California's winter season offers several opportunities for athletes to either train in preparation for spring or test themselves in front of hundreds. Last week, a number of Californians stepped up to the start line not only to test themselves but also to prove they are better than last year.
First, let's acknowledge the top individuals who barely missed the list...
Ian Sweeney (B 300m) - In the 300m, Sweeney improved by almost one second to finish third overall with a time of 33.56, but the most impressive part was the actual race. He didn't run in the fastest heat, but he completely dominated the second-fastest heat to break through the 33-second barrier. Saturday's performance earned him a target on his back because he will be a threat in any race he lines up in.
-- Jaslene Massey competing at the CA Winter Championships / Photo by Raymond Tran --
Jaslene Massey (Girls Shot Put) - Although Massey won her second straight CA Winter Championships Shot Put title, this year's performance put her in a different weight class. On her final throw, she launched the shot put 52-10.25 feet, setting a personal record, breaking her own meet record by almost six feet, and becoming the 7th-best thrower in California history.
Jace Deledonne (B 1500m) - Cross Country proved that Deledonne is primed for a breakthrough track season, but executing on that potential is what counts. Last year, Deledonne finished runner-up in the 1500m after leading most of the race, but this year he unleashed an amazing kick to hold off a charging field. Ultimately, he improved by about four seconds to secure the victory in a meet record time of 3:52.56.
Most Improved Girl & Boy
At the California Winter Championships, these two athletes showed significant progress over the past year, earning themselves the title of Most Improved of the Meet.
-- Maleah Johnson competing in the 1500m / Photo by Raymond Tran --
Maleah Johnson (G 1500m) - Last year at the California Winter Championships, Maleah Johnson clocked 5:08 in the 1500m to finish 56th overall out of 68 runners, but this year we saw a different Maleah. She lined up in the fastest heat and battled CIF State XC qualifiers to the line, finishing fourth overall. Johnson improved by an astonishing 32 seconds to kick off her track season as a new person.
-- Owen Abbott after winning the 3000m at the CA Winter Champs / Photo by Raymond Tran --
Owen Abbott (B 1500m) - After helping Dos Pueblos win the CIF Southern Section DII XC title and finishing thirtieth at the CIF State XC Championships, Owen Abbott was primed for a big track season. However, who would have thought that a 4:24 1600m runner and 10-flat 3200m runner would show the fruit of his labor in February? Abbott did exactly that on Saturday when he ran 3:57 to finish fourth overall and improve by 19 seconds. Later that night, that massive personal record propelled Abbott to a 3000m win in 8:30.98.