Story and Photos by Leonard COUTIN

On April 4, the Crescenta Valley High School Falcons rallied their forces against rival Glendale High Dynamiters at home.

Glendale star CIF state champion sprinter Michael Davis struck the first blow against the Falcons, running the second leg of the 400m relay and grabbing a large lead, giving the Dynamiters a win (44.5). CV’s Christ Ordookhanian ran a strong anchor leg and closed the gap (44.8).

Davis continued to have strong performances, winning the 100m (10.5) and 200m (22.1). Falcons captured key wins in the 400m, 800m 1600m, 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, long jump, high jump, and 1600m relay.

Junior Alex Damla won the 400m (53.3). Matthew Manalo was the winner in the 800m (2:01) and in the 3200 (10:18.9), with Gabe Collison placing second (2:04) and Aaron Esparza took third in the 800m (2:08). Esparza grabbed second in the 3200m (10:38.7).

David Shahmanyan had a dual gold win in the 110HH (17.1) and 300LH (43.6). Gabe Collison led the Falcons in the 1600m (4:30) taking the top spot with Nick Beatty (4:37.4) placing second and David Owens (4:51.4) third.  Senior Juho Kim jumped his personal record for this year at 5’ 8”.

When asked about the traditional rivalry between schools, Coach Evans replied, “I don’t think there has been much of a rivalry with Glendale in the last few years. We had good solid performances all around. Not sure that we had any big improvements.”

Finals boys: CV 83, Glendale 53.

The Falcon girls varsity had a 102 win against Glendale’s 29.

The girls 400m relay team of Noel Wong, Kayleigh Carrillo, Emmie Walker and Grace Keller won (50.7).

Junior  Carrillo had two personal wins, 100m (12.4) and the 200m (25.1) as well as anchoring both relays to a win.

Megan Melnyk continued to be a strong supporter for her team running and winning the 400m (59.8) and 1600m (5:17.6) as well as participating in the 1600m relay. She won with 60.5, followed by Courtney Iannello (63.6), Emmie Walker (63.3), Kayleigh Carrillo (57.8). The winning time was (4:04).

Hannah Ruby won the 800m (2:25) and teammate Haley Witzeman took first in the 3200 (11:49.5).

Sarah Lapides continued to dominate 100HH (17.2) and the 300LH (50.0).

Emmie Walker won the high jump (5’ 2”).

CV hosts Burroughs/Muir today.

Next invitational are the Mt. SAC relays on April 19 and April 20.