By Leonard COUTIN

Although the Crescenta Valley High School Falcons posted some outstanding track and field performances at home against their strongest rival, the Arcadia Apaches, it was the Apaches varsity teams that ended the season on top. The Apache boys won 11 out of 16 events and tied for the win in the 800m, dashing the hopes of the Falcons once again.

The depth of the Arcadia team has been a contributing factor to the team’s wins the last several years.

“The season ended well, but this year we lost two boys’ varsity track meets (to Burroughs and Burbank). Burroughs ended up winning the boys league championship this year. It ended a five year unbeaten streak for our boys,” Apache Head Coach Chris Schultz said.

Falcon pole vaulter Scott Bush (12-0) led his teammates Dashel Dupuy (11-6) and Logan Rogers (11-0) to a three-way victory. Sophomore Kenny Kang (41.8) and senior Kyler Chin (43.12) took first and second in the 300H. Senior Gabe Collison secured a pair of second place finishes in the 1600m (4:19) against Apache ace Philip Rocha (4:18) and in the 3200m (9:25) against state champion Apache Estevan De La Rosa (9:15).

Falcon senior Nick Beatty came from behind to score a tie win at the finish line in the 800m (1:58.4) against Apache Jarrick Wenslow. Senior Matt Manalo also added valuable points for the Falcons, taking second in the 800m running 2:03. Christ Ordookhanian placed second in the 400m (52.68). Kenny Kang placed third (16.38) against Arcadia winner Mark Panchorek (15:34). Senior Josh Ayo-Akinyemi won the triple jump (41-6) and the four-man 1600m relay turned into a battle with CV winning (3:31.4) against the Apache squad (3:34.6).

“I thought we competed very well,” said CV coach Mark Evans. “We scored in all areas of the meet. We just did not have the depth that Arcadia had. I was very pleased with our sweep in the pole vault. That group has really improved. Another big win was Josh Ayo in the triple jump. Those were key points for us. The one-two finish in the 300 hurdles by Kenny Kang and Kyler Chin were also impressive. The win by the 1600 relay team capped off a great competitive effort even though we did not win the meet.”

Final boys CV 54, Arcadia 82.

Senior Kayleigh Carrillo had two wins both in the 400m (57.08) and 200m (25.07) over her rival Apaches Kyra White (57.89), (25.22).

Carrillo said she enjoys running against her friend White.

“It always brings out my most competitive spirit,” Carrillo said.

Senior Emmy Walker won the high jump (5-2) with few misses over Arcadia’s Kelly Dopke. Falcon senior Erika Johnson won the 800m with a time of 2:22 and teammates Samantha Phinney and Alsia Shinn won their events as well. Phinney won the 110H (15.72) and Shinn’s shot put of 33-0 is now her personal best.

Isabel Annino of Arcadia won the 300LH (47.15), while Falcon junior Grace Keller placed second (47.53) in the 300H and senior Sarah Lapides captured third (49.81). CV’s Clair Schlueter won the long jump (16-0) and Falcon Megan Melnyk, who contributes to many of her teams wins, unfortunately did not participate in the meet due to a foot injury.

Long distance runner Roni Yamane had two gold wins for the Apaches in the 1600m (5:06.7) and the 3200m (11:25). Falcon Haley Witzeman took a valuable second place in the 3200m (11:41).

“On the girls side, Kayleigh Carrillo was impressive in her 200-400 win. Clair Schlueter has been a nice surprise in the jumps and her win in the long jump and second in the triple jump helped keep the meet close,” said Evans.  “Alisa Shinn had an important win in the shot. Sammi Phinney’s win in the 100 hurdles was a great effort as were those of Erika Johnson and Emmy Walker in the 800 and high jump.”

The Apache girls won nine of the 16 events to win not only the meet, but secured another conference title.

“Our girls went through league undefeated for the eighth straight year,” said Schultz. “We have had great marks all around and it was a good year. I think that the Pacific League will be well represented in CIF this year.”

Final girls score CV 53, Arcadia 83.

The Pacific League track and field prelims will be hosted by Arcadia High School tomorrow, Friday, May 2 starting around 2 p.m. The winners who qualify will participate May 9 in the Pacific League finals that will also be held at Arcadia High School.

  Leonard Coutin