One Lady Lancer track athlete advanced to the June 12 California Interscholastic Federation [CIF] final after placing first in her race during the CIF-Southern Section preliminaries at Moorpark High School in Ventura County.
With a personal best of 16.54, rising senior Abigail Hahm finished ahead of eight other runners in the 100-meter hurdles during the June 5 competition – the first in two years since all spring sports including track and field were canceled last season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I feel good; I’m excited and nervous for finals,” said Hahm, who will make her first appearance in a CIF final, which will also be held at Moorpark. “I placed first in my heat, but there are some super fast girls who placed so I’m not sure about placing first in finals. I also hope to make a personal record again.”
Track and field head coach Jacob Holloway said he plans to schedule a few extra practices this week to prepare Hahm for her June 12 race, which is scheduled for noon.
“I’m extremely proud of her,” said Holloway, who is in his second season leading the boys and girls track and field team. “She’s put in the work this year [and the year before], and it has gotten her this reward.”
Besides Hahm, the other runners did not fare as well against the field of 32 other schools, placing only as high as sixth place in one of the races for the Lady Lancers and seventh for the boys. Competitors who finish first in their heat are automatically qualified for CIF finals along with those who have a Top 5 time for sprints, hurdles and relays.
“The team was prepared, and the team work was fine,” Holloway said. “We just came up against faster competition.”
With a time of 13.23, rising senior Jasmine Jones was the next Lady Lancer who had the next best finish in a race, coming in sixth in the girls 100-meter dash.
“It felt good to place in the Top 9, and unfortunately I won’t be competing in finals,” Jones said. “Everyone’s skills were top notch at today’s track meet, and the team is so good at making everyone feel comfortable.”
In the boys 300-meter hurdles, rising senior Andrew Kim represented the boys in recording the highest finish as he placed seventh with a 43.32.
“I didn’t perform as well as I wanted and couldn’t beat my personal record,” Kim said. “I’ll just have to work harder going into next season.”
Holloway said he likes Hahm’s chances in her next race.
“She’s got the perfect combination of talent and coachability,” he said.
