With additional reporting by George Laase.
For the first time in Culver City High School history, all four track and field teams finished the regular season unbeaten. The varsity boys and girls teams, and the freshmen-sophomore boys and girls did not lose a meet.
Thursday afternoon, 4 o’clock, at Lawndale High School, the Centaurs hope to win Ocean League championships in all four divisions in the league finals.
“I am proud of the whole track and field program,” said Coach Jahmal Wright. “Everyone did a fantastic job. The runners, the jumpers, the coaches, the trainers, the team managers and the volunteers worked really hard all season to give us the opportunity to win track meets. We came together at the right time.”
The boys varsity team will rely on sprinter Jarrett Anderson, hurdler Robert Samuel and long distance runner Abraham Vazquez to score winning points.
The girls varsity will look to all-purpose performer Nia Garcia to score in four events. She will compete in the triple jump, long jump, the 100 and 300 meter hurdles. Joylyn Dailey is hoping to win the 100 and 200 meter sprints.
Freshman Jasmine Marrero, undefeated in 100 and 300 meter hurdles, will lead a strong group of underclassmen.
All four teams will showcase a Culver City tradition — fast relay teams.
Looking Elsewhere
The boys volleyball team beat Beverly Hills 3-0 last Tuesday on Senior Night inside the Del Goodyear Gym on the Culver City campus. With that win the Centaurs took sole possession of second place, guaranteeing a spot in the CIF playoffs.
The girls softball team is 3-4 in the Ocean League and 10-8 overall. If they expect to make the playoffs they must win their next three games, starting Thursday at 3:15 at first-place Santa Monica. The last two regular season games – also at 3:15 — will be at home, Tuesday against Hawthorne and Thursday against Beverly Hills.
“We are ready to make a playoff push,” said Mariko Rooks, who plays catcher and outfield. “We need to bring it these last few games. We must push through and prove that what they are saying about Culver City softball is true.”
The boys lacrosse team dropped their first playoff game, 12-11 in double overtime at Palisades last Monday. The Centaurs finished 6-2 in league, 6-11 overall. The girls lacrosse team ended their season last week at 2-4-1 and 11-9-1.
The baseball team has three important games remaining on their regular season schedule. They host Hawthorne on Thursday, travel to Beverly Hills Tuesday and return home against Beverly Hills next Thursday.
The Centaurs need to win at least two to qualify for the playoffs.
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
Mr. Laase may be contacted at GMLaase@aol.com
