Monday, April 21, 2008
Servite's Perez hasn't backed down from a challenge
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Boys and girls track notes: His latest accomplishment was a victory in O.C. Championships' 400.
OCVarsity.com
As he rounded the final turn in the 400 at Saturday's Orange County Championships, Servite senior Trent Perez knew that he was step for step with Aliso Niguel senior and All-County runner Michael Andraszczyk. As both runners stared down the final 100 meters, Perez silently vowed that the race and county title would belong to him.
I just kept telling myself that I wasn't going to let him beat me, Perez said. I went out and gave everything that I had left.
For Perez, having anything left has become quite a story in itself.
He has proved to be one of the county's most gifted and versatile athletes this season, competing in four events.
Perez, who has only competed in only six 400 races in his career, is the county leader in the event, posting a 48.88 at the Trabuco Hills Invitational. He has cleared 14 feet, 7 1/4 inches in the pole vault, ranking him sixth in the county. He is also on the Friars' 1,600 team, currently ranked 10th in the state and has cleared 6 feet in the high jump.
Friars coach Richard Gibbs acknowledged that Perez has put individual and team success on equal levels.
He has a deeply felt desire to win for both himself and the team. Gibbs said.
Perez said he realizes that the Friars have the talent to go far this year.
As a team, we are looking to win league finals and I think we have a good chance to win CIF, he said.
MORE FROM O.C. CHAMPIONSHIPS
Corona del Mar senior Blaine Bolus posted a county-best mark of 46 feet, 7 1/4 inches to win the boys triple jump, while finishing a close second (21 feet, 11 inches) to Trabuco Hills senior Trevor Wightman (21-11 1/2) in the long jump competition. Beckman senior Ryan Arambulo (6-6) took home the high jump title. Orange Lutheran senior Blake Ayles (175-7) claimed the county discus title. Woodbridge freshman Gabrielle Scott ran a personal and county best 56.63 to win the 400. Trabuco Hills senior Monica Todd (16-10 1/2) won the long jump. Aliso Niguel senior Jordyn Stoddard (36-8 3/4) won the triple jump, with Santa Margarita sophomore Claire Hawkins (11-6) claiming the pole vault.
Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com
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