Krinik's strategy in the 800 pays off

CLOVIS - Valencia junior Sean Krinik said he is better suited to come from behind in a race rather than setting the pace.

For the second consecutive week, he proved his theory to be correct.

Krinik rallied from the middle of the pack over the last 200 meters of the 800 to win his heat and post the top qualifying time at the CIF State Track and Field Championships on Friday night at Buchanan High. 

“Coming from behind gives me the motivation to go out and catch people, which is big for me,” said Krinik. “Today was a good preface for the finals and it’s going to be a good matchup.”

Krinik, who posted a seasonal best time of 1:51.42, will enter Saturday's final ranked second in the state and eighth in the nation.

El Toro senior Toby Villalva (4:10.76) continued his successful streak, claiming his fourth straight CIF 1,600 competition in a row and finishing as the top overall qualifier heading into the finals.

“It was a slow first half and fast second half of the race,” said Villalva. “The win gives me confidence and I know that I can compete with the best.”

It was a scene that has repeated itself throughout the postseason. Villalva and Dana Hills senior Tyler Valdes battled for the lead in the final lap until Villalva pulled away with about 200 meters to go for the win.

Valdes (4:11.92) qualified with the fourth best time of the meet. Mission Viejo senior James Cameron (4:12.37) and Dana Hills senior Zak Phillips (4:13.46) also advanced to the finals.

Tustin senior Ameer Webb (21.25) pulled away down the stretch to win his heat of the 200 and finish with the third best time of the day.

“I just tried to kick it in during the last 100 meters,” said Webb. “I’m just trying to power through and do my best in the finals.”

The Orange Lutheran 1,600 relay team (3:13.43) won its heat and finished with the second best time of the meet.

Dana Hills senior Mikey Fischetti (37.60) qualified for the 300 hurdles finals, finishing with the second best time of the meet. La Sierra senior Reggie Wyatt (35.02) set a national high school federation record to claim the top time of the day.

Irvine junior Brandon Phillips (38.13) also advanced to the finals

Fountain Valley junior Kyle Middlebrooks (10.54) advanced to 100 final, posting the third best time of day.

“I was satisfied with my time and just have to perfect my race for the finals,” he said.

In the boys discus, Newport Harbor junior Cecil Whiteside qualified second with a throw of 181 feet, six inches.

Defending state high jump champion Harrison Steed of JSerra will return the finals, qualifying by clearing 6 feet, eight inches.

Mission Viejo senior Sean McNanny, Mater Dei senior Matt Cooper, and Monarchs junior Michael Woepse all cleared 15 feet, three inches to advance to the pole vault finals.

In the girls 1,600, Orange Lutheran senior Staci Foster (4:50.89) won her heat and finished with the second best overall time of the meet.

“My coaches were telling me to treat this race like the finals,” said Foster, who posted her best time of the season. “The time is a real confidence boost and I’m just trying to stay as calm as I can going into the finals.”

Woodbridge sophomore Gabrielle Scott won her 400 heat, crossing the finish line in a time of 55.28.

“I was trying to run a good race and make sure that I made it to the finals,” said Scott.

San Clemente junior Christina Twicken (55.90) also qualified.

Three county pole vaulters qualified for the finals. Santa Margarita junior Claire Hawkins, Huntington Beach senior Allison Koressel, and Foothill freshman Victoria Rische all cleared 11-8  to advance.

Orange Lutheran sophomore Annie Giebelhaus was one of 12 jumpers to clear 5-5 to advance to the finals.

The Trabuco Hills 400 relay team (47.25) claimed the final qualifying spot.

Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com