By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Pitman track 'Sweeps' up
44 local athletes move on to Divisionals
Pitman track pic2
Pitmans Aaron Mayfield sprints down the track for the final 300 meters of the 800m race during Saturdays CCC championship. Mayfield took second place after missing first place by 0:00.45 seconds. - photo by EDDIE RUIZ / The Journal

 

 

The Central California Conference track and field championships were dominated by host schools Pitman and Turlock on Saturday. Turlock and Pitman both combined for nine first place finishes, with the Pride tallying six and the Bulldogs coming away with three in a day that saw both Turlock squads shine.

After the stellar performances, Pitman will be sending 27 total athletes to the subsections and Turlock 17.

"We have our biggest group ever moving on to the Divisional meet this year, even with a few seniors missing for other commitments. We're looking forward to some great races and jumps this week," said Pitman head coach Thad Moren.

"The championships was hopefully a breakout for most of our athletes and we're getting healthy and hopefully can move on...," Turlock head coach Undrae Walker said.

The CCC gives out the 'Sweepstakes Award' within the schools, which is awarded to the top team with total points for all four grades —freshman, sophomore, junior and senior.

Pitman won for the ninth year in a row with 702 points. The next closest was Buhach Colony at 351, making it the largest margin of victory during the streak.

On the boys side, Pitman tied Golden Valley atop the medal count with 11 and on the girls side there were a total of 16 medalists as opposed to Turlock's 12. Turlock's boys tallied five.

In all, 28 of the 48 girls CCC medalists were from both Turlock and Pitman.

Gold medalists in individual events for Pitman included: Branson Garcia and Jamie Stroup in the high jump, Claire Littlefield in the triple jump and Lindsey Phillips in pole vault.

Turlock's 4x100 and 4x400 meter relay teams on the boys and girls side will all be advancing after each finished third place or better.

"All our relay teams are advancing and we are thrilled about that," said Walker.

Individually, Cierra Booz took gold in the girls long jump and bronze in the triple jump.

Jocelyne Montes finished first in the 400m, while she saw a fourth place finish in the 200m.

"Overall, we did an outstanding job with the kids we sent, these kids out there are truly hard workers and we are hoping some universities take a look at our kids," Walker said.

Subsections is a two day meet with trials beginning today at Elk Grove High.