Track and field: The 3,200 looks good on both counts

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

They are the longest running events of the night, but there were a couple of pretty good finishes to the 3,200 meters in both girls’ and boys’.

First, junior Alexandra Dunne of San Clemente made a move on Saugus freshman Kaylin Mahoney with about 300 meters to go, and then out-sprinted Mahoney coming out of the final turn to win by more than two seconds.

Dunne finished at 10 minutes 35.91 seconds, ahead of Mahoney’s 10:38.05. Crescenta Valley seniors Claire Collison and Rachel Lange were about 10 seconds behind the winner.

It should be noted, though, that distance specialist Christine Babcock of Woodbridge did not compete.

In the boys 3,200, Rex Nelson of Newport Harbor -- inexplicably wearing orange trunks -- came from third place in the final 200 meters to win in 9:02.42.

Heading into the final two turns, the order was Riley Sullivan of Trabuco Hills, Brett Walters of Sultana, and Nelson, who drew even with Sullivan with 60 yards left.

Sullivan, the section leader, finished in 9:03.27, and Walters 9:07.72.

The outcome must be considered an upset. Nelson came into the event with the section’s eighth-best time of the season (and 17th in the state), 9:18.52.

Maybe the good races are a good omen for the Indianapolis 500 scheduled for Sunday.

-- Martin Henderson

-- Editor Bob: For complete Masters meet results, check here.