WINTERS, CA (MPG) – Competing at the Sacramento Valley League track finals on May 8 at Winters High School, the Pierce varsity boys and Colusa varsity girls emerged as the champions of their respective divisions.
With a core group of returners from last year’s Northern Section Division III championship squad, it was no surprise the Bears notched a runaway victory as they accumulated 271 points, which was 183 more than second place Willows, by dominating the 100 and 200 meters as well as the jumping events.
Pierce swept the top three spots in the 100 meters led by the SVL’s fastest man, Nate Macintosh, who crossed the line in 11.42, ahead of teammates Jonathan Vazquez Hernandez (11.45-PR) and Drew Burnum (11.54) who took second and third respectively.
Thomas Sweet set a school record at the SVL Championships on May 8. Courtesy photo
In the 200, Vazquez Hernandez set another personal record posting a time of 23.59, which was enough to edge Macintosh (23.60) who finished second.
The trio of sprinters also combined with Thomas Sweet to win the 4 x 100 relay and in the process set a school record with a time of 44.12.
A Bear sweep in the long jump included Jamison Porter (19-09.5), Vazquez Hernandez (19-08.5) and Sweet (19-07.5-SR), while in the triple jump, Sweet (40-02) grabbed the top spot followed by Anthony Torres (37-10.5) and Porter (37-06.5).
Pierce also got a double win from in the hurdles from JR Figueroa who finished the 110 meters in a time of 17.50, then ran a personal best of 44.43 in the 300 meter race.
After claiming back-to-back league titles, Coach Lisa Burnum reflected on what it took for her team to retain its crown.
“This year has not been without its challenges, but the returning core of male athletes has been goal-oriented,” said Burnum. “We set goals as individuals and as a team and the kids responded. The desire is there and as a coaching staff we have the ultimate belief in this group and what they are capable of.”
Meanwhile, the Colusa varsity boys took home three gold medals, with Benji Granados setting the pace in the 1600 meters with a time of 4:40.16 and also capturing the 3200 in 11:00.87, while Emiliano Guzman ran a 54.00 to win the 400 meters.
Yet, for the RedHawks, it was the varsity girls that did something that may have been a first as they edged Pierce 137-120 to come away with the SVL crown by taking both relays and picking up points from six second place and four third place finishes.
Colusa’s 4 x 100 relay team, comprised of Shaheen Orr, Aaliyah Williams, Itzel Cruz and Kendall Marengo broke the school record after crossing the line with a time of 52.11.
Then in the 4 x 400, the RedHawk foursome that included Danica Chavez, Josslyn Garcia, Marengo and Cruz did the same, setting a new school mark of 4:27.39.
For her part, Orr (19.11) posted the only outright individual win, finishing first in the 100 meter hurdles.
Although the Colusa girls have a sprinkling of veterans, it’s a core of underclassmen that first-year head coach Marco Gomez says have stepped up and will ultimately become the team’s foundation.
“We have continued to improve throughout the year,” Gomez said. “It took lots of hard work, but we have a lot to look forward to as well. This championship came down to the wire, but the girls came through.”
Pierce, the runner-up, put forth a valiant effort, getting wins from Lyla Maldonado (2:44.84) in the 800 meters, Karina Grajedra (6:07.95) in the 1600 and Macey Myers (29-00.5-PR) in the triple jump.
It was an effort that showed selflessness and heart as Burnum explained, “I couldn’t be prouder of the effort our girls’ team put forth. Several of them stepped up and said they would do any event necessary to win the championship. Unfortunately, we came up just a little short.”
First place finishers automatically advance to the Northern Section CIF Division III Finals, which are being held May 16 at West Valley High School in Cottonwood.