The CIF-Southern Section released division alignments of the 560-member section for the 2021 track and field season. (Photos by Josh Barber)
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On the crest of the CIF-Southern Section Coaches Advisory Committee and Meet Managers meeting Thursday, December 17, the CIF-SS office released the divisional breakdown for the 2021 track and field season.
Unable to contest a postseason this past spring, most will not recognize the changes that took place between the 2019-2020 season. With that, there are a variety of schools switching places between the four divisions for the spring outdoor season.
Division 1 Movement
Arguably, the toughest division in the nation, the group representing CIF-SS Division 1 just became a little 
deeper for the upcoming 2021 season. Westlake, featuring the nation's best pole vaulter, Paige Sommers, will move into the top division for the first time in decades. Sommers (Karen Ocskasy photo) established a state record in clearing 14-6 this past February. She captured Division 2 pole vault titles in 2018-19 but also qualified for the State Meet in the high jump in 2019.
El Toro consistently produces top-notch programs on a yearly basis and will move back after a couple of seasons in Division 2. Meanwhile, the distance-laden Claremont program will join the likes of Newbury Park and Great Oak in Division 1 as well. Riverside County's Elsinore and Orange Vista will join the Division 1 powerhouses along with El Rancho as well.
Division 2 Movement:
Teams moving into Division 2 include Orange County's Godinez and Edison programs. Temescal Canyon also moves back down as well, while the division also welcomes back a tough West Ranch program. Meanwhile, Adelanto, Buena, Dominguez, Savanna, Sierra Vista, Sultana, and Victor Valley move in from Division 3. Celebrating its first group of four-year seniors, Irvine's Portola High moves up to Division 2 from Division 3.
Division 3 Movement
Moving in from Division 4, Division 3 will welcome back Laguna Beach and Crespi. The Crespi program has seen a nice upswing the past several seasons as they were favored to compete for the boys Division 4 title before the shutdown in March. Bloomington, Grand Terrace, Lakeside, and Mayfair move into Division 3 from Division 2.
Division 4 Movement
The sprint-oriented Alemany program will now compete for a title in Division 4 this spring. Glenn High, and Norwalk, also join the ranks in D-4.
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We will provide you with further insight on any discussions revolving around adjusting the CIF-SS track and field calendar at the conclusion of Thursday's Advisory Council Meeting.
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