Valle Vista League Finals photo gallery
Valle Vista League finals results
More on Beejay Lee: Lee moved into the chase after running a blistering 10.36 seconds to win the 100 at Thursday’s Hacienda League finals at Rowland High.
By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Covina High School’s Remontay McClain let everyone know he’s serious about defending his 100 and 200-meter state titles at Thursday’s Valle Vista League finals at Baldwin Park, easily winning both races in league-record time. After matching his personal best in the 100 meters in 10.35 — the second fastest in the nation and best in the state this year, McClain followed with a blistering wind-aided (3.0) 20.92 in the 200 meters, also the fastest in California and the fourth fastest in the country in any conditions.
McLain, mild-mannered for a sprint champion, seemed oblivious to the history he’s chasing. Nobody in California prep history has ever won back-to-back titles in the 100 and 200 meters. In fact, only one person has won both in two different state meets.
Charles Paddock of Pasadena High did it in 1916 and 1918, then later went on to win the 100 meters at the 1920 Olympic games in Belgium. (To continue click thread)
McClain, on hiw way to Azusa Pacific, couldn’t believe it.
“Really,” McClain asked. “I heard something like that. I don’t know what to say or how to explain it. I just feel good.”
McClain has his eyes set on California’s state record in the 100 meters, owned by Hawthorne’s Henry Thomas, who ran 10.25 in 1985.
Covina coach Kevin Glaspy isn’t surprised by anything McClain does.
“He’s a month ahead of last year’s schedule,” Glaspy said. “Who knows how he might finish up. He’s still scratching the surface of his capabilities.”
The second fastest 100 meter time in California came a few miles away at Rowland High on Thursday, where West Covina’s BeeJay Lee won the Hacienda League title in 10.36. And with nemesis George Farmer of Serra looming, Glaspy expects a thrilling finish over the next month.
“It’s probably intimidating the way he ran today,” Glaspy said of McClain. “But you still got to race. You still have to train, nobody’s going to give it to him. He’s been beaten by Lee and Farmer. It’s the sprints, anything can happen.”
San Dimas’ Katherine Salcido, on her way to UCLA on a track scholarship, warmed up for the coming weeks by winning three individual events and anchoring the Saints 400-meter winning relay squad.
Salcido won the high jump in 5 feet, 4 inches and long jump (18′ 4 1/2).
In her signature event, the 100 meter hurdles, Salcido set a Valle Vista league record in the prelims, running 14.08, which is the fifth fastest in California.
She won the 100 hurdle finals in 14.55 Thursday, then laughed it off because she ran in her long jump spikes after misplacing her sprint spikes.
Still, another great afternoon for a senior who wants to be a heptathlete at UCLA.
“I’m hoping to win a (CIF) title in the hurdles,” said Salcido, who competes in Division 5. “I feel good in the high jump and long jump too. I’m just trying to stay in control and see what happens.”
In other races, San Dimas sophomore Yamani Wallace won the girls’ 100 and 200 meters, winning it 12.45 and 25.28 respectively.
Northview’s Khalalah Todd won the girls 400 meters (100.81) and Nogales’ Anna Barcelo won the 1,600 in 5:37.40.
Northview’s Allen Callison, on hiw way to UC Irvine, easily won the boys 1,500 in 4:31.96 and Wilson’s Keith Hawk won the 400 meters in 51.53.
Pomona freshman Brittany Mitchell won the girls 300 meter hurdles in 1:47.21 and Wilson’s Joshua Nelson won the boys 300 hurdles in 40.45
