With more population than over 20 states, Orange County consistently packs some of the nation's best talent in its borders. The athletes here are in a league of their own and could dominate many other states. For one day each season, all these athletes take the track to compete against each other for the coveted title of "Orange County Champion".
Arguably the best male athlete in the county is high jumper Sean Lee of Trabuco Hills. Lee is the current CA #1 with a height of 6-11. However, this is not his PR: he jumped 7-0.25 last season at a duel meet. The junior also placed 3rd at last year's CIF State Meet. It is safe to say that the 14 year meet record of 7-00 is in jeopardy.
Last year, pole vaulter Rachel Baxter of Canyon stole the show with her clearance of 14-3 which made her the county record holder. She has already cleared 14-0 this season, making her the CA #1 as well as the US #1. Baxter has a legitimate chance to eclipse her personal best mark set at last year's meet.
Another OC athlete that holds a CA #1 is Haley Herberg in the 1600m. Herberg ran 4:52.06 at the Trabuco Hills Invitational to take the win against other OC talent. The current meet record is 4:45.96 set in 2008 by Christine Babcock. Although this may be a little out of reach for Herberg at the moment, expect her to PR and dip under the 4:50 barrier.
Sunset League rivals, Cole Smith (Newport Harbor) and Kyle Tsu (Marina) look to battle once again in the shot put. With UCLA commit and World Youth Bronze Medalist Bronson Osborne out with injury, these athletes will duke it out and will have to launch their shots over 60' in order to take the W. Smith holds a PR of 61-8 while Tsu has a best of 61-8.
On the track, Ryan Bush, Thomas Wilfert, David Hulme, and Brandon Bandley will take each
other on over 800m for the first time this season. All four are in the state's top 20 and have run
under 1:56.4. It will be exciting to see what these guys can run when all in the same field.