The only preliminary "distance" event was the 800m. Both Aaron Mayfield (Pitman) and Ian Brooks (Hughson) were competing for a chance to run in Friday's finals and compete for one of the three automatic berths in next week's State Meet. Aaron qualified by virtue of winning his heat. Ian didn't win his heat but ran a fast enough time to move on to Friday.
Aaron Mayfield (Pitman) 1:57.61
Ian Brooks (Hughson) 1:57.00
PRELIM RESULTS
FRIDAY'S FINALS
All three distance events would be run in Friday's finals. Qualifying for this meet was the goal for most StanCo athletes. Once at the meet all of the season's hard work (and some luck) might lead to a qualification spot for State.
VG 1600m
Mikayla Florez (Riverbank), perhaps the most accomplished of the StanCo competitors was still a long shot to qualify for State. It would take the race of her life and a huge PR. She looked pained and uncomfortable from the second lap. I am guess the she was trying to run through a minor injury. She finished with what would have been a respectable time for anyone, but I am certain it was disappointing for her.
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| Mikayla Florez |
VB 1600m
Nathan Stanton (Patterson) ran hard for the first two laps and was elbowed and jostled around several times in the large pack of runners. On the third lap the reality of the fast pace seemed to settle in and he struggled to stay in contact over the final 800m.
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| Nathan Stanton |
25. Nathan Stanton (Patterson) 4:42.42
VB 800m
Aaron Mayfield (Pitman) ran is solid position (about 3rd place) for the first 500m with Ian Brooks (Hughson) hovering in about 6th. On the back stretch Aaron tried to make a move, but everyone else was doing the same thing (only faster). As the real kickers put it in high gear for the final 100m, Aaron and Ian both looked "out of gas." Both finished near their PR times with more than respectable efforts.
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| Aaron on the outside and Ian on the inside |
9. Aaron Mayfield (Pitman) 1:57.45
12. Ian Brooks (Hughson) 1:58.20
VB 3200m
For one of the few times this season neither Isaac Gonzalez (Pitman) and Zach Morrett (Hughson) ran the 1600m prior to the 3200m. That meant they both had fresh legs entering the 3200m. Both were hoping that the quick and deep field would carry them to big PRs. In Isaac's case that is exactly what happened. Every time he began falling off pace he would tuck his head down and surge. The top ten finish in the 3200m (not his preferred event) is a huge accomplishment!
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| Isaac Gonzalez |
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| Zach Morrett |
10. Isaac Gonzalez (Pitman) 9:34.87 PR
12. Zach Morrett (Hughson) 9:41.33
VG 3200m
In what was an incredibly fast assembly of female runners, Kim's best hope was to hang on for dear life and hope for a big PR. She did a solid job of hanging on, but just missed her PR.
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| Kim Ruvalcaba |
23. Kim Ruvalcaba (Riverbank) 11:51.14
On a personal note I will miss watching Mikayla, Aaron, Ian, Zach, Nathan, and Isaac compete. They are all seniors whom I have been watching and photographing for at least three years, if not four years. I am not their coach or their parents, but never-the-less I am proud of all they have accomplished.
FINALS RESULTS
FINALS PHOTOS
Thanks for all of the recognition you've given our athletes over the last few years. I know they appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteJoel Bernard you may be the only person that reads this blog. Thank you. Your comments encourage me to keep coming out to the meets and doing what I do.
ReplyDeleteI would like to thank you for the wonderful write UPS on mikayla over her four years of track and CX. Keep up the great write UPS of all the kids and your fantastic pictures. God Bless, Florez family
ReplyDeleteI would also like to thank you for all you do for the distance runners of this county. The write ups, highlights, and photos are informative and fantastic. You are so much better than the newspapers and your dedication is greatly appreciated. We look forward to the future, but in the meantime, have a great summer!
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