Track and field: Whiteside wins the discus, but football’s in his future

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There’s nothing particularly special about the winning mark of 176 feet 4 inches in the boys’ discus at the Southern Section-Toyota Masters meet Friday, other than it was by a sophomore.

Cecil Whiteside of Newport Harbor came into the meet seeded fourth, but he beat out Korben Boaz of Nipomo, who threw the discus 175-8.

Whiteside’s best of the season was 176-9 at the Arcadia Invitational on April 1.

The favorite, Blake Ayles of Orange Lutheran took fourth at 169-7, which was below the state qualifying mark of 172-5, but the top five in the event advance to next weekend’s state meet.

As an aside, Ayles was the Times’ lineman of the year for football. I say that because Whiteside will be a great football player too by the time he graduates. He is a linebacker and receiver, and Newport Athletic Director Eric Tweit told me to be sure to keep an eye on him. The conversation went something like this: ‘He’s going to be a stud. Keep an eye on him.’

So, he’s big, he’s fast, he’s strong, and he’s going to the state meet next Friday and Saturday, also here at Cerritos College.

-- Martin Henderson

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