By Leonard COUTIN

The Southern Section Division 1 track and field CIF prelims were held on Saturday at Trabuco High School. With multiple qualifying races and field events, the meet lasted more than seven hours. The stress on the athletes as they waited for their heats was grueling and took a toll on them. Athletes are generally told to find their refuge, to lie down and rest before their event time begins, but that is hard for many to do when qualifying is the single most important thought on their minds.
Coming out of the Pacific League finals, the Falcons qualified 12 athletes for the CIF prelims. CVHS Coach Mark Evans said that this season’s team had worked hard all year and getting into the CIF competition was very satisfying and a valued learning experience. But despite strong performances, none of the Falcon participants qualified to advance to the next round of competition – the CIF finals.
Falcon sophomore Claire Codding was a newcomer to the CIF competition. A high jumper, she cleared 4-10 but missed her three attempts at her previous PR mark of five feet – a disappointing circumstance.

Codding later admitted, “I know I can do better. I am determined to work harder next year and return stronger.” The top mark of the day was at 5-4.
The girls 4×100 relay team of Liz Filipian, Brianna Domingo, Kelly Im and anchor Clair Schlueter faced a strong heat of runners. Running a time of 51.81, the Falcon girls could not make the qualifying time. Top mark of the day was 46.87 by Rancho Cucamonga.

 
Senior Kyle Dickinson, who has been a strong runner for the Falcons, had an off day and unfortunately was not able to replicate his performance in league finals. Running a time of 2:03.34, Dickinson was off his PR mark of 1:56. Top mark of the day was by Great Oak runner Isaac Cortes (1:51.82).

 
Top Falcon hurdler senior Kenny Kang had established many fine marks this season. Kang placed fifth in his heat running the 300IH in 40.78 to place 19th in a field of 37. Burbank’s top hurdler Martin Swan ran a time of 39.37 and placed 13th in the overall standing of the 300IH to capture eighth in the overall standings of the 110HH (14.65). Top mark in the 300IH was 37.87 and the 110HH was 14.02 by La Quinta senior Koty Burton.

 
CV Senior Liz Filipian got off to a good start in the 100H, racing to a time of 15:98 and rated 17th in the overall standing. Top win went to E. Roosevelt’s Brea Bernard-Joseph in a time of 14.38.
Falcon Senior Grace McAuley distinguished herself as one CV’s most valuable runners of the season. Leading her teammates consistently made her one of the most respected runners on the team. McAuley ran a time of 11:54.34 in the 3200m, placing 27th in the overall standing. Top time came from Destiny Collins of Great Oak running 10:28.90. Winning both the 3200m as well as setting the best time in the 1600m (4:52.65), Collins is hoping to set PR marks in both events at the finals.
CV sophomore Colin FitzGerald was the last qualifier to run. Though he looked strong running in the front of the pack his finishing time was slower than those in other heats. Unfortunately, FitzGerald’s heat did not have the necessary marks to allow winners to move forward. Collins finished fourth in his heat running a time of 9:28.09 and scored 11th in the overall standings. Great Oak’s Spenser Dodds qualified with the fastest time of 9:04.16.
The CIF Southern Section track and field finals will be held at Cerritos College on Saturday, May 21. Each Division will compete to qualify for the CIF Master Meet, which will also be held at Cerritos College, on Friday, May 27.