Some of my thoughts on the CIF southern section division 3 prelims distance races run today -- in 99+ degree weather and a look ahead to next week
-- 1600 boys Evan Noonan looked smooth today. He controlled the race and put everyone away with ease. He has a really strong chance to win next week. Maybe Griffen Kushen or Dickram push him a bit before he blows them away.
-- 1600 girls Times were definitely impacted by the weather. I think Annie Ivarsson can win the Division 3 race but the 3 race winners - Bulmer, Lieberman or Williams also have a chance. Regardless these girls likely will have strong competition to make it through to the masters meet.
-800 boys -- Seems to be fairly open going into next week with Zephas, Zavala and Halverson the most likely win contenders.
-800 girls -- Grace Smith was the most impressive winner of the girls 800m prelims. That being said I wouldn't rule out Ivarsson, Robar or others next week. Nice to see Natalie Cottrill qualify in both the 800 and high jump. I don't think I've previously seen someone qualify in these two distinct events.
-3200 boys -- Keep in mind these guys were running in 99+ degree weather. Evan Noonan was in full control of his race today and will likely win his combined (d2 and d3) 3200 race next week. Unfortunate to see his teammate barely miss out on qualifying on time. Liam Miller was an impressive winner of the second heat, which was more heavily contested of the two heats. Noonan beat Miller multiple times during the 2024 cross country season. I think next week might be the first time that they've gone head to head during the 2025 track season. Liam may have gotten injured at some point after the CA winter meet as he didn't run in many races this spring. I think Liam Miller has a real shot at qualifying for the masters meet.
-3200 girls -- Summer Wilson won with grit and a strong kick. This is the best that I've seen her run so far this year. I can't speak to her fitness and health/injury levels earlier in the year but if you compare her first 600-800 meters at the Nike Indoor meet, Arcadia and this race they are near polar opposites. In those prior races, she seemed to have trouble settling early in the larger fields fighting for position she may have wasted a lot of energy and her arm carriage may have been off a bit. It is nice to see her form coming into shape when it matters most. Her biggest competition is likely to come from the d2 girls in their combined race.