After a tough loss to Miramonte on March 13, the varsity boys’ track squad split their 2nd Diablo Foothill Athletic League (DFAL) meet, losing to Las Lomas and beating Alhambra. Their current record in DFAL competition is 2-2.
According to head coach Chuck Woolridge, the boys’ team was unable to put up varsity level marks in several events at their meet against Las Lomas. “We need to develop athletes in the long jump, triple jump, pole vault and the distance races in order to regain a competitive advantage in our league,” Woolridge explained.
Varsity sprinter and hurdler Andy VanHeuit agreed with Woolridge’s assessment. “It was slightly disappointing on most fronts and we did not perform as well on all fronts,” he said.
Meanwhile, the girls’ team has been strong in league competition with a current record of 4-0. “Hadley Swanson continues to be the foundation for the varsity girls with dominance in long jump as well as solid marks in the sprints and high jump,” said Woolridge.
According to Woolridge, sophomore Brighie Leach has asserted herself as the top distance runner in the league. The sophomore set a new personal best in the 1600 meters on March 20, finishing first in 5:09.0.
The girls’ team has an improving core of throwers lead by sophomore Maddie Daum. With Swanson, Leach, and Daum, the girls appear to be in good shape to defend their DFAL title. The girls have been league champions for the last four years.
As usual, a big challenge will come from the Dons. The squads compete against Acalanes on March 27, and it will be a tremendous test for the boys, according to Woolridge. “They have something to prove after 2 weeks of struggle,” he said.
For the girls it will be the last major hurdle in their quest for a 5th consecutive championship.
In addition to league contests, Woolridge explained that a relay team of girls distance runners along with Swanson will likely be competing at the Arcadia Invitational on April 5-6. The Arcadia Invite is the largest high school track and field meet in the nation.
