Coming off two impressive first-place finishes, Palos Verdes runner Morgan Irish has her eyes set on a podium finish when she a teammate Robert Franklin represent the Sea Kings at the CIF State Track and Field Championships held Friday and Saturday at Buchanan High School in Clovis
Irish set a personal best time of 2 minutes, 8.32 seconds to win the girls 800 race at the Masters Meet held Friday at Cerritos College giving her the second fastest time in the state this year.,.
“Winning Masters and running 2:08 is more than I could have ever asked or dreamed of, so I will be happy however this weekend turns out as long as I give my best effort.” Irish said. “On any given week there are around seven girls in California that can run anywhere between 2:07 and 2:09.”
Irish believes her ability to race smart is an advantage among a field that is deep in talent. The senior feels that the race will come down to the last 150 meters.
“Some other racers may have more experience than me, or better credentials but I think my ability to race smart and stay relaxed during the first three quarters of the race will allow me to have a little extra in the tank with a 100 meters to go,” Irish said.
Franklin is among three South Bay boys who qualified for the 1,600 race finishing the Masters Meet with a time of 4:11.92
Redondo’s Ethan Comeaux (4:09.72) and West Torrance’s Carson Bix (4:14.32) also advanced to the State Championships.
Peninsula’s Jacqueline Ahrens will compete in Clovis after reaching a mark of 12 feet, 7 inches for a fourth-place finish in the girls pole vault. Redondo’s Kaitlin Heri also advanced with a mark of 11-7 at the Masters Meet.
Mira Costa will be represented by Shante Robinson, who finished fourth in the girls 300 hurdles (43.17) and Melia Chittenden who clocked at time of 10:32.91 in the girls 3,200 event.
