The stars came out to run last Saturday at the CIF Track and Field Finals at Cerritos College in Norwalk and Culver City athletes Cahlil Hooper and Nia Garcia were right there competing stride for stride with some of the fastest runners in California.
Hooper advanced to Friday nights Masters final and Garcia did not, but both runners turned in performances that would make everyone in Culver City proud. They competed against the best in the CIF Southern Section which has over 550 schools.
Hooper advanced to the 200 meter final after he placed second in his CIF division. His time of 21.34 broke the Culver City school. That time was good enough for fifth overall out of 36 runners in four CIF divisions. He also ran a lifetime best of 10.67 in the 100 meters which placed him 12th overall. The top nine fastest times qualify for Friday’s Masters final. The top six finishers in the Masters meet will advance to the State Meet next weekend in Clovis.
Garcia also ran her life time best of 14.58 in the 100 meter hurdles but she placed 12th overall and did not advance. “It’s not how you start it’s how you finish,’ said girls head coach Rayfield Beaton at Cerritos last Saturday. “Both runners did everything we asked them to do and they performed well on the biggest stage of high school track and field. You can’t ask for anything better than that.”
Hooper is ready for the Master’s 200 final. “It feels good to come out here and run my fastest times. I’m just glad I ran a fast time in the CIF finals. There is still more work to be done. My coaches have my back and that’s what I like about them. I really appreciate their support and the support of my parents.”
The smile on Culver City’s head coach Jahmal Wright told the whole story. “We are very happy that are runners ran their fastest times today but I am really excited about the future of the boys and girls track and field programs at Culver City.