By Leonard COUTIN
Under cloudy skies – during the last hour it rained – CV track athletes conquered Pasadena at home with the final boys score CV 95 to Pasadena’s 41, and CV girls 117 – 19 on Thursday, March 24.
CV field athletes got a surprise when Pasadena cancelled the pole vault, high jump, discus and shot put events. CV was awarded points with a no contest.
Pasadena’s concentration this season has been focused on sprints and hurdles. Unfortunately they do not have a strong middle or long distance running program, which could provide a solid balance to their offering.
On Thursday, Pasadena won the 400m relays with Falcon boys losing their grip on the baton, dropping it on the last leg of the relay. CV senior Bob Anderson won the 1600m (4:38), followed by teammates Jacob Miller (4:54) and Matt Williams (4:54).
CV star junior Josh Straschewski had a solid dual win in the 110 high hurdle (14.4) and the 300 low hurdle (41.9).
Pasadena took second and third place with Ian Gran running 15.3 and Dominique Griffin 17.2. Pasadena also took second and third in the 300LH. Tevin Hodges of Pasadena won the 400m (54.9) followed by his teammate taking second (55.2) and CV junior Adam Akopyan nabbing third (55.5).
The 100m dash was won by Pasadena Chris Fuqua (10.9) with CV junior James Maturan taking second (11.3) and Pasadena Arman Easley securing third (11.4) though CV junior Averill Parker was caught in a finish photograph taking third but unfortunately the final report did not post the correct change (11.4).
The Falcons tripled in the 800m led by junior Mike Duncan (2:09), Matt Williams and junior Dylan Devens.
Parker took first in the 200m (22.2) followed by Bulldogs Fuqua (22.2) and Taylor Haws (22.3). CV again tripled in the 3200 with Anderson taking the lead (10:10) over teammate Mike Duncan (10:12) and Jordan Miller (11:14).
Pasadena captured the long jump (20-4) with second place going to Parker (19-10) and Levi Walker in third (19-2).
Triple jump was won by Pasadena’s Jeff Wood (39.3 1/2), then CV’s Walker in second (39.1) and Tariq Soliman taking third (32.1).
With the rain coming down, CV’s 4×400 relay team won with Mike Duncan running the final leg.
“I thought our team competed very well,” said Coach Mark Evans. “The distance group is coming together and definitely helps our balance as a team. All groups are doing well and I believe we are a pretty balanced team.”
Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, the Falcon varsity girls also did well, capturing nine triple wins and several duals as well.
Long distance runners led by seniors Anneke Kakebeen, Diane Lombardi and Claudia Pham won the 1600m (5:39.7). In the 100HH Sophie Vines (16.) took first, followed by Claudia Sepulveda and senior Eileen Martin.
Sophomore Cali King, who normally runs middle distances, won the 400m dash (1.02.5) with teammate Heather Roberson taking second, while T Powell from Pasadena secured third.
Senior Lombardi won the 800m (2:45) followed by junior Ali Johnson and Bulldog Katherine Robinson. CV senior Jessica Beerman, recovered from an injury, stepped back onto the track, winning the 100m dash (12.3), followed by Pasadena Camara Blount and R Richerson.
Once again the Falcons tripled in the 110LH with junior Sepulveda (49.9), Kakebeen, and Laura White.
The 200m was won by junior Tiernan Hebron (26.8), followed by Pasadena’s Blount and freshman Kayleigh Carrillo.
Pham took home first in the 3200m (12:35) with Johnson in second and Robinson of Pasadena bringing in third.
Senior Maple Jones took the triple jump (30.3), followed by junior White (29.8) and senior Leah Horwitts (24.10).