Arguably the premier annual track and field event in the nation, the Mt. SAC Relays at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California give fans a chance to watch the world’s most elite athletes not only of today (U.S. superstar Alyson Felix is set to compete), but also of the future. Several high school stars impressed during Friday’s events under the bright lights of Mt. SAC. Here are Friday’s prep results:
Boys 4x1 Mile: Palos Verdes started out strongly, but fell back by what appeared to be an insurmountable margin in the middle of the race, as Great Oak took a commanding lead. The home stretch of the final mile appeared to be a three horse race between Great Oak, Sierra Canyon and Ventura, but Palos Verdes came up with an enormous final push to surpass the front of the pack in the race’s final moments.
Girls 4x1 Mile: Heading into this event, several experts predicted that the Great Oak girls, who turned heads last weekend at the Arcadia Invitational, would break the national record for the girls 4x1 mile. While it didn’t reach this lofty expectation, Great Oak still impressed as it set the California state record for the event.
Boys 3200 Meters: In the second half of this race, William Ernst of San Luis Obispo gained the lead, a lead he would not relinquish. Nicolaus Jakowec of our archdiocese’s own Loyola also had a strong showing, and finished in second place.
Girls 3200 Meters: Claire Graves of Citrus Valley dominated from start to finish in a race that was never close. At one point in the race, Graves led by as many as 100 meters.
Girls Mile: In a race that was close right down to the end, Marissa Williams of Palisades took a late lead and held onto it to finish in first place.
Boys Mile: In a star-studded event, Dejour Braxton of Carter High held the lead for most of the race, and didn’t show any signs of slowing down. Kai Benedict of McQueen High, however, had one last surge left in the tank, and dashed ahead for the lead in the win in the homestretch. Robby Brandt of Loyola also impressed, finishing in third place and eclipsing the elusive 4:10 mark.
Boys 4x800 Meter: There was much hype surrounding the Great Oak girls heading into the weekend, but in this event, it was the Great Oak boys’ turn to shine. In a race they dominated from start to finish, Greak Oak earned the new national lead.
Girls 4x800 Meter: The Great Oak girls were the heavy favorites heading into this event. However, the girls from Centennial High generated a great final push to pass Great Oak late in the race and steal the event.
