Undefeated Warren starts league meets

DOWNEY - The Warren High School boys' track team currently has an undefeated 3-0 overall record and were set to begin league meets Thursday, March 29, against Lynwood and Dominguez at Justice Stadium.The Bears finished last season with a 6-3 overall record and 3-2 record in league. The two league losses were to crosstown rival Downey and eventual league champion Paramount. Warren has had a busy preseason schedule in preparation for league competition. The Bears competed at Mira Costa on March 1, traveled to Marina High School to compete on March 8 and followed that up with a road trip to Clovis East on March 10. The Bears also competed at the California Relays held at Cerritos College last Saturday and will compete at the Arcadia Invitational April 6-7. The Bears have many standout athletes returning this year. Cesar Ochoa is running the 100 and 200 meters in 11.35 and 22.8 respectively. Former East Knight John Ohakamnu is jumping 23' feet plus in the long jump and former West Spartan Hakeem Fairweather is jumping 23'6 in the same event and is clearing well over 6'0 in the high jump. Fairweather's jump at 23'6 is the state leading mark at this time. Senior Saul Leon is clearing 13'9 in the pole vault. The distance medley relay (1200, 400, 800 and 1600) is being run by Jonathan Rodriguez (3:13), Hakim Fairweather (48.6), Michael Guzman (2:00) and Omar Torres and has set the school record in this event. This overall time also represents the fourth fastest time in California this year and the fifth fastest time in the nation. Assistant coach Glenn Gonzalez said that "it will be very close this year between Paramount, Downey and Warren and the winner will win by a single digit number." In high school track Gonzalez continued, "the first team to 66 points, wins. It will probably come down to the 4 X 400 relay (the last event)." Head Coach Miranda is excited about this year's team and believes his athletes will compete hard and do very well. Coach Miranda also mentioned that the Track and Field Classic against Downey will be held April 5 at Warren. The field events will start at 5 p.m. and the running events will start at 5:30. Downey residents should check this event out. It is like the Carnival of Champions for big kids from yesteryear.

********** Published: March 29, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 50