RECORD-SETTING EFFORT: Woodbridge's Christine Babcock crosses the finish line in the 1,600, setting a national record with her time of 4:36.57 at the Masters Meet. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER |
Babcock sets national mark in 1,600
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Masters Meet: Woodbridge senior turns in a stunning final lap with the crowd cheering her on.
NORWALK Woodbridge senior Christine Babcock officially has earned the distinction as the best 1,600 meters runner in national high school federation history.
Babcock blazed to a federation record time of 4:36.57 to win event at the Master's Meet on Friday night at Cerritos College.
“To be able to run that time is amazing for me,” Babcock said. “My goal for next week is just to go out and win the mile.”
The previous high school federation record of 4:38.15 was set last year by Alex Kosinski from Oak Ridge of El Dorado Hills.
A cool night brought the perfect conditions for the Washington-bound senior, who looked strong from the start, assumed the lead early in the race and extended it throughout.
With the crowd at Falcon Stadium on its feet, Babcock ran a lap splits of 67.15, 70.74, 71.70 and a stunning 66.99 over the final lap to establish the mark.
Her time was the second-fastest ever run by a high school female, trailing only former University star Polly Plummer, who posted a 4:35.24 at the 1982 Pepsi Invitational at UCLA, which was outside of federation jurisdiction.
“She had the heart, talent and work ethic to do this,” Warriors coach George Varvas said of Babcock.
“We are seeing a very special young lady here.”
Santa Margarita freshman Katherine Delaney (4:52.66) finished second with Crescenta Valley senior Claire Collison (4:52.66) placing third.
In the 3,200 race, San Clemente junior Alex Dunne (10:35.91) held off a spirited charge from Saugus freshman Kaylin Mahoney (10:38.05) to win the Masters title.
“It was a pretty aggressive race over the last 300 meters, but I was happy with my time today,” Dunne said.
“Mentally, I am lot more confident at this point in the season that I was last year.”
Three of the county's top pole vaulters earned berths in the state championship.
Los Alamitos senior Alexa Ward cleared 11 feet, 9 inches to win the competition, with Mater Dei sophomore Brooke Arthur (11-4) finishing second, and Cypress senior Melissa Morris (11-3) coming in third.
In the 800 race, Edison junior Meghan Foley ran a personal best (2:10.68) to finish third.
Canyon senior Ashley Pyka threw a personal and county best 139 feet, 6inches to finish third overall in the discus competition.
Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com
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