The track and field teams from Central Union and Southwest High schools met at Eagle Field for an Imperial Valley League contest and competitive display of athleticism here on Thursday afternoon.
Both the Spartans and the Eagles fared well at the meet despite competing against a strong westward wind at times.
In the end, the Eagle boys defeated Central 71-56, while the Spartan girls edged the Eagles 67-60.
In addition to battling against one another, the athletes competed against the clock such as the Eagles’ Mauricio Peña.
Peña competed in the 100 (27.10) and 200 (59.24) meter events in an effort to qualify in this year’s CIF State Track and Field Meet’s Wheelchair and Ambulatory Division. The 15-year-old sophomore, who was born with Spina bifida, began competing on the team this year and said while his start in the 100 meters could have been better he still enjoyed the thrill of competing.
“It’s really exciting,” Peña said. “I just like racing and going fast.”
In attendance for Peña’s race were plenty of family, school and district support including a CIF-San Diego Section official to record his time in his events.
“This is my first time doing the 200,” Peña said.
In the girls’ 100 meter hurdles, winner Alyssa Miranda (17.84) said she felt the wind at her back helped in her race.
“I like this event because it’s exciting right from the start,” said the Eagle sophomore.
Miranda’s teammate Melany Palacio (18.27) took second in the event and agreed the event was one of her favorites.
“It’s fun because if you have a good start and get over that first hurdle it feels like you can do the rest,” Palacio said.
Palacio also topped the long jump and triple jump
While the sprinters likely benefited from the wind, the boys’ 1600 meter competitors battled the weather during certain portions of their race.
“I felt good and just tried to keep pushing against the wind,” said Central’s Michael Garcia who won the event in 4 mintues, 46 seconds after a strong push in the final 100 meters.
Also for the Spartans Karina Soto (13.17) topped the 100 meter dash, while Southwest’s Tyler Saikhon (52.98) won the 400 meters and the 300 meter hurdles ((41.15) and teammate Romeo Corona (15.54) topped the 110 meter hurdles.
Sports Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3434 or klopez@ivpressonline.com
Sports Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at klopez@ivpressonline.com or 760-337-3434.