By Leonard COUTIN

CV Falcons hosted track and field division champions Golden Valley at Thursday’s meet. Having competed last season against the Grizzlies – who were coached by his sons – Falcons coach Mark Evans was not surprised by the strength displayed by Golden Valley.

“We did pretty well,” he said of Thursday’s competition, “but they are a very good team.”

Although CV was beaten in the boys and girls varsity, they won the frosh-soph portions of the meet.

Evaluating the performances of his athletes, Evans said, “We are faster in the relays than we were at this time last year and our jumps are much better than this time last year.”

Golden Valley’s Nolan Del Valle placed first in the 1600m (4:26.7). Falcon Nick Beatty had a win in the 800m running 2:01.5, edging out Grizzly Nolan Del Valle (2:01.5). David Shahmanyan had dual wins in the hurdles, running the 110HH (16.6) and 300HH (42.3). Teammate Kyler Chin took third in the 110HH (17.7) and second in the 300HH (44.) Steve Lee had a big win in the long jump (18-11).

The Falcon girls also faced stiff competition from the Grizzlies.

“The GV girls team is outstanding and is favored to win the tough Foothill League,” said Evans.

GV star distance runner Chelsey Totten is back after a year off and won both the 800m (2:17.4) and the 1600m (5:05.9).

CV had two important wins against the Grizzlies. Falcon Emily Beglarian won the high jump (4-10) and Kayleigh Carrillo won the 200m (25.0). Unfortunately for the Falcon girls, Emmy Walker, who participates in relays, sprints and the high jumps, sprained her ankle while working out and is on a leave of absence.

On Saturday, the Falcons participated in the Canyon Invitational that was held at Canyon High. Outstanding performances were seen by the girls 4×400 with a team comprised of Erika Johnson, Megan Melnyk, Courtney Iannello and Kayleigh Carrillo that ran 4:01.8 and broke the standing meet record set in 2009 by West Ranch (4:05.95). This was Iannello’s first performance this year.

Golden Valley girls placed second in the race.

The CV boys 4×400 ran their best time of the year – 3:33 – with a team of Alex Damla, Nick Beatty, Matt Manalo and David Shahmanyan.

Kayleigh Carrillo placed second in the 100m (12.60) behind Golden Valley’s Azario Hill (12:20).

The Falcon boys 4×1600 relay placed third (20:00) behind Canyon (18:35) and Saugus (18:00).

“It was a very competitive meet,” said Evans. “I am very pleased with how we competed.”

  Leonard Coutin