Distances
Kevin Ramos (12) is one of the state's elite distance runners. (Lizette Adams photo)
The dynamic duo of Anthony Grover (4:13.36) and Peter Herold (4:17.00), both representing JSerra, dominate the Division 3 landscape going into the 2019 season. After dominating the competition this past Cross Country season, both return as the top two for the 1600 meters and two of the top three for the 3200. Grover's 2018 sophomore season provided some great drama as he qualified for the Masters Meet as an alternate, but placed sixth to qualify for the California State Meet. Not content, Grover eventually finished ninth at the State Meet Finals. He was also third at the Division 3 finals in the 3200 a year ago. Meanwhile, Herold was sixth at the 2018 divisional finals for the 3200.
Kevin Ramos of Rubidoux is the defending Division 3 champion for the 3200 meters. After qualifying for 
NXN for the second year in a row this past Cross Country season, Ramos is poised to eclipse that elusive nine minute barrier after rolling to a 9:06.46 and a fifth place finish at the Southern Section Masters Meet in 2018. Ramos went onto finish tenth at the California State Meet for the event and is one of the top returners in California.
Laguna Beach's Ryan Smithers (4:22.82 / 9:24.56) and Sebastian Fisher (4:24.68) and led to their squad to the Division 4 State Championship this past Cross Country season and look to advance that success to the oval this 2019 season.
Behind all of the headliners above, South Pasadena's Kai Dettman is the top returner for the 800 meters (1:55.92). He was third at last year's Division 3 finals. Meanwhile, South Hills' Dillon Hightower (1:57.01) also returns along with twin brother, Devin Hightower, who returns with a 4:21.70 best from the 2018 season for the 1600 meters. Dillon was fourth for the 800 meters while Devin crossed in sixth place a year ago for the 1600.
Inset photo: Anthony Grover (Lizette Adams)