:02.37 10
2 Ellis, Kassidy Frontier 1:08.30 1:04.46 8
3 Herron, Breneisha Ridgeview 1:04.20 1:04.67 6
4 Sanchez, Elizabeth Centennial 1:07.00 1:05.74 4
5 Berks, Amy North 1:09.20 1:08.51 2
6 Gonder, Sharena Stockdale 1:07.50 1:09.69 1

Girls 200 Meter Dash SWYL

Girls 200 Meter Dash SWYL - PHOTOS. Watson won both SWYL sprint titles.

Name Year School Seed Finals Wind Points

1 Watson, Reshana Stockdale 26.70 26.40 1.9 10
2 Alexander, Dominique South 26.90 26.44 1.9 8
3 Lewis, Nicole West 27.40 26.55 1.9 6
4 Alexander, Alana Centennial 27.50 27.28 1.9 4
5 Herron, Breneisha Ridgeview 27.60 27.29 1.9 2
6 Chudy, Hanna Centennial 28.60 27.57 1.9 1
7 Lake, Miya Stockdale 28.70 28.08 1.9
8 Dial, Tejera Frontier 28.70 28.33 1.9

Girls 100 Meter Dash SWYL

Girls 100 Meter Dash SWYL - PHOTOS. Watson moved to fourth in the valley with her winning performance. Jackson who is known as a hurdler ran a pretty good 100 for second and is now in the top 20 in three events in the valley.
============================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Wind Points
============================================
1 Watson, Reshana Stockdale 12.90 12.53 1.5 10
2 Jackson, Taylor Frontier 12.70 12.70 1.5 8
3 Alexander, Dominique South 13.00 12.85 1.5 6
4 Rubio, Deanna Ridgeview 13.50 13.20 1.5 4
5 Aubry, Vanessa West 13.40 13.50 1.5 2
6 Hinostro, Sarah North 13.40 13.55 1.5 1
7 Whitfield, Bree West 13.30 13.58 1.5
8 Humecky, Taylor Centennial 13.80 13.71 1.5

Girls 4x400 Meter Relay SEYL

Girls 4x400 Meter Relay SEYL - PHOTOS. This time, McDonald remembered to give Wandick the baton and they ran the
third best time in the valley. Liberty also ran a season best and Wilcox was timed in under 57 flat for her leg.
================================================================================
School Seed Finals Points
================================================================================
1 Bakersfield High School 'A' 4:03.30 4:00.75 10
1) Torres, Felisa 2) McDonald, Shinead
3) Wandick, Brushay 4) White, Keaidra
2 Liberty High School 'A' 4:09.63 4:03.37 8
1) Lee, Kaulyn 2) Fitch, Julia
3) Wilcox, Erica 4) Fitch, Mollie
3 Golden Valley High School 'A' 4:09.00 4:09.88 6
1) Shaw, Megan 2) Epps, Shanesha
3) Hildalgo, Crystal 4) Garcia, Kristina
4 Garces High School 'A' 4:21.68 4:21.57 4
1) Riggins, Joy 2) Reyes, Shan
3) McNally, Molly 4) Odwyers, Natlie

Girls 4x100 Meter Relay SEYL

Girls 4x100 Meter
Girls 4x100 Meter Relay SEYL - PHOTOS. The Drillers have the third best time in the valley and have a shot at going to
state in both relays.

School Seed Finals Points

1 Bakersfield High School 'A' 48.32 48.96 10
1) Harriston, Vanessa 2) Torres, Felisa
3) Brown, Asha 4) Wandick, Brushay
2 Golden Valley High School 'A' 50.37 50.37 8
1) Shaw, Megan 2) Epps, Shanesha
3) Hildalgo, Crystal 4) Olison, Ajia
3 Liberty High School 'A' 50.84 51.03 6
1) Affentranger, Christa 2) Wilcox, Erica
3) Fitch, Julia 4) Fitch, Mollie
4 Garces High School 'A' 52.98 52.79 4
1) Riggins, Joy 2) Reyes, Shan
3) McNally, Molly 4) Odwyers, Natlie
5 Highland High School 'A' 52.67 53.10 2
1) Reyes, Azucena 2) Pinales, Ashley
3) Rangel, Celia 4) Herron, Shanice

Girls 300 Meter Hurdles SEYL

Girls 300 Meter Hurdles SEYL - PHOTOS. McDonald's time moved her to 3rd in the valley.
================================================================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Points
================================================================================
1 McDonald, Shinead BHS 48.40 46.11 10
2 Lee, Kaulyn Liberty 49.70 48.31 8
3 Hildalgo, Crystal Golden Valley HI 49.60 49.30 6
4 Williams, Brittany BHS 53.70 51.36 4
5 Shaw, Amber Golden Valley HI 53.70 51.87 2
6 Robles, Liz Liberty 55.70 52.45 1
7 Guzman, Kira East 55.00 53.89
8 Bliss, Sarah Liberty 55.80 54.29

Girls 100 Meter Hurdles SEYL

Girls 100 Meter Hurdles SEYL - PHOTOS. McDonald and Scott moved into the top ten in the valley with their performances.
========================================================================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Wind H# Points
========================================================================================
1 McDonald, Shinead BHS 16.10 15.75 1.8 2 10
2 Scott, Jamara Golden Valley HI 16.40 15.81 1.8 2 8
3 Lee, Kaulyn Liberty 16.40 16.26 1.8 2 6
4 Affentranger, Christa Liberty 17.40 17.08 1.8 2 4
5 Robles, Liz Liberty 17.56 2.5 1 2
6 Hildalgo, Crystal Golden Valley HI 17.60 17.82 1.8 2 1
7 Shaw, Amber Golden Valley HI 17.90 17.92 1.8 2
8 Bernardino, Kayla Garces 18.50 18.51 2.5 1
9 Williams, Brittany BHS 18.00 18.62 1.8 2

Girls 3200 Meter Run SEYL

Girls 3200 Meter Run SEYL - PHOTOS. Baker ran a PR in her last event of the meet and I clocked her last lap in 78 seconds
which is 5:12 pace. One wonders what kind of time she could run if she was fresh. Guzman has the fastest local time of 11;49
that she ran at the West Coast Relays.
================================================================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Points
================================================================================
1 Baker, Sarah BHS 11:56.00 11:55.44 10
2 Guzman, Monica Garces 11:48.00 12:09.90 8
3 Barton, Ashley Liberty 13:14.44 13:01.93 6
4 Berry, Nichole Highland 12:39.00 13:08.24 4
5 Lerma, Gabby BHS 13:13.00 13:11.94 2
6 Silva, Denise Golden Valley HI 13:32.00 13:32.34 1
7 Lecavalier, Krisstal Liberty 13:55.54 13:33.72
8 Thoennes, Jordan Liberty 13:21.41 14:13.68
9 Alveno, Ninive Golden Valley HI 14:42.40
10 Montoya, Monica Foothill High 14:18.80 14:51.68
11 Rodier, Gabi Highland 15:06.00 14:52.75

Girls 1600 Meter Run SEYL

Girls 1600 Meter Run SEYL - PHOTOS. Baker is in the top ten in the valley in this event.
================================================================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Points
================================================================================
1 Baker, Sarah BHS 5:19.00 5:24.70 10
2 Guzman, Monica Garces 5:25.00 5:30.07 8
3 Rodriguez, Lilly East 5:41.69 5:42.02 6
4 Lerma, Gabby BHS 5:56.00 5:44.51 4
5 Aguilar, Gloria Liberty 5:50.40 5:46.07 2
6 Barton, Ashley Liberty 5:53.36 5:46.39 1
7 Thoennes, Jordan Liberty 5:56.61 5:49.09
8 Berry, Nichole Highland 5:46.00 6:00.40
9 Rodriguez, Jeannette Highland 5:58.00 6:00.81
10 Veloz, Perla Foothill High 5:59.80 6:05.78
11 Castro, Erica Foothill High 6:15.20 6:19.85
12 Mercado, Dennise Highland 6:05.00 6:22.07
13 Silva, Denise Golden Valley HI 6:27.00 6:40.22
14 Salgado, Mercedes Golden Valley HI 7:00.00 6:53.19
15 Curiel, Judith Foothill High 6:53.40 7:01.17

Girls 800 Meter Dash SEYL

Girls 800 Meter Dash SEYL - PHOTOS. Baker's second win of the night and her easiest since her season best was 9
seconds faster than anyone in the field. Sarah is in the top ten in the valley.
================================================================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Points
================================================================================
1 Baker, Sarah BHS 2:24.00 2:28.79 10
2 McAtee, Sarah Liberty 2:30.44 2:31.17 8
3 Chao, Julie Liberty 2:33.62 2:32.07 6
4 Rodriguez, Lilly East 2:34.00 2:34.98 4
5 Villa, Jocelyn East 2:33.00 2:35.30 2
6 Silva, Denise Golden Valley HI 2:44.00 2:36.91 1
7 Mayberry, Katherine Highland 2:39.00 2:40.02
8 Rodriguez, Jeannette Highland 2:50.00 2:43.06
9 Aguilar, Gloria Liberty 2:38.61 2:49.85

Girls 400 Meter Dash SEYL

Girls 400 Meter Dash SEYL - PHOTOS. Wilcox also moved to 5th fastest in the valley with her win.
================================================================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Points
================================================================================
1 Wilcox, Erica Liberty 1:00.50 58.12 10
2 White, Keaidra BHS 1:03.50 1:00.82 8
3 Torres, Felisa BHS 1:02.40 1:01.24 6
4 Olison, Ajia Golden Valley HI 1:03.70 1:02.25 4
5 Fitch, Julia Liberty 1:05.00 1:02.80 2
6 Harriston, Vanessa BHS 1:04.50 1:02.81 1
7 Riggins, Joy Garces 1:05.40 1:04.43
8 Bryan, Casey Liberty 1:06.10 1:04.94

Girls 200 Meter Dash SEYL

Girls 200 Meter Dash SEYL - PHOTOS. Wandick's time makes her number two in the valley and she should return to state in
this event. Wilcox ran a season best and moves to number 5 in the valley but numerous leg injuries may keep her out of future meets.
=====================================================================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Wind Points
=====================================================================================
1 Wandick, Brushay BHS 26.00 24.92 1.5 10
2 Wilcox, Erica Liberty 26.30 25.25 1.5 8
3 Brown, Asha BHS 26.70 25.71 1.5 6
4 Herron, Shanice Highland 27.10 26.11 1.5 4
5 Fitch, Mollie Liberty 27.20 26.14 1.5 2
6 Harriston, Vanessa BHS 27.20 26.20 1.5 1
7 Taylor, Bryshay East 27.40 26.61 1.5
8 Shaw, Megan Golden Valley HI 27.30 26.75 1.5

Girls 100 Meter Dash SEYL

Girls 100 Meter Dash SEYL - PHOTOS. Nice Driller sweep. Wandick is second fastest in the valley and Asha Brown is in the top 10.
=====================================================================================
Name Year School Seed Finals Wind Points
=====================================================================================
Finals
1 Wandick, Brushay BHS 12.40 12.26 1.2 10
2 Brown, Asha BHS 12.80 12.61 1.2 8
3 Belt, Leia BHS 12.80 12.70 1.2 6
4 Herron, Shanice Highland 13.00 12.82 1.2 4
5 Riley, Victoria Garces 13.00 13.09 1.2 2
6 Walker, Brandonique East 13.00 13.17 1.2 1
7 Reyes, Shan Garces 13.10 13.23 1.2
8 Cross, Joyce Foothill High 13.30 13.45 1.2

Good Luck at Valley

The Ridgeview boys and Bakersfield girls are sending quite a few athletes to the valley meet and have shots at the overall team titles if everything falls into place. I am certain that it will come down to the 4 x 400s as it should be.

Ridgeview boys have the best time in the valley and their rival for the team title is Buchanan who has the second best time. So try and get to Buchanan on Saturday May 23rd and root for all of our local athletes and do not leave early!

Central Section Leaders - Through marks reported by May 14th!



1,600 relay--1. Ridgeview (Hobson, Lewis, Hobbs, Purvis), 3:20.23; 2. Liberty (Hill, Garside, Taylor, Affentranger), 3:21.50; 3. Centennial (Diller, Grimes, Moore, Turkington), 3:21.99; 4. Bakersfield (Hunt, Norwood, Sandoval, Miller), 3:24.95.

Four for Four with the Four by Four

With the Drillers win in the 1600 relay, Wandick (12) won four events at the South Area meet. In the 100, 200 and the relays Wandick and her teammates have good chance of placing in the top three at valley and qualifying for state in all four events.

1,600 relay--1. Bakersfield (Torres, McDonald, Wandick, White), 4:01.68; 2. Liberty (Lee, J. Fitch, Wilcox, M. Fitch), 4:02.66; 3. Golden Valley (Shaw, Epps, Hildalgo, Garcia), 4:10.54; 4. Frontier (Delarosa, Dial, Ka. Ellis, Jackson), 4:11.74.

8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 and gone

In the fall of 2006, I returned to the local high school cross country and track scene and immediately heard of a wunderkind from Foothill by the name of Chris Schwartz (12).

The stories I heard of him, I took with a grain of salt. Often I would be told of this or that athlete and the hype rarely matched the reality. Well Chris is the real deal and in my opinion has had the best high school career of any distance runner from Bakersfield.

Sure there have been athletes in the past who might have run a bit faster:

1. 4:13.0 Tom Elieff Highland-Bakersfield ‘74
2. 4:14.3 Eddie Granillo East-Bakersfield ‘70
3. 4:14.72a Chris Schwartz Foothill-Bakersfield ‘09
4. 4:15.6 Robert Johnson Bakersfield ‘80
5. 4:15.85a Billy Nelson Taft ‘02
6. 4:15.89a +Terry Hickey Foothill-Bakersfield
7. 4:16.08a Chad Schmidt North-Bakersfield ‘86
8. 4:16.2 Robby Bray North-Bakersfield ’74
   
9. 4:16.6 Scott Hislop West- Bakersfield ’77
10. 4:16.8 Blaine Rudolph Bakersfield ‘78
11. 4:17.12a Taylor Lucero Bakersfield ‘02
12. 4:17.0 Laird Parker Shafter ‘68
13. 4:17 Jose Chavez Bakersfield ‘73
14. 4:17.23a Sean Langer Bakersfield ’65

1. 8:52.1 Felix Elieff Highland- Bakersfield ‘77
2. 8:58.50a +Chris Schwartz Foothill-Bakersfield ’08
3. 8:59.2 Eddie Granillo East-Bakersfield ‘70
4. 9:08.5 Rick Hitchcock North- Bakersfield ‘68
5. 9:14.12a Ricardo Brewer North-Bakersfield ‘93
6. 9:18.0 Lucas Burke Stockdale-Bakersfield ‘03
7. 9:18.5 Roman Gutierrez Foothill-Bakersfield ‘77
8. 9:18 Richard Ursin Bakersfield ‘77

But Chris has had great times in both events and been extremely successful in cross country (state D1 champ in 2007). Plus he has been one of the top runners in the state since his sophomore year.

Another factor is that he is so much better than his peers. Most of the top times on the list happen more than 30 years ago! He is charting waters that have not been seen in decades and he is doing it alone. The runners in the 70s had each other to feed off of. Plus there was the seventies running boom and the international success of athletes like Jim Ryun, Prefontaine, Frank Shorter, Billy Rodgers and many more. Lastly, Chris still has a few more meets left to run in his high school career and hopefully a state title or two and some PRs too.

At Area, Chris ran for the win and the real race was for the last three valley qualifying slots. for the first couple laps there was a large pack lead by Alex Garcia (Ridgeview 11'). On the third lap Schwartz took the lead and the pack began to thin and stretch out.

Lap four saw Schwartz, Garcia and Kelly (Stockdale 9') forming a pack that was 20 or 30 yards in front of Ariey (Bakersfield 12') and Robby Baker (Ridgeview 11'). As per usual Schwartz made his move at the 1600 mark and left Garcia and Kelly. Baker lead Ariey in an attempt to join Garcia and Kelly.

By lap six, Schwartz had the race won and Kelly was gapping Garcia. Baker had left Ariey and it looked like Ariey's only hope was that Garcia would continue to fall of the pace. At the start of the 7th lap, Baker had caught the two in front of him and it looked like the final four had been decided.

With a lap to go Schwartz had a comfortable lead over Baker and the rest of the placings had been shuffled a bit. Kelly was third and was followed by Ariey and then Garcia. On the last lap Ariey caught Kelly to move in to third with a PR to boot.

Kelly is the 8th fastest 9th grader in the state and the second best on the valley. Perhaps Curtis Kelly will pick up where Schwartz left off.

1	9:36.4		Sam'Peckham	9	Hart	SS	Weekly Duals, 4/19/09	04/19/09
2	9:39.40		Brandon Pugh	9	San Juan Hills	SS	Orange County Championsh...	04/25/09
3	9:40.1		LuislGutierrez	9	RancholCucamng	SS	Meet of Champions	03/28/09
4	9:40.43		Anthony Monroy	9	Burroughs(Bur)	SS	Mt. Carmel Invitational	03/28/09
5	9:44.70		Allen Leung	9	Arcadia	SS	Pacific League Finals	05/08/09
6	9:48.72		Sebastian!Cruz	9	St.!John!Bosco	SS	Trinity League Finals	05/08/09
7	9:49.53		Cj'Albertson	9	Buchanan	CE	Sanger Metric Classic	04/24/09
8	9:50.75		Curtis Kelly	9	Stockdale	CE	Reedley Invitational	05/01/09

3,200--1. Schwartz, Foot, 9:35.06; 2. Baker, Ridge, 9:46.25; 3. Ariey, Bak, 9:47.59; 4. Kelly,Stock, 9:55.58

The Tortoise and the Hare Redux

I hope one day the hare takes off and runs a great time for a win someday but so far it has not happen. Guzman has run some good times but the tortoise usually catches her in the end.

Of course Lynch (10) and Baker (Bakersfield 10') are not tortoises but they both used the same strategy recently to beat Guzman. Baker reeled her in at the SEYL meet and Lynch did the same thing at the Area meet.

The four who qualified for valley will get to run against Jordan Hasay on May 23rd at Buchanan High School.

3,200--1. Lynch, Ridge, 12:24.61; 2. Guzman, Gar, 12:31.13; 3. Barton, Lib, 12:38.74; 4. Haney, Stock, 12:41.15.

Third Time is the Charm

Usually by the 200, Purvis (12) already has two wins under his belt (400 relay and the 400) but that was not the case at this meet. So he ran a season best for the win in the 200. Hunt (10) and Purvis are ranked in the top three in the valley.

200--1. Purvis, Ridge, 22.11; 2. Hunt, Bak, 22.18; 3. Thieleke, West, 22.32; 3. Turkington, Cent, 22.40

Deja Two Hundred That Is

The 200 finish was very much like the 100 except Brown and Belt switched places. Wandick (sr) and Brown (sr) are both ranked in the top ten in the valley. Last year, Wandick ran the 200 at state. Interestingly, Watson got second overall despite being seeded in the slow heat.

200--1. Wandick, Bak, 25.39; 2. Watson, Stock, 25.99; 3. Brown, Bak, 26.04; 4. Belt, Bak, 26.09

Why Not Go Big!

Before the meet, I heard that Jerrid wanted to make a statement at the Area meet and he did in the 800. Usually, he lets others handle the pace making and then he goes in for the kill on the homestretch. But from the gun he took the lead and never looked back.

When he hit the 4oo, his time was 54 seconds and at the 500 it looked like the hunter might be the hunted this time. The Highland boys were in his slipstream and looked like they were ready to pounce.

At this point Schwartz was out of the race and I wondered if something was wrong with him because before the start he was nursing his knee and looked to be in pain. By the end of the race, Schwartz ended up jogging in and finished last with Solis of Ridgeview. Then he left the track immediately, which is unusual for the gregarious Chris. Later in the evening he looked good in his win in the 3200 and ran the anchor league of the 4 x 400 so who knows what was going on

In the final 300, Jerrid increased his lead on the Highland athletes and posted the fastest time in the valley this year. Colin Lewis of Highland also posted a season best to go along with his second in the 1600 earlier in the evening.

800--1. Lewis, Ridge, 1:54.63; 2. Van Zandt, High, 1:57.16; 3.
Lewis, High, 1:58.49; 4. Burke, Stock, 2:00.12

Two Firsts by Less Than a Second Combined

I have known of Sarah Baker since my own son's started grade school with her years ago. Whatever the sport, she excelled at it. I still remember her epic battles with Mr. Lawrence on the playing fields of Franklin Elementary. He was a young athletic teacher who I am sure helped develop Sarah's competitive fire. Combine that with her mom's distance running talent and physical trainer background and you have a terminator with a smile.

Though just a sophomore, Sarah has won a lot of titles already and most of them have come down to a sprint at the end. She has won two SEYL cross cross country individual titles in photo finishes and and lead her cross country team to the team title in 2007 and second in 2008.

In track, she has had to triple (1600/800/3200) at most dual meets to help the girl's squad remain undefeated in duals over the past two years. Her SEYL track record is almost perfect in the triple crown. She won all three events in 2009 and won the 800/1600 in 2008. She came in second in the 3200 that year but if the team had needed first place to win the team title, she would of probably pulled it off. The team has been SEYL champs both years too.

At the South Area meet she won the 1600 in 2008 and this year she won the 800 and 1600. With all these running accomplishments, she still finds the energy to play soccer almost year round too.

Also unlike many female distance athletes who burst on to the local scene their freshman year and then slow down as they get older, Sarah seems to be getting stronger and faster as she gets older. What is even crazier is that she thinks her eleven year old sister (Maggie) will be a better runner than her in the future.

In the 800, the field was reduced by two before it even began for uniform violations. This late in the year, one would hope this would not happen but two were dismissed as soon as they got up to the starting line for a lip ring and a nose ring. A terrible way to end one's season.

After 500 meters, Delarosa (jr), in all black, was looking strong and in control. She was followed by Baker, Lynch and McAtee (sr). At this point many would of picked Delarossa for the win or perhaps Lynch (soph) who looked very relaxed in third place and has has sub 60 flay 400 speed. But they would be wrong because halfway down the homestretch, Baker made her patented move and some how pulled out yet another photo finish with a 800 hundredths of a second margin of victory.


800--1. Baker, Bak, 2:22.29; 2. Delarosa, Fron, 2:22.37; 3. Lynch, Ridge, 2:26.82; 4. McAtee, Lib, 2:31.62

Exact Time, Different Future

Hunt of Bakersfield and Jenning of Stockdale ran the exact same time but only one is moving on. Of course, Hunt will be busy with the 400 relay, 200 and 4 x 400. Both Sumlin and Alade are ranked in the top ten in the valley.

100--1. Alade, Stock, 10.93; 2. Sumlin, Gar, 11.06; 3. Turkington, Cent, 11.08; 4. Jenning, Stock, 11.11

Please it is Twelve Foot!

Earlier in the season Amanda cleared 12 foot but the meet never reported its results despite many attempts to get them to. So few know that Amanda cleared 12 foot at the Mustang Relays at Tulure Western on March 28th.

Before the season began she was ranked in the top ten in the state and is number two in the valley now. She clears 11' 6 consistently and should make state. Next year she will be vaulting for Long Beach State on a full ride scholarship.

Stockdale had two underclassmen making the valley meet and at the SWYL frosh/soph meet, Giuliano went 10' and Hobin went 9'6. These marks would put them in the top ten in the valley.

PV--1. Klinchuch, Lib, 11-6; t2. Giuliano, Stock, and Sewell, Lib, 8-6; t4. Hobin, Stock, and Underwood, North, 8-0

Two Down, Two to Go

After anchoring her team to victory in the 400 relay, Wandick (sr) took the 100 too. She is ranked number two in the valley and will be accompanied by her two teammates at valley in the 100. Lei Belt's 12.49 vaults her into the top five with Watson in the valley. The Drillers are so deep that Belt is not even on the team's 400 relay.

100--1. Wandick, Bak, 12;31; 2. Watson, Stock, 12.47; 3. Belt, Bak, 12.49; 4. Brown, Bak, 12.72.

Things are Heating Up ...

So it is your senior year and the last meet in front of the home crowd. Plus your former teammate, who you ran the 4 x 400 at state the past two seasons with, has the fastest time in the valley and is in the race.

So what do you do? Well if you are Mr. Affentranger, you throw down a season best performance and win that sucker and look forward to the valley meet for another rematch.

By the way, Marty also has the best long jump mark in the valley and his team made the 4 x 400 too. Isiah Purvis will be busy too being that he is number two in the valley in the 200 and on both ridgeview relays

400--1. Affentranger, Lib, 48.90; 2. Purvis, Ridge, 49.27; 3. Moore, Cent, 50.86; 4. Hobson, Ridge, 51.77

Marty plans on continuing his education and track career at Cal Poly SLO in the fall.

Almost Wilcox 57

Erica Wilcox (jr) has owned the 400 locally and has been mainly racing the clock but next week at valley she will have her work cut out for her to make the top three and move on to the state meet.

400--1. Wilcox, Lib, 58.07; 2. Chudy, Cent, 1:00.78; 3.White, Bak, 1:00.82; 4. Torres, Bak, 1:01.50.

There at least three girls under 58 in the valley and I am sure Wilcox will be joining them shortly.

Bakersfield came in 3rd and 4th but may not run the open 400 at valley and focus on making it to state in the 4 x 400 relay. Interestingly, the Driller's fastest 400 runner has never run an open 400 but is no stranger to Wilcox. Brushay Wandick (sr) owns the 200 but a heads up in the open 400 would be interesting.

At most meets, Wilcox and Wandick run the same leg of the 4 x 400, with Wilcox usually chasing Wandick. With Brushay off to CSUB in the fall, this much hoped for match up in the open 400 may never happen but I have heard that Wilcox is interested in competing for CSUB in the future. So maybe that match up will happen after all.

The Music ends for Mr. Motown and Just Begins for the Young Guns!

The championships are brutal, make the top four and live for another day. Or your season ends. Matt Jones (senior) of Golden Valley via Detroit has been winning everything locally and was the top ranked local 110 hurdler. But he clipped a hurdler, stumbled and had to push over the next one and his season was done. Sadly the hurdle he clipped appears to have taken out his teammate too.

Despite all the chaos, Mastery ran a season best for the win. Ridgeview also got two into the valley meet, which is important for the team competition. The week before the two Ridgeview hurdles did not make it out of the SWYL league prelim meet.

110H--1. Mastery, South, 15.26; 2.McCurtis, Ridge, 15.67; 3. Singh, Ridge, 15.96; 4. King, Cent, 16.03.

In the 300s, freshman King stayed on his feet for the expected win and came oh so close to breaking 40 seconds, with his season best performance.

300H--1. King, Cent, 40.08; 2. Hurtado, High, 40.92; 3.Lopez, South, 41.11; 4. Singh, Ridge, 41.21.

Ms. Jackson Time

Taylor Jackson once again did her usual double in the hurdles.

100H--1.Jackson, Fron, 14.41; 2. McDonald, Bak, 15.33; 3. Scott, GV, 15.80; 4. Ka. Ellis, Fron, 16.10.

300H--1. Jackson, Fron, 45.12; 2.McDonald, Bak, 46.24; 3. Lee, Lib, 48.56; 4. Ka. Ellis, Fron, 49.54.


She took both firsts and McDonald took the seconds. Both meet up in the 4 x 400, where McDonald's squad took the win.

Taylor is the fastest in the valley in both hurdling events and should return to the state meet in both. McDonald has a shot at state in the 300 hurdles and the 4 x 400.

South Area Musings on the 400 Relays and the 1600

The meet started of the with the Drillers winning both 4oo relays. The girls was an expected occurrence but the boys was not. The Lady Drillers have one of the top three times in the valley and are looking to make state in both relays.

400 relay--1. Bakersfield (Harriston, Torres, Wandick, Brown), 48.37; 2. Golden Valley (Shaw, Epps, Hildalgo, Olison), 50.12; 3. Liberty (Affentranger, Wilcox, J. Fitch, M. Fitch), 50.79; 4. Centennial (Alexander, Chudy, Dayanghirang, Humecky), 51.83.

It took the boys the entire season to recover from the loss of two seniors from the squad way back in March but they looked good in winning the South Area title. Their winning time was their season best and moves them into the top four in the valley just behind Ridgeview.

400 relay--1. Bakersfield (Hunt, Norwood, Anderson, Gant), 42.99; 2. Ridgeview (Purvis, Robertson, Wiley,Hobbs), 43.36; 3. Centennial (Diller, Grimes, Moore, Turkington), 43.39

In the 1600, Sarah Baker (Bakersfield 10) defended her 2008 title, last year she ran away from future CSUBer Candace Carlson (North 12), but had a much closer race this year. Baker is not expected to run the 1600 at valley despite being ranked in the top ten in the event.

She will focus on the 800, where she has a better chance to make it to state. Of course, the team title competition at valley might make the double a consideration. But her chances of a top six scoring placement is unlikely in the 1600.

In the 800, Baker might have to compete with Jordan Hasay who ran 2:10 at her qualifying meet as well as winning the 3200. In the past Jordan has only contested the 3200 at valley and the 800/3200 double would seem unlikely at valley and/or state. The 800 at state has qualifying rounds on Friday and the two events are fairly close to each other in the event schedule which goes 800, 300h, 200 and 3200.

I believe the 800 was run in preparation for the 1500 at the adidas track classic on Saturday May 16th, especially since she cruised the 3200 in a time of 11:32. Jordan is a four-time California State Champion in cross country and three-time California State Champion in the 3200m.

The local season started with a photo finish between Baker and Tijerra Lynch at the EB Invite (4x800) and the same finish happen at the South Area meet. Sarah has won everyone of these photo finishes that I have seen so far. Also making it to the valley meet were Monica Guzman (Garces 11) and Gabby Lerma (Bakersfield 10) who ran a season best for the last ticket to valley.

1,600--1. Baker, Bak, 5:24.23; 2. Lynch, Ridge, 5:24.92; 3. Guzman, Gar, 5:33.33; 4. Lerma,Bak, 5:34.70.

The boys 1600 was won by none other than Chris Schwartz (Foothill 12) who has won three South Area crowns. He also has the fastests 1600 (4:14) in the valley. He didn't have to run near that time for the win and clocked just under 4:30. He was followed by Colin Lewis (Highland 11) and Robby Baker and Brian Solis of Ridgeview. All four will be at the valley meet on Saturday May 23rd at Buchanan.