OCVarsity Voice: It doesn't get better than Babcock vs. Hasay in Arcadia Invitational

When the 41st annual Arcadia Invitational begins this weekend, some of the best high school athletes in the country will convene upon Southern California looking to forge reputations, set  national records, and cement their legacies.

While many of the races and field events at Arcadia High will feature great matchups, the distance showdown between Woodbridge senior Christine Babcock and junior Jordan Hasay Mission College Prep of San Luis Obispo could be the cream of the impressive crop.

Babcock is scheduled to compete in the 1600- and 3200-meter races, while Hasay is set to run in the 3200, though there has been talk that she could also enter the mile.

Both runners come into the competition with extraordinary resumes and the potential for history-making performances each time they step on the track.

Babcock has been the face of the county running scene since 2006, winning two state championships in the 1600 and setting a myriad of records along the way.  Her time of 4:38.85 at last year’s state championships was a meet record and the eighth fastest time in prep history.

Her lifetime best of 10:15.54 in the 3200 is second all time among county runners.

Hasay, who has two state titles in the 3200, recently posted 4:42.50 in the mile, which is the fastest time in the United States this season.

This will be the second time the runners have met on the track. Hasay’s lifetime best of 10:06.75 at last year’s meet defeated Babcock’s 10:23.39 at last year’s 3200 at Arcadia. 

Babcock exacted a little revenge at the CIF cross country championships in November. Though they were not on the course at the same time, Hasay posted a 17:05 three-mile time to win the Division V title, only to have Babcock came back later in the day to win her Division II race in 17:04.

Through their awe-inspiring performances, each competitor has been complementary of the other and has downplayed the notion of any contentious rivalry. Yet both are ruthless competitors that enter every race with the sole notion of winning at all cost.

They are both battle-tested and will not back down if challenged.

In the end, only one of these great champions will emerge victorious. However, there will be no losers among the anticipated crowd of 7,000 or more. The fans should be treated to a spectacular duel between two of the nation’s best.

Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com