Second-Ranked El Toro Dominates Thin Field

SANTA ANA — The Tustin Relays were held without some of its hometown favorites Saturday, so El Toro capitalized with a one-sided victory in the boys’ division of the 38th annual event at Rancho Santiago.

The Chargers, ranked second in the county behind Tustin, finished 34 points better than second-place Santa Ana Valley (44). Next was Fountain Valley (37), Santa Margarita (32) and Los Amigos (26).

“We’re pretty pleased with our performances today and yesterday [in the field events],” El Toro Coach Larry Nitta said. “I thought our hurdlers have really been improving lately, and that is a key area for us.”

Some of the county’s best sprinters instead competed in the Arcadia Invitational held Saturday at Arcadia High, including Tustin’s 400-meter relay team that set a county record of 41.48 seconds two weeks ago at the Pasadena Games. In the 400 relay at the Tustin Relays, Fountain Valley had the fastest time (.43 seconds).

A Southern Section rule states athletes can participate in only four events in a day, so several Tillers sat out the relay events, since most would participate in multiple events in the Arcadia Invitational.

The Chargers won the shuttle hurdles (59.6), placed second in the 1,600 relay and the distance medley, and finished third in the 800- and 400-relay events.

In addition to its victory in the 400 relay, Fountain Valley placed first in the 800 relay (1:30.7). Santa Ana Valley had first-place finishes in the 1,600 relay (18:24.1) and distance medley (10:42.5).

In the girls’ competition, Edison finished on top overall with 61 points, followed by El Toro (51 1/2), Santa Ana Valley (48), Marina (38) and Claremont (34).

In the final event of the day, Santa Ana Valley’s Raven Hebert outkicked her Lakewood counterpart in the last 50 meters to win the 400 relay and move the Falcons past Marina into third place overall.

Santa Ana Valley, which didn’t participate in Friday’s field events, also had first-place finishes in the 800 relay, 400 relay and sprint medley events.

Edison didn’t win any running events, but finished among the top four in six of the eight races.