DOWNEY - The Downey High School track team placed 8th at the C.I.F. Track and Field Championships held at Mt. SAC on May 19.The Vikings placed the highest for all teams representing the San Gabriel Valley League. The Vikings were led by Dakari Archer in the high jump, Joseph Carter in the triple jump, Lenin Dolmos in the high jump and Andrew Gonzalez in the pole vault. Dakari Archer placed seventh in the high jump. Joseph Carter placed fifth in the long jump. Lenin Dolmos placed fifth in the high jump and Andrew Gonzalez took first in the pole vault. Gonzalez is the 2012 C.I.F. Division I Pole Vault champion. Dolmos and Gonzalez just came up short in qualifying for the State meet but had strong performances at the Master's meet, which was held at Cerritos College on May 25. According to head coach Bob Gleason, "it was a first for Downey to have two individuals qualify for Masters and the entire team was proud of how well our top athletes performed at the end of the year." Coach Gleason went on to say that Lenin and Andrew will both be missed but that both athletes will be competing at the next level. Dolmos will be attending Cerritos College and will work under new head coach, and former Downey Viking, Chris Richardson. Gonzalez is going to compete for a scholarship opportunity at CSUN where he will be joining former Downey High School league champion pole vaulter Dillon Atchley. Coach Gleason concluded by saying that "with a very strong junior class, the Vikings are planning on a run at the S.G.V.L. championship next spring."

********** Published: June 07, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 08