Cross Country Express

CIF State Track and Field Preview...

2012-05-27T21:29:00.003-07:00

Girls' 400m. Relay
2012 State Leader: Long Beach Poly 45.72
2012 NorCal Leader: Monterey Trail 47.19
2011 Champions: Long Beach Poly 45.70
State Meet Record: St. Bernard 44.70 1997

Boys' 400m. Relay
2012 State Leader: Rio Mesa 40.95
2012 NorCal Leader: Palo Alto 41.56
2011 Champions: Oaks Christian 41.19
State Meet Record: Hawthorne 40.24 1989

Girls' 1600m.
2012 State Leader: Cami Chapus Harvard-Westlake 4:43.90
2012 NorCal Leader: Nikki Hiltz Aptos 4:44.02
2011 Champion: Cami Chapus Harvard-Westlake 4:40.88*
State Meet Record: Christine Babcock Woodbridge 4:33.82 2008

Boys' 1600m.
2012 State Leader: Cody Brazael Buchanan 4:07.72
2012 NorCal Leader: Luis Luna Piner 4:12.17
2011 Champion: Jantzen Oshier Trabuco Hills 4:00.83
State Meet Record: German Fernandez 4:00.29 2008

Girls' 100m. Hurdles
2012 State Leader: Trinity Wilson St. Mary's Berkeley 13.41
2012 NorCal Leader: Trinity Wilson St. Mary's Berkeley 13.41
2011 Champion: Trinity Wilson St. Mary's Berkeley 13.41
State Meet Record: Vashti Thomas Mt. Pleasant 13.03 2007

Boys' 110m. Hurdles
2012 State Leader: Kenneth Walker III Kennedy 14.01
2012 NorCal Leader: Kenneth Walker III Kennedy 14.01
2011 Champion: Johnathon Cabral Agoura 13.79
State Meet Record: Kevin Craddock James Logan 13.39 2004

Girls' 400m.
2012 State Leader: Renetia James Serra 54.41
2012 NorCal Leader: Nia Dorner Rosemont 54.94
2011 Champion: Akawkaw Ndipagbor Long Beach Poly 53.38
State Meet Record: Monique Henderson 50.74 2000

Boys' 400m.
2012 State Leader: Alex Rohani Beverly Hills 47.37
2012 NorCal Leader: Cory Mason St. Mary's Stockton 48.12
2011 Champion: Shaquille Howard Long Beach Poly 47.49
State Meet Record: Calvin Harrison North Salinas 45.25 1993

Girls' 100m.
2012 State Leader: Ariana Washington Long Beach Poly 11.45
2012 NorCal Leader: Lilla McMillan Tamalpais 11.76
2011 Champion: Jenna Prandini Clovis 11.69
State Meet Record: Marion Jones Thousand Oaks 11.14 1992

Boys' 100m.
2012 State Leader: Herbert Gamboa Rio Mesa 10.51
2012 State Leader: Khalfani Muhammad Notre Dame 10.51
2012 NorCal Leader: E.J. Floreal Palo Alto 10.52
2011 Champion: Remontay McClain Covina 10.39
State Meet Record: Riley Washington Southwest 10.30 1992

Girls' 800m.
2012 State Leader: Amy Weisenbach Harvard-Westlake 2:05.55
2012 NorCal Leader: Madison Ricks California 2:09.52
2011 Champion: Amy Weisenbach Harvard-Westlake 2:02.04*
State Meet Record: Amy Weisenbach Harvard-Westlake 2:02.04 2011

Boys' 800m.
2012 State Leader: Alexander Monsivaiz Army/Navy Academy 1:50.47
2012 NorCal Leader: Sean Davis Valley Christian SJ 1:52.39
2011 Champion: Immanuel Hutchinson San Jacinto 1:49.63
State Meet Record: Michael Granville Bell Gardens 1:46.45 1996

Girls' 300m. Hurdles
2012 State Leader: Jordie Munford Rancho Cucamonga 41.37
2012 NorCal Leader: Daje Pugh Fairfield 42.02
2011 Champion: Melia Cox Long Beach Poly 41.80
State Meet Record: Ebony Collins Long Beach Wilson 40.10 2005

Boys' 300m. Hurdles
2012 State Leader: Jarrett Gonzales Damien 36.80
2012 NorCal Leader: Kenneth Walker III Kennedy 37.38
2011 Champion: Johnathon Cabral Agoura 36.20
State Meet Record: Reggie Wyatt La Sierra 35.02 2009

Girls' 200m.
2012 State Leader: Ariana Washington Long Beach Poly 23.52
2012 NorCal Leader: Sarah Cline Leigh 24.13
2011 Champion: Jenna Prandini Clovis 23.81
State Meet Record: Allyson Felix Los Angeles Baptist 22.52 2003

Boys' 200m.
2012 State Leader: Khalfani Muhammed Notre Dame 21.10
2012 NorCal Leader: E.J. Floreal Palo Alto 21.16
2011 Champion: Remontay McClain Covina 20.95
State Meet Record: Bryshon Nellum Long Beach Poly 20.43 2007

Girls' 3200m.
2012 State Leader: Sarah Baxter Simi Valley 10:08.11
2012 NorCal Leader: Anna Maxwell San Lorenzo Valley 10:21.04
2011 Champion: Sarah Baxter Simi Valley 10:13.00*
State Meet Record: Jordan Hasay Mission College Prep 9:52.13 2008

Boys' 3200m.
2012 State Leader: Darren Fahy La Costa Canyan 8:54.51
2012 NorCal Leader: Thomas Joyce Campolindo 9:03.23
2011 Champion: Elias Gedyon Loyola 8:50.03
State Meet Record: German Fernandez Riverbank 8:34.23 2008

Girls' 1600m. Relay
2012 State Leader: Serra 3:44.53
2012 NorCal Leader: Piedmont Hills 3:48.98
2011 Champions: Serra 3:43.21
State Meet Record: Long Beach Poly 3:35.49 2004

Boys' 1600m. Relay
2012 State Leader: Chaminade College Prep 3:15.28
2012 NorCal Leader: Amador Valley 3:18.91
2011 Champions: Long Beach Poly 3:12.44
State Meet Record: Serra Gardena 3:08.42 2010

Girls' Long Jump
2012 State Leader: Ashlie Curenton Silverado 20'4"
2012 NorCal Leader: Shea Taylor Grace Davis 18'9.5"
2011 Champion: Jenna Prandini Clovis 19'11.75"
State Meet Record: Marion Jones Thousand Oaks 22'0.5" 1993

Boys' Long Jump
2012 State Leader: Nathaniel Moore Bishop O'Dowd 24'7.75"
2012 NorCal Leader: Nathaniel Moore Bishop O'Dowd 24'7.75"
2011 Champion: Jovonte Slater Vista Murrieta 24'10.5"
State Meet Record: James Stallworth Tulare 26'4.75" 1989

Girls' Triple Jump
2012 State Leader: Sasha Wallace Holy Names 42'4.75"
2012 NorCal Leader: Sasha Wallace Holy Names 42'4.75"
2011 Champion: Ciarra Brewer James Logan 41'11.0"
State Meet Record: Juliana Yendork Walnut 44'0.5" 1991

Boys' Triple Jump
2012 State Leader: Jaelen Spencer Sultana 49'7.25"
2012 NorCal Leader: Jeff Porthro James Logan 48'5.25"
2011 Champion: Marques Roberts Dos Pueblo 49'6.5"
State Meet Record: Marcus Hooks Lakewood 52'5.75" 1986

Girls' High Jump
2012 State Leader: Claire Kieffer-Wright South Pasadena 5'10"
2012 State Leader: Alex Florent Harvard-Westlake 5'10"
2012 NorCal Leader: Michellie McDonal-O'Brien St. Ignatius 5'7"
2012 NorCal Leader: Leah Carter Rocklin 5'7"
2011 Champion: Rachel McCoy Miller 5'8"
State Meet Record: Latrese Johnson 6'2 1985

Boys' High Jump
2012 State Leader: Miles Poullard Colony 7'0"
2012 NorCal Leader: Noel Frazier California 6'10"
2011 Champion: Crampton Cody Canyon 6'11"*
State Meet Record: Lee Balkin Glendale 7'3.25" 1979

Girls' Pole Vault
2012 State Leader: Kaitlyn Merritt Santa Margarita 13'3"
2012 NorCal Leader: Taylore Jacques Presentation 13'0"
2011 Champion: Anginae Monteverde Clovis West 13'6"
State Meet Record: Tori Anthony Castilleja 14'1" 2007

Boys' Pole Vault
2012 State Leader: Colin Barber San Ramon Valley 16'7"
2012 NorCal Leader: Colin Barber San Ramon Valley 16'7"
2011 Champion: Ian Rock Davis 16'2"
State Meet Record: Nico Weiler Los Gatos 17'3" 2008

Girls' Shot Put
2012 State Leader: Stamatia Scarvelis Dos Pueblos 49'5.5"
2012 NorCal Leader: Mandy Coleman McNair 44'3"
2011 Champion: Breana Jemison Carlsbad 43'1.25"*
State Meet Record: Kristin Heaston Ygnacio Valley 53'8" 2009

Boys' Shot Put
2012 State Leader: Ethan Cochran Newport Harbor 62'10"
2012 NorCal Leader: Matthew Esparza Amador Valley 61'0.25"
2011 Champion: Nicholas Scarvelis Dos Pueblo 64'0"
State Meet Record: Brent Noon Fallbrook 74'4.75" 1990

Girls' Discus
2012 State Leader: Lissette Mendivil Redwood 157'0"
2012 NorCal Leader: Praise Adesida Alhambra 141'0"
2011 Champion: Alex Morgan Ventura 153'8"
State Meet Record: Anna Jelmini Shafter 186'9" 2009

Boys' Discus
2012 State Leader: Ethan Cochran Newport Harbor 209'8"
2012 NorCal Leader: Curtis Bleasdale Vacaville 186'9"
2011 Champion: Ethan Cochran Newport Harbor 185'9"*
State Meet Record: Bo Taylor Newport Harbor 213'7" 2006

*Returning to defend title

2012 CIF State Track and Field Meet Performance Lists

2012-05-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

http://espn.go.com/high-school/track-and-xc/california/story/_/id/7977230/2012-cif-state-track-field-championships-official-performance-lists

Who are the Northern California athletes that will get on the podium (top 6)? Who has the best chance to win at the state meet? What is going to be best event for NorCal athletes?

Catching up with Menlo Atherton runner, George Baier...

2012-05-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

Today we chat with Menlo Atherton junior runner, George Baier (picture to the left courtesy of Hank Lawson). This past Friday, he registered one of the shocking victories at the CCS meet with his 1st place finish in the 1600m. What made it a surprise is that the previous Saturday, Baier finished in 13th place which meant he missed qualifying to Friday's final by one spot. Milpitas runner Yohaness Estifanos who qualified in both the 1600 and 3200 decided to focus solely on the 3200 and that opened the door for Baier. With a timely kick and a new personal record, Baier sprinted to his unlikely victory and earned himself a trip to Buchanan HS and the California State Meet.

1) You missed the finals from the semi-finals by one spot in both the 1600m. and 800m. What were your thoughts after the semi-finals and did you think your season was over?
After the semifinals I was disappointed to say the least, but I still knew that there was a chance that someone could drop in either event, so I knew I still had a chance.

2) When did you find out that you were going to run in the final?
My coach called me after I got home from practice on Tuesday afternoon.

3) What was your race plan going into the race?
My coach told me to stay in the middle of the pack for the first three laps and then give it everything I had left in the last lap.
4) How did the race start out and where were you in the race during the first two laps?
The race started out at a 64 second first lap, and I was in the far back of the pack next to Waschura. The second lap was a little bit slower at 67 seconds and I was still in the back.

5) What about the third lap?
The third lap was also a 67, but in the last hundred meters of the lap I moved up a couple of places.

6) Going into the final lap, what place were you in and at what point did you think you had a shot at the state meet?
Going into the final lap I think I was in eighth place. I moved up to seventh place in the first 100m, and then with 300m to go I really picked it up. With 200m left I had moved into 2nd place, so I knew if I could just hang on for the last half lap, I could go to state.

7) Coming off the turn, the Los Altos runner was in front of you. When did you realize you had a shot to win the race?
With about 70m to go, the Los Altos runner began to slow and I closed the gap with about 50m left and realized that I might actually be able to win the entire race at that point if I could hold everyone off for just a little bit longer.

8) What was your reaction after the race and when did it finally sink in that you won ccs?
After the race I felt overjoyed but also stunned as I was unable to comprehend what I had just accomplished. The whole thing felt surreal. To be honest I'm not sure if it has completely sunk in that I won CCS, but by the end of the weekend hopefully I will have a firm grasp on my accomplishment.

9) Tell us a little about your season and what were your best races leading up to the ccs semi-finals?
My season had some ups and downs. I enjoyed my first 1600m of the season in a dual meet with Sequoia where I broke 4:30 for the first time. I also liked the 800m at the K Bell invitational where I broke 2:00 for the first time and took second overall. My favorite race leading up to the ccs semi-finals was the DMR at Stanford Invitational where I ran with teammates Jack Beckwith, Dijonn Williams, and Michael Hester to a first place finish. The next day however, I injured my toe severely when I fell at the start of the 4x800m relay, and then missed running the next week of practice and was only able to use the stationary bike. The 1600m at PAL finals was also a good race as I PR'd and took third.

10) What about your teammates? How have they helped you become a better runner? What are some of the tougher workouts you have done this track season? Include times and rest.
My teammates have been very supportive the whole season, we all get along well and are also cross country teammates. We're kind of like a brotherhood more or less. They have definitely pushed me to run much faster than I would have been able to one my own. At practice when we have a speed workout, Michael Hester, Jordan Scandlyn and I have the 800/1600m workout while Jack Beckwith and John Lovegren have the 3200m workout and we joke about whose is harder. I can't specifically remember any of our workouts' breakdowns, but the toughest ones consisted of either 800, 600, or 400 repeats with varying degrees of rest.

11) Tell us a little about your coach and how he has helped you get to this point as a runner.
My coach, Allen Perry, is fantastic at his job. He began teaching at MA my freshman year and the first time I met him was when he was the assistant coach of the cross country team that year. (Coach Wilmurt has also been instrumental in my success as head cross country coach and general supporter of the distance runners). Coach Perry took over as head track coach last season and has made many crucial improvements. Coach Perry puts in the long hours behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly and has helped me improve greatly in my three years at MA.

12) Anything else you would like to add.
I would like to thank Yohaness Estifanos for dropping the 1600m, which allowed me to get bumped up to run as the twelfth seed, giving me the opportunity I had hoped for.

Thank you very much for your time George! AJC

California sections newspaper articles...

2012-05-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

NCS
NCS boys track and field: Kennedy-Richmond has meet to remember
NCS girls track and field: California High sophomore Madison Ricks wins 800 meters
DeSoto, Luna top big Empire day
Sprinters, distance runners lead Marin athlete efforts
Kennedy, Amador Valley tie for NCS track title

SJS
R.V.'s Arnold headed to State
Stagg senior headed for state meet
Janell Hadnot makes another reservation for state track and field championships

SS
Becka Miranda primed for State
South Bay will be well represented at state
Murrieta Athletes Shine at CIF-SS Master's Track & Field Meet

SDS
La Costa Canyon's Causey feeling better after qualifying for state
Jackson puts a bow on El Camino's twin titles
El Camino senior is solid gold
Castle Park senior redeems self in long jump

NCS MOC Results

2012-05-26T17:49:00.001-07:00

http://home.comcast.net/~elliott.mike/Meet_Results/2012/NCS-MOC/
Videos: http://www.livestream.com/ncschampionships
Pictures: http://www.sportsimagewire.com/2012%20Photo%20Albums/2012%20NCS%20Meet%20of%20Champions%20by%20Spencer%20Allen/album/index.html

Best race of the day? Best individual performance? Biggest surprise?

CCS Videos

2012-05-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

Boys' 110m. High Hurdles

Boys' 800m.

Boys' 3200m.

Boys' 4x400m. Relay

Girls' 3200m.

Girls' 800m.

SJS Videos

2012-05-26T10:14:00.002-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/ResultsPosted?feature=watch

Section action newspaper coverage...

2012-05-26T08:39:00.002-07:00

CCS
1st CCS track title for Paly boys
St. Francis' Micha Auzenne wins three events
Setting The Bar
Seven athletes punch tickets to CIF State Track and Field Championships
Santa Cruz County advances six to state
SCCAL qualifies in five events for state
Galle, Martin medal at CCS finals
Hiltz wins two titles again

NCS
Triple jumper Sasha Wallace is ready for state meet
San Ramon Valley's Colin Barber wins pole vault
NCS MOC Day 1

SJS
Mills moving on to state meet
Purewall, Hines fall shy of CIF State Track Meet
Vallejo's Akauola spins way to state meet

NorCal Section Results...

2012-05-25T23:41:00.002-07:00

CCS
http://archive.dyestatcal.com/ATHLETICS/TRACK/2012/ccsres.htm

NCS (Semifinals)
http://home.comcast.net/~elliott.mike/Meet_Results/2012/NCS-MOC/
http://running.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/3105/ncs-moc-day-1/

SJS
http://redcaptiming.com/2012/sjsmasters/

Also Southern Section Results:
http://www.royalresults.com/liveresults/

CCS Prediction Contest

2012-05-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

DEADLINE IS TODAY by 4PM-Email them to albertjcaruana@gmail.com.
GRAND PRIZE: Sony Walkman MP3 Player

If you would like an opportunity to win the above prize, send in your predictions to albertjcaruana@gmail.com. Please include the top 3 finishers for all events (running and field/boys and girls) as well as your predictions for the team champions along with their scores. If there is a tie, the team champions and scores will break those ties.

Your entries should look like this
Name: John Aki Bua Uganda HS Athlete (or coach/parent etc.)

Listed in order of finish (1st through 3rd)
Girls' 400m. Relay-James Logan, Long Beach Poly, St. Francis
Boys' 400m. Relay-
Girls' 1600m.-Jordan Hasay, Mary Decker, Yunxia Qu
Boys' 1600m.-
Girls' 100m. Hurdles-
Boys' 110m. Hurdles-
etc.
Don't forget the field events.

Let me know if you have any questions or have any suggestions for the contest.

The winner will be announced on Sunday, May 27th.

Any questions, let me know.

Albert Caruana
www.crosscountryexpress.com

Here is a link that should help you:
http://archive.dyestatcal.com/ATHLETICS/TRACK/2012/ccs_prv.htm

Newspaper links...

2012-05-25T11:27:00.001-07:00

CCS
Leigh's Cine chases gold at CCS track finals, others chasing Cline
Rams, Lions qualify for CCS track finals
Locals to compete in CCS finals Friday
Monterey's Dorsey heads local field at CCS
SC hurdler Delucchi not resting on her talent
Martin, Galle in CCS track finals
Notre Dame's Anderson goes above and beyond in final year
Baypreps.com CCS Final Preview

NCS
NCS Meet of Champions

SJS
Vacaville High School track and field teams solid in first day of Masters meet
Granite Hills' Wilson takes different path to Masters
Area athletes finish second
Multiple area athletes advance to SJS Masters track finals

Oakland
Skyline High's Isaiah King qualifies for state meet in 400 meters

College
Former Bret Harte runners wins JC
Sumpter in track finals

Section Championship Weekend

2012-05-25T06:39:00.000-07:00

SJS
http://cifsjs.org/sports/spring/track/mastersseedsdaytwo_12.htm

SF
http://www.cifsf.org/Information/Track-FinalsProgram2012.pdf

CCS
http://archive.dyestatcal.com/ATHLETICS/TRACK/2012/ccs_pgm.htm

NCS
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B52TA0E_qub5TEtFSi13T0M4OFU (before 800m. changes)

NS
http://www.cifns.org/Announcements/2011-2012/NSCIF%20Entries.htm

Hope the weather can cooperate this weekend. We might have some super wind aided races or some very slow tactical ones.

San Francisco Section Championship Meet Program

2012-05-24T10:14:00.002-07:00

http://www.cifsf.org/Information/Track-FinalsProgram2012.pdf

The legend of Steve Prefontaine and the "Civil War Trophy"

2012-05-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

By David Taylor of xcnation.com:
http://www.xcnation.com/prefontaine/legend#!__legend

also
http://www.xcnation.com/#!__phenomenaofpre

NCS Heats posted

2012-05-23T17:52:00.001-07:00

http://home.comcast.net/~elliott.mike/Meet_Results/2012/NCS-MOC/ (Performance lists)

The meet program can be found at this link:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B52TA0E_qub5TEtFSi13T0M4OFU

Results will be posted here:
http://home.comcast.net/~elliott.mike/Meet_Results/2012/NCS-MOC/

Live webcast of the NCS MOC Meet will be here:
http://www.livestream.com/ncschampionships

Catching up with Bishop Kelly HS (Idaho) runner, Emily Nist...

2012-05-22T22:23:00.000-07:00

The following interview was with David Taylor of xcnation.com.
Today's interview is with 4 time Idaho state 3200m. champion, Emily Nist of Bishop Kelly HS. Her winning 3200m. time at the state meet (10:45.66) is the fastest time run by a high school girl in the state of Idaho. Her 3200 PR came earlier this season at the Arcadia Invitational with a 9th place finish in 10:26.92. During cross country, Emily qualified as an individual to the Nike Cross Nationals as a junior and to the Footlocker National Meet as a senior.

1. Three words that describe you and why?
Three words I would use to describe myself would be energetic, determined and passionate. I love to work hard to achieve my goals. When I love something, I develop a deep love for it and I always have LOTS of energy!

2. What does Passion mean to you, how does it apply to running and perhaps succeeding in life?
To me passion is finding something you love doing and having it not be work when you practice it. It can be applied to running because no matter how hard the workout or how early the run , running is my passion therefore I will always love/enjoy doing it.

3. How do you want to be remembered as a runner? An all-time great, a record breaker, or one of many? An example of something greater?
I would like to be remembered as an all time great and record breaker, but most importantly a runner of good character and sportsmanship.

4. If you met an 8th grader transitioning into high school who dreamt of being a successful distance runner, what words of advice would you give to him?
Thinking back to when I was in 8th grade and the dreams I had for myself regarding high school xc and track, I wouldn't have guessed many of my accomplishments. My words of advice would be: keep training honest. Meaning, keep the pace of your easy and recovery runs at a steady pace, not too easy cause then you are only cheating yourself. Also push yourself in workouts, imagining the finish of races. And lastly trust in your training and be patient and wait for it to work. It takes time before you get speed and endurance built up. Most importantly: stay positive and motivated.

5. Humility in all things...what does that phrase mean to you?
Humility in all things to me means showing class and sportsmanship in defeat and loss, accepting loss with grace. But also accepting a win with class as well. Humility means motivating all people and not belittling those who are worse than you. Acting mature and humble when talking about achievements. Humility is acting like a champion on and off the course/track.

6. Looking back, what is the most significant moment in your running career?
I think the most significant moment in my running career was winning my 4th state 3200m title. No one in Idaho history had ever done that and I became the first and set a meet record, running the fastest time ever on Idaho soil.

7. What other sports have you played besides cross country and track and field?
I played soccer until 7th grade which is when I quit for cross country and track. I also ski in the winter (downhill)

8. How did you get your start in running?
My dad suggested running after I was getting tired of soccer.

9. What were some of your highlights from your high school career so far?
Highlights include qualifying for NXN during my sophomore year with my team, and then qualifying for NXN as an individual my junior year and then qualifying for Foot Locker my senior year.

10. What is your favorite racing moment thus far?
I have two favorite racing moments. One was at Arcadia this year and Jesuit Twilight Relays. Both races I ran much faster than my pr! I came across the finish line, looked at my watch and was totally shocked that I had just run that fast! I was filled with instant excitement and was so shocked with what I had just accomplished. It felt good to know that I was able to run that fast.

11. Tell us a little about your family and how they has helped you develop during your years in high school.
My biggest fans are definitely my dad and mom. My dad acted as my coach until high school. Once I was in high school, he took me to out of state meets, supported my decisions about racing and cheered me on! My mom comes to every meet, tells me I could do anything I wanted if I set my mind to it, and always makes sure I have a good spaghetti dinner in my stomach the night before races.

12. Your coach...how has he influenced your running, team?
I could not have asked for a better high school coach. We were able to build a great relationship during the 4 years. From the moment I won my first race freshman year, he told me he believed I would go on to do great things and that he was going to do everything in his power to make me the best. I put my trust in him and his training and everything has turned out incredibly.

13. Favorite distance in track? Favorite run? Favorite invitational? Favorite opponent(s)? Favorite track workouts? Favorite run?
My favorite distance in track is the 3200! My favorite run is a 10 mile loop in McCall, ID (mountain trails) Favorite opponents: Girls from NXN or FL! Favorite track workout: 10x400 and in xc is 4x1000 loop. Favorite invitational: Arcadia!

14. What races are you most looking forward to as you look ahead to the rest of your track and field season?
Done with track. I am really excited for my first college invite though!

15. Running ultimately will not define who you are, how would you like to be defined?
I would like to be defined as someone who had an incredible passion and determination for running, and a girl who loved life and lived to enjoy every moment and everyone.

16. Favorite running movie, running song, and favorite runner?
Favorite Running movie: Without Limits
Favorite Running Song: Second Coming by Juelz Santana
Favorite Runner: Kara Goucher

Thank you very much for your time! AJC

NCS Redwood Empire Pictures

2012-05-22T13:17:00.002-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25159222@N05/sets/72157629842140376/

NCS Tri-Valley Meet Pictures

2012-05-22T00:13:00.002-07:00

Thanks to Spencer Allen:
Boys: http://www.sportsimagewire.com/2012%20Photo%20Albums/2012%20NCS%20Tri-Valley%20Championships%20-%20Boys/album/index.html
Girls: http://www.sportsimagewire.com/2012%20Photo%20Albums/2012%20NCS%20Tri-Valley%20Championships%20-%20Girls/album/index.html

Central Coast Section Meet Program

2012-05-21T23:14:00.001-07:00

As posted on www.lynbrooksports.com:
http://archive.dyestatcal.com/ATHLETICS/TRACK/2012/ccs_pgm.htm

Heart and Sole Festival of Miles tonight

2012-05-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

http://heartnsolesantarosa.com/fom12.html

Luis Luna Piner HS finished 8th at 4:12.22.
Results
Elite Men's race: http://heartnsolesantarosa.com/fom/%2314-2012.pdf
Elite Women's race: http://heartnsolesantarosa.com/fom/%2313-2012.pdf

Catching up with Palos Verdes runner, Jonah Diaz...

2012-05-21T09:39:00.003-07:00

The following interview was by xcnation.com editor, David Taylor.
Today we chat with Palos Verdes senior runner, Jonah Diaz. This past Saturday, Jonah finished in 2nd place in the SS Division III 3200m. with a time of 9:05.85. Next up for him will be the SS Masters meet where he will attempt to qualify for the state meet again after his 9th place final last year in a PR of 8:58.28. During cross country season, he helped lead his team to their 2nd state team championship in the last 3 years with a 2nd place individual finish behind rival, Danny Martinez of St. John Bosco in a time of 15:16 on the Woodward Park course. The Palos Verdes 5 x 3200m. team is currently ranked as the 17th fastest team in the nation with a team average of 9:28.16 according to xcnation.com.

1. Three words that describe you and why?
Determined, because I hate to call anything quits; Competitive, because I love to compete in everything I do; Friendly, so long as it's not during a race, I try to be friendly to anyone that approaches me.

2. What does Passion mean to you, how does it apply to running and perhaps succeeding in life?
To me, passion is the fuel that ignites determination. My passion for any goal that I have, whether its running related or not, helps me do my best to accomplish that goal.

3. How do you want to be remembered as a runner? An all-time great, a record breaker, or one of many? An example of something greater?
I want to be remembered as the runner who gave it his all at every race, no matter if I lost or won.

4. If you met an 8th grader transitioning into high school who dreamt of being a successful distance runner, what words of advice would you give to him?
I would tell him that it's a tough road. I would tell him that it's a road filled with success and disappointment. But if he's willing to follow this road, then he will see success in the end.

5. Humility in all things...what does that phrase mean to you?
To me, this quote hits home. I try to live my life based on keeping myself humble in everything I do. So this quote means a lot to me personally.

6. Looking back, what is the most significant moment in your running career?
Being fortunate enough to be on not only one, but two state championship XC teams was one of the best moments in my running career and I will cherish it always.

7. What other sports have you played besides cross country and track and field?
I tried to play basketball when I was younger but I wasn't that good at it. I also played soccer and even a bit of tennis. But eventually it all led to the sport of running.

8. How did you get your start in running?
My father was a runner and he instantly knew that I had the build to be a runner too and he tried to convince me to run as my eighth grade graduation approached. But when I wouldn't listen he eventually made a deal with me that I would run one race my freshman year and if I didnt like it, I could stop. Turns out that my dad and I loved racing and here I am now, still doing what I love to do.

9. What were some of your highlights from your high school career so far?
I would say my top three highlight of high school were: 1. winning two state XC titles with my team, 2. finishing 6th at Nike Cross Nationals my senior year, and 3. making lifelong friends along the way.

10. What is your favorite racing moment thus far?
My favorite racing moment to date is probably winning the CIF title with my xc team my senior year because my brother was on the team and it meant a lot to me to win a title with him along with my best friends.

11. Tell us a little about your family and how they has helped you develop during your years in high school.
My family has been incredibly supportive of me over the past four years. They have taught me to be respectful, humble, and an overall better person. They have taught me through example, through lessons, and through experience.

12. Your coach...how has he influenced your running, team?
My coach has taught me and my team that we can't simply expect greatness and success to fall into our laps. We have to work for it and only then will we have the privilege of having the opportunity to achieve success.

13. Favorite distance in track? Favorite run? Favorite invitational? Favorite opponent(s)? Favorite track workouts? Favorite run?
I've always loved to race the 3200m, it's intense and it's a fun race. My favorite run has to be the run up to Iceberg Lake up in Mammoth Lakes, CA. It's a great run that has an amazing view at every part of the run. My favorite invitational is the Palos Verdes Invitaional during xc season; it's a fun 2 mile race on a really tough course but you get to do cool stuff like run through a small river and jump over hay bales. I would have to say that my favorite opponent would have to be Danny Martinez of St. John Bosco; he's been a sort of rival since my sophomore year. Whenever we race there's never a guarantee of who is going to come out on top for that day. Over the years, he has also become a friend to me and that makes racing him a little more fun. My favorite track workout are those special days when I get to do a tempo piece on the track, there's something about tempos that I really enjoy and they always make me feel good when I'm done.

14. What races are you most looking forward to as you look ahead to the rest of your track and field season?
Well at this point I'm looking forward to the Master's Meet and hopefully, State Finals.

15. Running ultimately will not define who you are, how would you like to be defined?
I want to be defined as an approachable person who cares about his friends and his family. And also someone who is grateful for everything in his life.

16. Favorite running movie, running song, and favorite runner?
My favorite running movie is "Without Limits", it's a great movie and it always gets me motivated to run. My favorite running song is " 'Til I Collapse" by Eminem. I just like that song and it gets like "Without Limits", it just motivates me. Steve Prefontaine is definitely my favorite runner. The fact that he gave it everything he had is very inspiring and he was an amazing runner to say the least.

Thank you very much for your time Jonah! AJC

Sarah Baxter loses her first high school race in either XC and Track and Field

2012-05-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

This might have slipped through the cracks but this past Saturday, sophomore Sarah Baxter of Simi Valley High School lost her first high school race (Cross Country and Track and Field). It was in the 1600m. and she lost to Xochitl Navarrete 4:47.19 to 4:49.33. It was still a personal record for Baxter and more than likely will just be competing in the 3200m. at the State Meet were she is the defending state champion.

California Track and Field newspaper coverage...

2012-05-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

CCS
Santa Cruz County teams punch 12 tickets to finals
Paly sprinters keep CCS track hopes alive
Galle, Martin advance to CCS track finals (HMB Review)
Area track stars make CCS finals (Monterey Herald)
SCCAL advances 10 to finals

NCS
Las Lomas pole vaulters shine at NCS Tri-Valley Area Championships
NCS 1A: Tatui Gomes, meet record and Fort Bragg's dominance
Tam girls team claims section title
Holy Names' Sasha Wallace excels with pressure on

SJS
Last attempt counts
Sac-Joaquin Section Division I Track and Field Championships
Oakmont girls place second at Division II track and field meet
Two Jaguars win double gold at Division IV-V meet (Tracy Press)
Woodland Wolves quarter qualifies for Masters
Relay wins help Vacaville High School track teams take second in section

OAK
Oakland Section Final Entries

SF
San Francisco Section Trials Results

NS

CS
Central Section track and field athletes set records at Masters
Central Section track & field results

American JC 200 Record For Ashton Purvis

2012-05-20T11:26:00.001-07:00

http://www.trackandfieldnews.com/index.php/display-article?arId=72861

NorCal Sections Results

2012-05-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

Central Coast Section (CCS)

Redwood Empire (NCS)
Tri-Valley (NCS)
Tri-Valley Videos
Class A (NCS)
Class A Pictures
Bayshore (NCS)
800m. video from Bayshore (Boys)
1600m. video from Bayshore (Boys)

Northern Section Newspaper Article (NS)

More will be posted as I find them. Any surprises today? Best performance(s)?