Track and field teams are off and running in various meets
Redondo’s Amari Turner won a silver medal in the pole vault at the 2018 State Championships. Photo
Preparing for their annual showdown in the Bay League, track teams from Mira Costa and Redondo have begun competition in various meets, going up against some of the top talent in the state.
Redondo opened the season last Saturday competing in a four-way meet at Yorba Linda High School. Anthony Zuanich led the boys team winning the 100 (11.07) and 200 (22.35) sprints.
Setting personal records with first-place finishes were Alexander Claessens (400, 51.32), Cristoph Waligorski (1600, 4:29.30) and Daniel Hatakeyama (pole vault, 13-00).
In girls action, Mahkaia Lee captured the 100-meter race (12.65) and set a personal record in the 200 (26.08).
Also setting personal records was Eve Divinity who captured the 400 (1:01.19) and long jump (16-07) events.
Other event winners included Peyton Heiden (1600, 5:14.87), Mia Fong (300m hurdles, 48.82) and Amari Turner (pole vault, 11-00).
Mira Costa senior pole vaulter Brigette Grau returns after competing in the 2018 State Championship. Photo
This Saturday, Redondo will compete at the Long Beach Poly Track Rabbit Invitational at Veterans Stadium, Long Beach City College
Mira Costa competed against West and South in a friendly meet last weekend and will participate in the Palos Verdes Distance Day on Saturday.
Amari Frasier won the 100 and 300 hurdles with times of 15.80 and 48.69, Sara Mooney took first in the 100 (12.90) and 200 (26.52), Katelyn Lowry won the long jump (14-08) while Brigette Grau, who reached the State Championships last season, captured the pole vault (11-0).
“Qualifying for State and that 13-foot mark are still great motivating factors for me,” Grau said. “I have been working with coaches to focus on specific technical aspects of my vault. At the end of the runway before every jump I say in my head ‘Have fun with it. This is what you love to do.’”
In boys competition, Bobby Craig won the long jump (22-05) and set a personal best in the triple jump (42-08). Rory Schelly cleared 12-06 to win the pole vault.
Following a meet with West and Santa Monica on Thursday, Feb. 28, Mira Costa will host the Mustang Relays on Saturday, Mar. 16.