Track Takes CIF

The Poly boys and girls track and field team competed at CIF finals at Cerritos College. In a close finish for the team title, the girls won another CIF-Southern Section Championship. The girls track team won its eighth consecutive CIF title in the sport

The girls started off the meet with the 4×100 meter relay. Poly holds the national record in this event, and has the second fastest time in California this year. The relay competed better than expected, and, aided by a strong third leg by Junior Maya Perkins, crossed the finish line in first place (46.22 seconds).

The athletes competed for placing, which added valuable points.

Senior Je’Neal Ainsworth was a vital part to the team’s success. Ainsworth grabbed valuable points, winning the triple jump with a new personal record of 36 feet 8 inches. She also scored points with her fourth place finish in the 100-meter hurdles (14.68).

“To help the team win a title, I felt valuable,” said Ainsworth.

Trackrabbits also placed well in the 100 meter dash, with Perkins, freshman Ariyonna Augistine, and sophomore Kenyla Miles placing fourth, sixth, and seventh, respectively. Sophomore Melissa Tanaka placed eighth in the 1600m (5:11.97), and many others scored points in high jump, long jump, and triple jump.

Senior Chris Polk was the only Poly boy to qualify for CIF finals as an individual. Polk finished eight in the 800-meter race, with a time of 1:57.34. The 4×400-meter relay finished in fourth place with a time of 3:18.52. It consisted of senior Chris Donawa, sophomore Zion Bowens, junior Cameron Brown, and senior Chris Polk. Unfortunately the relay was disqualified for a lane violation.

Despite the abrupt end to his track season, Chris Donawa remained positive.

“My team always pushed me to do my best and be the best that I can be. It’s hard to be a ‘rabbit, so I always held my head up high and put my best foot forward, win or lose,” said Donawa.

“[Winning] was very exciting for the team as a whole. We were doubted by others going in,” said head coach Crystal Irving

The team will continue their path to the California State meet, and races next at the CIF Masters meet at Cerritos College on May 30. The girls are defending state champions, and have won the state championship 14 times in total.