IRVINE – The 2013 track and field season opened in victorious, record-setting fashion for Dana Hills senior Brenna Barker.
Barker set a high jump meet record as part of three field event victories at the 34th annual Irvine Invitational on Saturday at Irvine High.
On her third and final attempt at clearing 5 feet, 7 1/2 inches, Barker soared high over the bar. Slightly grazing the bar on her way down, it swayed momentarily but remained in place.
The clearance broke the old invitational meet record of 5-4 set by former Dana Hills standout Kimmie Conner in 2010. It was also a lifetime best clearance for Barker and a school record.
“Looking up and seeing that the bar was still up was really exciting,” Barker said.
Later, Barker completed a sweep of the jumping events by winning the long jump (17-10) and the triple jump (36-11).
“I have put in a lot of time, and it’s nice to enjoy success, but I still have a long way to go,” Barker said.
Dolphins junior Michaela King also enjoyed a victorious day of competition, winning both the 100 hurdles (15.54) and the 300 hurdles (45.35).
“Being able to work on it everyday will make my racing better,” King said.
Mission Viejo senior Hannah Ter Harr won the discus with a huge lifetime best throw of 120-6.
“I came into the discus with an open mind and was able to pop that throw,” Ter Harr said. “I was able to PR by six feet which was good and I just have to keep learning how to manipulate my strength to my benefit.”
JSerra senior Colby Lindholm displayed an impressive kick down the final straightaway to edge Tesoro freshman Amanda Gehrich (5:10.71) and win the 1,600.
“I wanted to follow the lead of the other runners, stay on their shoulders, and I knew that could kick in the last 100,” Lindholm said. “I never thought I would be in a position to win at an invitational like this and it’s really rewarding.”
Huntington Beach senior Ashley Donohue (37-10) took home victory in the shot put, with Newport Harbor senior Peri Howser (11-0) recording a lifetime best to win the pole vault.
Woodbridge won the 1,600 relay in a time of 4:00.96.
It was also a good day for the Goins family. Senior Rianna Goins (2:17.52) won the 800 and senior Olivia Goins (10:57.93) won the 3,200. Later, senior Austin Goins added another victory for the family by winning the 3,200.
Dana Hills (97 points) finished first in team scoring. Colony (67) was second and Mission Viejo (55) was third.
Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com
