Tornadoes come up short twice in league
BURBANK — For the moment, the Hoover High and Burroughs track and field programs find themselves at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Through the first month of the season, the Tornadoes have lacked depth, while the Indians have plenty to offer with respect to challenging for first-place efforts in most events.
It proved to be the difference when Hoover and Burroughs competed against Muir in a Pacific League tri-meet Wednesday afternoon at Burbank High. Burroughs came away with sweeps against each team in both portions of the meet, while Hoover came up short twice.
Burroughs’ boys’ team posted a 101-31 win against Hoover and a 79-57 victory against Muir, which earned a 61-47 victory against Hoover. In the girls’ part of the meet, Burroughs earned an 84-48 win against Hoover and a 115-12 victory over Muir, which posted a 75-32 win against Hoover.
The Indians captured 11 first-place finishes in the girls’ portion of the meet, as senior Shannon Kermah led the charge. Kermah won three individual events, including the triple jump in 35 feet 8 3/4 inches, the long jump (15-9) and the 100-meter dash in 12.75 seconds. She began things by working with Nohely Romero, Jessica Heifetz and Paris Vaughn to take the 4x100 relay in 51.88.
Kermah, whose brother, Shaun, played football at Hoover and Glendale Community College, said she’s set some lofty goals for the season.
“I’ve been working hard at practice and there are some things I want to do,” Kermah said. “I want to try to get the school record in the triple jump (37-4) and the long jump (18-4).
“I feel like I’m almost there, especially with the triple jump. It’s definitely something I can do.”
The Indians received a pair of wins from Gracia Innocentia and Justice Shank. Innocentia won the 1,600 in 5 minutes 48.25 seconds and the 800 (2:32). Shank finished first in the 400 (1:04.31) and the high jump (4-10). Shank helped Burroughs close out the meet by grouping with Tessa Chandler, Tamar Hallajian and Gabby Pineiro to take the 4x400 relay (4:28.12).
Also picking up first-place efforts for Burroughs were Amoni Alexander in the 100 hurdles (16.50), Danitza Eyo in the discus (79-3) and Elizabeth Brooke in the pole vault (7-0).
Hoover got first-place finishes from Allison Zalin in the shot put (32-101/2) and Frances Ramas in the 3,200 (12:9.83). Zalin placed second in the high jump at 4-6.
“I’m very pleased with their finishes,” Hoover Coach Jack Sallakian said. “They were able to step it up in the end.
“Hopefully, they can keep their momentum going.”
In the boys’ competition, Burroughs received several fine efforts. Anthony Monroy, the reigning All-Area Boys’ Cross-Country Runner of the Year, won the 1,600 in 4:33.12. Also registering victories for the Indians were Austin Allen in the pole vault (13-0), David Shaw in the triple jump (38-61/2), Matt Volland in the long jump (20-3) and Alex Quispe in the 3,200 (10:24.88).
Alex Mikhailpoor of Hoover placed second in the 100 (11:10).
