Local track and field athletes represented their respective schools well at the CIF Sac-Joaquin Master's trials and finals last Thursday and Friday, with top showings from Turlock, Hilmar and Pitman High.

Dani Olson of Hilmar and Kiana Clay of Pitman High finished in the top three at the Master's and will be moving on to the State trials at Buchanan High School on Friday.

“What Kiana did was awesome,” said Pitman head coach Thad Moren.

 “It’s been emotional since Thursday, nothing but tears from me and her,” said Hilmar head coach Clement LeBrouche of Olson. “In my 20 years I never seen a female athlete this dedicated for track.
What she gave up, sacrificed and what she did it's great this happened because she deserved it.”

Olson's time of 15.16 in the 100 meter hurdles placed her third at Master's, which was good enough to move on to the State trials. First place was Vacaville sophomore Jurnee Woodward at 13.95.

“What she did is a Cinderella story. I am still in shock and disbelief,” said LeBrouche. “It is neat, something that seemed impossible but to see her on the podium with the other girls with a small school was awesome—  a great weekend.”

Olson was joined at Master's by fellow Yellowjackets Angelique Souza, Hudson Harris and Kenzye Spears.

Harris finished the 300 hurdles with a time of 41.2 and topped out in 20th place in the prelims while Souza tied for 9th in the girls' high jump with a clearance of 4 feet, 11 inches. After shattering Hilmar's 40-year old record in the 1600, Spears ended the Master's with a time of 4:35.83, which was 20th in the prelims.

“Those four great kids did well all around. They are like my children and I am just so proud of them,” said LeBrouche. “I don't think we have ever had a person go to state since Dot Jones. Whatever happens now are extra sprinkles on top.”

Pitman had a total of 22 athletes compete at Master's this year. Clay took second place in the 400 meter dash race with a final time of 55.11, and a fast track to State. Clay also became the first State competitor for Pitman since Markus Sanders took 4th in discus in 2010.

Sophomore Isaiah Marable ended the 400 boys meter dash race with a time of 48.51, just short of a State run with a fourth place finish.

The Pitman girls 4x1 team also had a stellar performance, finishing 7th with a time of 48.97.

Lindsey Phillips placed 7th in the pole vault with a clearance of 10 feet, 10 inches and Allie Austin was 12th at 10-01. Lauren Cariaso topped out in 6th place in long jump with a distance of 18 feet, 2 inches and Cerah Moren placed 20th on the final day of girl’s discus at 106 feet.

Freshman Whitney Barnes finished 7th in the girls shot put with a distance of 37-01.

“I can't say enough of how proud I am of these kids for getting this far and staying so committed,” Moren said.

The Turlock High boy's 4x4 relay team was seeded seventh but ended up placing fifth with a time of 4:23.20, as they set a new record again. Ryan Weaver finished 11th overall in the 400 meter dash.

“The boys set a new record and they were just amazing overall. What a fantastic finish,” said Turlock head coach JoAnn Davison.

The State trials begin on Friday at Buchanan High School and it is scheduled to go on all day.