PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Dana Hills' Tyler Valdes, left, and Mission Viejo's James Cameron finished in a tie for first at the South Coast League Finals.
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Valdes vs. Cameron is epic at South Coast Finals
Comments 0 | Recommend 0Valdes vs. Cameron is epic at South Coast Finals
November 06, 2008 3:00 AM
OCVarsity.com
LAGUNA NIGUEL - Two of the state’s best distance runners turned their final league battle into one of the most memorable races in modern county history.
In a finish that was too close to call, Dana Hills senior Tyler Valdes and Mission Viejo senior James Cameron tied for the individual league title at the South Coast League Finals on Thursday at Laguna Niguel Regional Park.
“It’s great to have a good competitor to race against,” Valdes said. “I knew coming out here that I could expect a great race.”
Valdes led for the majority of the race and appeared to have the victory well in hand as the runners entered the final 400 meters. However, Cameron used a final burst to catch Valdes, and both runners crossed the finish line side by side.
After officials reviewed photo images for several minutes, it was determined that both runners crossed the finish line at the same time.
“Racing against Tyler is always great,” Cameron said. “Going into CIF, I feel good after a race like this.”
Both runners were credited with a time of 14:45.6, breaking the course record of 14:48, set by former El Toro standout Brandon Bethke in the 2004 finals.
Dana Hills (19.5 points) easily out-distanced second place Aliso Niguel (70) to win the meet. The Dolphins, ranked No. 1 in the county and CIF-SS Division I, placed five runners in the top six. Coupled with their undefeated duel meet record, the Dolphins clinched their eighth league title in the last nine years.
Dana Hills, Aliso Niguel and Capistrano Valley also qualified for CIF competition.
In the girls’ race, San Clemente senior Alex Dunne took control of the race early and cruised to her fourth consecutive league title.
“I was trying to stay steady throughout and push it at the end,” Dunne said. “I’m so happy with how this whole season has gone so far.”
Dunne’s time of 16:54.6 broke her own course record of 17:19, which she set in last season’s victory.
Dolphins sophomores Kristin Parry (17:36.1) and Alaina Alvarez (17:42.5) were second and third, respectively.
Dana Hills (22) had five runners in the top seven to clinch their 10th consecutive league title. San Clemente (60) was second, and Capistrano Valley (83) finished third. Based on earlier league competitions, all three teams qualified for CIF.
In a finish that was too close to call, Dana Hills senior Tyler Valdes and Mission Viejo senior James Cameron tied for the individual league title at the South Coast League Finals on Thursday at Laguna Niguel Regional Park.
“It’s great to have a good competitor to race against,” Valdes said. “I knew coming out here that I could expect a great race.”
Valdes led for the majority of the race and appeared to have the victory well in hand as the runners entered the final 400 meters. However, Cameron used a final burst to catch Valdes, and both runners crossed the finish line side by side.
After officials reviewed photo images for several minutes, it was determined that both runners crossed the finish line at the same time.
“Racing against Tyler is always great,” Cameron said. “Going into CIF, I feel good after a race like this.”
Both runners were credited with a time of 14:45.6, breaking the course record of 14:48, set by former El Toro standout Brandon Bethke in the 2004 finals.
Dana Hills (19.5 points) easily out-distanced second place Aliso Niguel (70) to win the meet. The Dolphins, ranked No. 1 in the county and CIF-SS Division I, placed five runners in the top six. Coupled with their undefeated duel meet record, the Dolphins clinched their eighth league title in the last nine years.
Dana Hills, Aliso Niguel and Capistrano Valley also qualified for CIF competition.
In the girls’ race, San Clemente senior Alex Dunne took control of the race early and cruised to her fourth consecutive league title.
“I was trying to stay steady throughout and push it at the end,” Dunne said. “I’m so happy with how this whole season has gone so far.”
Dunne’s time of 16:54.6 broke her own course record of 17:19, which she set in last season’s victory.
Dolphins sophomores Kristin Parry (17:36.1) and Alaina Alvarez (17:42.5) were second and third, respectively.
Dana Hills (22) had five runners in the top seven to clinch their 10th consecutive league title. San Clemente (60) was second, and Capistrano Valley (83) finished third. Based on earlier league competitions, all three teams qualified for CIF.
Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com
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