CIF State Meet Preview: Distance Running Events

Since the 1st 800 meter race at the California state meet in 1974, there have been 9 repeat state champions including 4-time state champion, Lindsay Hyatt of Placer. While we won't have a repeat champion this year, there are certainly underclassmen who could win this year with an opportunity to repeat in 2020. The favorite this year finished in 6th place at last year's state meet. Menlo junior Charlotte Tomkinson (Eric Taylor photo from Dublin Distance Fiesta) has posted the fastest 800m time and has been undefeated vs. California opponents. She completed a tough 400/800 double at the CCS meet to help her team score the team title and can now focus on her main event. Concord senior Rayna Stanziano finished in 3rd place at last year's state meet and has the 2nd fastest time in the state this season. Marin Catholic's sophomore Samantha Wallenstrom won the NCS MOC 800m race and displayed an incredible act of kindness as she encouraged a fallen Stanziano to a 2nd place finish after a fall in the last 100m. The fastest time at all the section meets belonged to Makayla Browne of John W. North who rallied to victory at the SS Masters meet with a time of 2:11.30 just ahead of Great Oak senior, Fatima Cortes.