*CORRECTION IN BOLD

By Leonard COUTIN

Emotions were high at the Pacific League conference cross-country finals held on Thursday at the Falcons’ home course at Crescenta Valley Park. By the end of the day it was known which teams qualified to move forward to the CIF prelims being held at RIVERSIDE GOLF COURSE on Friday, Nov. 11 with some divisions running Saturday, Nov. 12.

The surprise of the day came when Arcadia High matched team points with rival John Burroughs High to finish with a tie of 44 so the pair shared the League title as conference champions. On the Nov. 5 CIF rating team list prepared by Rich Gonzalez of Prep Cal Track, Arcadia climbed ahead of Burroughs by one position, being listed as sixth, Burroughs as seventh and CV in ninth. Great Oak continued to dominate as the best boys’ and girls’ teams since early season.

The course at CV Park was lined with a crowd of spectators who cheered loudly as the runners came into the finish chute. CVHS Head Coach Mark Evans could be seen smiling as he witnessed his lead Falcon runner, Colin FitzGerald, pace himself on the course alongside Alexander Hirsch of Burroughs.

“We are very happy with how we competed on Thursday at League finals,” Evans said. “[I] have not seen a League meet in a long time that was so close. Five points separated the first three varsity boys’ teams. That is pretty amazing.

“We ran well and did a better job keeping our group together. We can be better at this and will work to improve on this in the CIF meets. For a race that went out pretty controlled the times were fast. Colin and Alex Hirsch closed in about 4:45 after a 5:20 first mile. That is pretty amazing.”

FitzGerald looked relaxed running the course, indicating that he had “a lot in the tank” to make his move on the final loop to outkick Hirsch to the finish line. FitzGerald finished first with a time of 15:33.03 while Hirsch, a few strides back, ran 15:32.69. Falcon teammates Manan Vats improved his position from last League meeting to take eighth (16:07.22) and Artin Allahverdian placed ninth (16:08.28). Zach Johnson placed 11th running 16:11. Other improved times were from CV’s Spencer Geck who placed 20th (16:43.26), Matt Brunner in 21st (16:55.12) and Logan Neil in 23rd (17:03.84).

Arcadia Apache Joseph Vasquez took third with a time of 15:45.75 followed by teammate Tony Segura (15:47.18). Teammate Sanjay Pfupajena placed sixth (15:56.78).

Final team scores: Arcadia 44, Burroughs 44, CV 49, Burbank 104, Pasadena 148, Glendale 172 and Hoover 191

The varsity girls’ race was won by Emily Virtue from Burroughs who ran an excellent time of 18:18.88 followed by Arcadia senior Holly Lung who captured second (19:05.18). Teammates Eryca Yamane captured third (19:05.68) and Jasmine He took fourth (19:10.15). Burbank Gabby Collins scored fifth (19:15.15) and Kira Bochard took seventh in a time of 19:19.81.

The Falcon girls were led by Naila Ortiz who captured 20th running 20:36.56 followed by her teammates, Melissa Owens in 21st (20:46.31), Sophia Atin placed 22nd (20:56.48), and Sojeong Kang, who hit her personal record to take 17th (20:57.28). Other CV contributors were Gaby Borraez in 22nd (21:21.2), Pesiyana Petrova placed 23rd (21:36.81) and Jacqueline Bau ran 22:50.72.

“The girls ran really well. We keep getting better and the pack keeps getting stronger,” said Evans. “We are looking for a strong race in CIF prelims. Sojeong had her best race so far and is back where she should be with Melissa and Sophia. With this group together we will be a strong team.”

Final team scores: Arcadia 23, Burbank 53, CV 84, Burroughs 84, Glendale 152 and Hoover 153

  Leonard Coutin