Morgan Hill – The San Benito Haybalers track and field team put the finishing touch on their Tri-County Athletic League season by defeating the Live Oak Acorns in Morgan Hill on Thursday afternoon, in a tune-up for the TCAL trials next Wednesday at North Salinas.
The ‘Balers boys varsity topped the Acorns boys varsity, 118-18, to finish undefeated in TCAL dual meets, 6-0, for the third straight year and the ‘Balers girls varsity squad defeated the Acorns girls varsity, 108-28, to finish 5-1 in TCAL action.
“It’s awesome. We’re really pumped up about that,” San Benito boys coach Iran White said of finishing TCAL undefeated. “We haven’t lost a league dual meet since I became coach three years ago. I give a lot of credit to our coaching staff. Everybody out here is busting their butts for the kids and they’re busting their butts for us.”
The San Benito boys team took first place finishes in all of the track events against the Acorns.
The Acorns boys varsity had two first place finishes in the meet. Jimmy Mallette won the shotput (43’1″) and Justin Martin finished first in the discus (113’1″) for Live Oak. Just about six months ago Martin underwent a heart transplant and wasn’t even expected to return to school this year.
“I’m super excited for him (Martin) because he couldn’t even come out at the beginning of the season. He did it a step at a time. It’s really amazing to see a kid with a new heart to come out and compete like this,” said Live Oak coach Dean Raymond.
Armando Medina had a personal record jump in the pole vault (11’6″) and Andrew Taylor finished third in the 1600 meter (4:51.2) for Live Oak.
“Andrew had break through races today,” said Raymond. “I’m really pleased with his progress.”
“Armando is one of the most dedicated athletes I’ve ever been involved with,” added Acorn coach Norm Dow. “He’s had about three personal records this season. He’s extremely helpful and helps coach other kids. He probably knows more about pole vault than I do. He’s a coach on the team.”
Live Oak’s Katie Armstrong won the 300 hurdles (53.8) and Courtney Robinson won the 200 meter (28.2). Robinson had a second place finish in the 100 (13.47) and Olivia Duran finished second in the 3200 (12:43.5) and a third place finish in the 1600 (5:46.8). Rebecca Webb earned second place in the long jump (13’4.75″).
