The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
Come back Thursday for our full track and field preview!
From the Pacific to the Atlantic, there aren’t many league dual meets with more star potential and talent on display than Monday’s Moore League clash between Long Beach Poly and Wilson. The Jackrabbits and Bruins weren’t going full bore, because of a busy two-week schedule–but there were still tons of times and marks that landed on the state leaderboard.
“It is crunch time right now for both of our programs,” said Poly coach Crystal Irving. The Jackrabbits and Bruins both had dual meets last week, then participated in Wilson’s California Relays over the weekend; and both are headed to Austin for the Texas Relays later this week.
“We were just excited to have a great day for our kids to get a chance to perform,” said Irving. “They showed that they have heart. And we’ve got Texas, then we have Arcadia and Trabuco–it’s going to be busy.”
The Moore League championship wasn’t decided Monday, but there’s no doubt that the Jackrabbits and Bruins are the top teams in the league, and two of the top teams in California. Poly went a long way towards claiming a 26th consecutive league championship on the boys’ side with a 72-41 win Monday, and the girls went a long way towards a second consecutive title with an 85-33 victory.
Wilson coach Neil Nelson said that there were different goals and expectations for both teams this year than winning at the league level.
“I want to win and I want to win league, don’t get me wrong,” he said. “But I’m not going to run anyone into the ground when we’re going to represent our city and California in Texas this week. We’re both just trying to get stronger and better to be at our best at the end of the season.”
Among the notable results on Monday were a jumps double from Poly senior Lauren Reed, who is also one of the top sprinters in the Southern Section. Poly distance runner Camille Lindsay pulled an easy double in the 800 and 3200; she recently set a school record in the two mile and will push for a league record over the next two months.
New Wilson star Samarra Monrroy (a Millikan transfer) looked good in cardinal and gold, dropping a smooth and easy 56.08 in the 400.
On the boys’ side, Wilson’s Isaac Lewis was strong in the hurdles and jumping, and Poly senior Jaelen Knox ran the 200 and 400, winning both. Wilson’s Marcel Francis Mitchell won the 800 by .01 over Poly’s Xai Ricks with a time of 1:55.82; those two are likely going to be two of the stars of the show at Moore League finals next month.
Moore League Finals will take place at Poly on April 29.
EVENT WINNERS
Girls Winners
4x100: Poly, 47.49
1600: Alexa Bryson, Poly, 5:29.74
100 Hurdles: MaNia Tidwell, Wilson, 15.92
400: Samarra Monrroy, Wilson, 56.08
100: Aniyah Wyche, Poly, 12.09
800: Camille Lindsay, Poly, 2:18
300 Hurdles: Kennadi Reed, Poly, 45.06
200: Taylor Johnson, Poly, 25.13
3200: Camille Lindsay, Poly, 11:20
4x400: Not run
Shot Put: Great Okwuoha, Wilson, 30-6
Pole Vault: Tirisa Noun, Poly, 8-6
High Jump: Jillene Wetteland, Poly, 5-2
Long Jump: Lauren Reed, Poly, 18-10
Triple Jump: Lauren Reed, Poly, 37-5
Boys Winners
4x100: Poly, 46.97
1600: Nico Colchico, Wilson, 4:21.11
110 Hurdles: Isaac Lewis, Wilson, 15.20
400: Jaelen Knox, Poly, 48.22
100: Daylen Austin, Poly, 11.11
800: Marcel Francis Mitchell, Wilson, 1:55.82
300 Hurdles: Mekyle Jackson, Poly, 42.28
200: Jaelen Knox, Poly, 22.36
3200: Robert Guerrero, Poly, 9:59.89
4x400: Not run
Shot Put: Robert Mooney, Wilson, 45-10
Pole Vault: Giorgio Buono, Poly, 9-0
High Jump: Roosevelt Grier, Poly, 5-10
Long Jump: Javon Hampton, Poly, 22-6
Triple Jump: No entries
