TRACK AND FIELD: Saugus' Kado highlights lower-level success at Foothill League finals

I said before Friday's Foothill League track and field finals that I didn't have time to predict the outcome of the girls' JV races, but I certainly have time to recognize the winners, and there wasn't a more decorated champion at Canyon High than Saugus sophomore Merissa Kado.

Between Tuesday's 3,200 final and three more championship races Friday, Kado was the only JV athlete to capture four titles, following her victory at eight laps (11:44.76) with wins in the 800 (2:25.69), 1,600 (5:17.05) and as a member of the 1,600 relay (4:15.98).

Kado's marks would've placed her fifth in the varsity 800, sixth in the varsity 1,600 and eighth in the varsity 3,200.

Another Saugus sophomore, Nicole Penick, won three events, capturing the 200 (27.55) and 400 (59.92), along with competing on the 1,600 relay.

In the boys' competition, Saugus sophomore, Alex Ruther, also had a big meet, winning the frosh/soph 800 (2:04.40), 1,600 (4:33.89) and taking second to teammate Kurt Lutz in the 3,200 by a 10:10.83 to 10:11.43 margin.

Ruther would've finished seventh in the varsity 800, fifth in the varsity 1,600 and seventh in the varsity 3,200.

Canyon sophomore Kenny Stone swept the frosh/soph 100 (11.69), 200 (23.60) and ran anchor on the Cowboys' 400 relay (45.79). Canyon's Andre Beets (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles), Nathan Wolitarsky (shot put, discus) and Saugus' Steven Lowder (long jump, triple jump) were also multiple-event winners at the frosh/soph level.

West Ranch's Kimberlei Comrie pulled off the rare 100 (13.42) and shot put (30-2 1/2) double to win girls' JV titles.