Girls 1600
Meet Record: Nikki Hiltz Aptos 4:47.64 2012
The CCS and more specifically the SCCAL has had a terrific group of female runners that have done quite well at the state level. The latest talented runner from that area is Santa Cruz junior, Mari Friedman. She has proven to have a very impressive range from running a leg on her team's 400 relay team as well as finishing 2nd at the state cross country meet. I am certain that she will win here and the only question is whether she can surpass her personal record in this event (4:55.93). Elena Kamas, Homestead (4:58.49) junior, won this event as a freshman. She will keep Friedman honest along with Kaylay Grant, Live Oak (5:01.02) and Aragon sophomore, Emma Madgic (5:06.18).
Boys 1600
Meet Record: Matt Bates Los Gatos 4:12.80 2001
If one was to pick out the breakout CCS Track and Field star this season, the first person that may come to mind is Bellarmine junior, Alex Scales. He has been impressive over many distances and helped lead his teammates to two national leading marks in the Distance Medley Relay and 4 x 800 at the Stanford and Arcadia Invitationals respectively (photo above from Arcadia 4 x 800). Scales just recorded his lifetime best time in the 3200 (9:13.91) and will look to lower the meet record set way back in 2001 by former Los Gatos runner, Matt Bates. Interesting note that Bates will be inducted in the Los Gatos HS hall of fame on May 6th. Scales' closest competitor is fellow junior, Robert Miranda, Menlo (4:14.85 mile). Also in the mix will be Jason Gomez, Westmont (4:17.96), Jorge Estrella, Andrew P. Hill (4:18.81) and Dylan Doblar, Bellarmine (4:19.10). Watch out for 2016 state meet qualifier Roman Munoz, King City (4:21.31) who is a fearless front runner as well as a good closer. Last year, Munoz won the CCS Top 8 meet from the second heat as he showed up late for the faster first heat.