California State Track and Field Championship: Running Events Preview

May 30, 2016

1600 Meters

Girls Favorite: Amanda Gehrich Tesoro (SS) 4:41.39
Leading Contenders: Destiny Collins Great Oak (SS) 4:45.85, Rylee Bowen Sonoma Acadmy (NCS) 4:47.25 mile, Brooke Starn Monte Vista (NCS) 4:49.12 mile, Annie Boos Claremont (SS) 4:48.95 & Gabby Saterlee Central Valley Christian (CS) 4:49.92
State Meet Record: Christine Babcock Woodbridge (SS) 4:33.82 2008

At last year's state final, Amanda Gehrich Tesoro (SS) defeated Destiny Collins Great Oak (SS) after Collins won the SS Masters Meet. This year, Gehrich comes in as the section champion and will be favored to repeat as state champion. Collins is a seasoned racer and can never be counted out. Rylee Bowen (NCS) got valuable experience last year and has traveled far and wide this season to face some very stiff competition. Brooke Starn Monte Vista (NCS) has had quite a senior season which included a victory at Stanford Invite mile as well as a narrow loss to Bowen in NCS MOC final. Annie Boos Claremont (SS) seems to be peaking at the right time and Gabby Saterlee Central Valley Christian (CS) won in a personal record time at her section final putting her in the mix for a podium finish.

Boys Favorite: Isaac Cortes Great Oak (SS) 4:04.01
Leading Contenders: Eduardo Herrera Madera South (CS) 4:04.99 mile & Spencer Dodds Great Oak (SS) 4:05.47
State Meet Record: German Fernandez Riverbank (SJS) 4:00.29

The defending state champion Austin Tamagno Brea Olinda (SS) will not be competing here as he has chosen to chase all-time records instead of state championships. The role of the favorite will fall to Isaac Cortes Great Oak (SS) who just ran his fastest 1600 time at the SS Masters Meet. He was followed by teammate Spencer Dodds who also ran recorded a new personal record. They will both be after valuable team points as they pursue an individual state title. Their main competition should come from Eduardo "Lalo" Herrera Madera South (CS) who won his section title and has proven to be a rugged racer throughout the season. Camden Smith Highland (SS) finished in 3rd chasing the GO duo and will be looking for a repeat performance here. Luis Grijalva Armijo (SJS) will be after a podium finish here and if the pace is right can contend with a strong finish.

More CIF State Meet Coverage