By Leonard COUTIN

Crescenta Valley High School athletes stayed focused to soar past both Glendale and Pasadena when the Dynamiters hosted the second Pacific League track and field competition on Thursday. But what typically is a very close competitive meet did not have its usual rivalrous spirit this year. Out of the 15 events, the Falcons boys were able to score 10 gold victories, while the girls triumphed with 13 gold over the Dynamiters. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs brought the Falcons little resistance and were not able to stack many points.

Key wins for the Falcon boys came from Silas FitzGerald in the 1600 (4:39.7), John Lapides in the high jump (5-8), Kenny Kang in the 110HH in (15.7) and the 300IH (40.8), Aaron Torres in the pole vault (10-0) and Colin Fitzgerald in the 800 (2:05.5). Josh Kong jumped 36-9.5 to win the triple jump. Chris Cabrera had a solid performance in the long jump (20-10.25). Philip Thomas ran one of the best races of the year in the 3200 to win in a record time of 9:57.3. CV won the last event of the night, the 1600 relay (3:36) with the team of Jeremy Grinnell, Armin Cardenas, Christian Villegas and Sean Grinnell.

Glendale shared the gold with four victories: the 4×100 relay (43.5), the 400m dash by Wade King (53.7), two outstanding performances by Matt Aldana in the 100m dash (10.9) and the 200m (22.8) and Avetis Madaryan’s shot put throw of 42-5.5.

Final scores: CV boys 84 vs Glendale 43 and CV 101 vs Pasadena 14.

Falcon Megan Melnyk had two gold wins in the 1600 (5:34.3) and 3200

(12:10.0) and anchored the win in the 1600 relay. Sammie Phinney, despite feeling sick all day, managed to win the 100HH (15.6) before leaving early.

Courtney Iannello, who recently was removed from the injury list, won the 400m dash (63.5). Sophomore Claire Schlueter provided the Falcons with three wins: the 100 (12.8), LJ (16-6.25) and TJ (32-5.5). Emmie Walker won the high jump at 5-0 with teammate Grace Keller capturing second. Keller also won the 300LH in 49.7. Sydney Pontius took the win in the PV (8-0). Alisa Shinn won the shot put with a throw of 34-1.  The relay team of Walker, Keller, Iannello and Melnyk won in 4:17.6.

Glendale girls posted two gold wins in the 800m by Nona Boyajyan (2:37.5) and the 200m by Natalie Bastagian (28.5).

Final scores: CV girls 102 vs Glendale 33 and CV 111 vs Pasadena 1.

  Leonard Coutin