Woodbridge's Babcock runs fastest time in state at 800 meters

MISSION VIEJOThe event was different, yet the result was still extraordinary for Christine Babcock.

Competing in the 800-meter race for the first time in an invitational this season, the Woodbridge High senior posted the fastest time in the state this season to win the competition at the 17th annual Asics Trabuco Hills Invitational on Saturday at Trabuco Hills High.

“My strategy was to work hard and just hold on at the end,” said Babcock, who set a meet record with a time of 2:10.15. “I wanted to work on my speed as another step toward the state meet.”

It was a close battle throughout, as Babcock trailed Culver City senior Anniya Louis for much of the race.

However, she assumed the lead halfway through the final lap and held on to nip Louis, who finished in a time of 2:10.67. Camilia Dencer of Western Christian of Covina (2:10.73) was third.

It was also a record-setting effort from the Dana Hills 1,600-meter sprint medley team. Frenchy Silva, Kimmie Conner, Grace Esslinger and Heather Balbier set a meet record with a time of 4:12.32.

The previous mark of 4:14.17 was set by Woodbridge in 1996. The Dolphins' team time was also the fastest in the state this season.

In the girls 1,600-meter invitational, Corona del Mar senior Shelby Buckley outlasted a tight bunch over the last lap to win in a time of 4:59.36.

“I just listened to my coach and tried to stay positive out there,” Buckley said.

In the girls 3,200-meter invitational, Edison junior Hillary Hayes assumed control midway through the race to win a time of 10:54.78.

Troy senior Jonathan Shawel outkicked a talented group to win the boys 800-meter invitational in a time of 1:56.12.

“I saw the other runners behind me and that pushed me,” he said.

Santa Margarita senior Jonathan Telles (1:56.58) was second and Aliso Niguel senior Michael Andraszczyk (1:56.83) finished third.

In the boys shot put invitational, Esperanza senior Blake Poole (58 feet, 7 inches) took home the title, with Mission Viejo senior Jeff Baca (56-6) coming in second and Newport Harbor sophomore Cecil Whiteside (56-1) finishing third.

Servite senior Nick Masterson (15-4) won the boys pole vault invitational, while the Friars 1,600 relay team (3:19.55) came from behind to defeat Long Beach Poly (3:20.08) in a close finish.

Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com