Babcock best in 1,600 at State prelims
|
Woodbridge senior will try today to become the third female to win three titles in a row.
NORWALK Even on a day in which the pace was considerably slower than her record-setting effort of a week ago, Woodbridge senior Christine Babcock still was better than anyone else.
In her first race since setting a high school federation record, Babcock cruised to a 4:53.67, finishing as the top overall qualifier for the 1,600 meters finals at the 90th annual CIF State Track and Field Championships on Friday night at Cerritos College.
My mindset is to go out and do what I have to do, Babcock said.
My goal for the final is to focus on my form and push the second and third laps.
She will be attempting to become only the third female since 1974 to win three consecutive 1,600 state titles.
Former University star Polly Plummer took home titles from 1980-82, and Kira Jorgensen of Vista High claimed three in a row from 1987-89.
In addition to Babcock, Edison junior Hillary Hayes (4:54.68), Brea Olinda senior Vanessa Hancock (4:58.26), Esperanza sophomore Teeny Adams (4:58.31) and Santa Margarita freshman Katherine Delaney (4:58.94) all qualified for the final.
In the boys discus, Orange Lutheran senior Blake Ayles will enter the championship final coming off his best effort of the season.
Ayles threw a seasonal-best 187 feet, 5 inches to finish as the second best qualifier.
The weather was perfect, and I felt good on my first one, said Ayles, who has the second-best mark in the state this season.
I'm just looking for another big throw in the finals.
Esperanza junior Jake Pendleton threw a personal-best 179 feet, 1-inch to finish sixth, while Newport Harbor sophomore Cecil Whiteside (174-1 inch) also qualified for the finals, finishing eighth.
In the boys 1,600, El Toro junior Toby Villalva (4:12.70) out-dueled Dana Hills junior Tyler Valdes (4:13.31) to finish second in his heat and fourth overall.
I accomplished what I wanted to today, said Villalva. I'm going to go out tomorrow and give it my best.
Valdes qualified for the finals, finishing sixth, as did Trabuco Hills senior Scott Blair (4:14.72), who was ninth.
In the boys high jump, JSerra sophomore Harrison Steed advanced to the finals by clearing 6 feet, 5 inches.
In the girls 800, Edison junior Meghan Foley (2:10.71) posted the fourth fastest time of the day to advance to the finals.
Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com
We want our site to be a place where people discuss and debate ideas that foster stronger communities. We built this for you. Please take care of it. Tolerate broad thinking, but take action against obscene or hateful material. Make it a credible and safe place worth preserving and sharing.
