Prep Stars to Compete in Mt. San Antonio Relays

Some of the country’s top prep track athletes headline the high school portion of the Puma-Mt. San Antonio Relays beginning today at 3 p.m. and continuing Saturday morning at 8:30 at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut.

Brian Blutreich of Capistrano Valley leads the nation in the discus at 210 feet 8 inches, and the shotput at 66-6 1/2. Blutreich is shooting for the national discus record of 213-6 set by Clint Johnson of Shawnee Mission South of Overland Park, Kan., in 1980.

Roman Gomez of Belmont, the defending state champion at 1,600 meters, could get his toughest challenge of the season from David Lightfoot of Australia in the 1,500. Gomez also is entered in the 3,000.

Hawthorne High already has set national records in the 1,600-meter relay with a time of 3:07.40, and in the sprint medley relay with a clocking of 3:21.15. The Cougars are pointing for the sprint medley, where they will be trying to become the first prep team to break 3:20. UCLA-bound Henry Thomas will run the leadoff 400-meter leg of the sprint medley.

Brandon Richards of San Marcos in Santa Barbara, the national indoor record-holder in the pole vault at 17-6, will be making only his second outdoor appearance of the year after injuring himself in the Santa Barbara Relays. Jay Davis of South Eugene, Ore., who has cleared 16-10, is also entered.

In girls’ competition, Chewuakii (Choo Choo) Knighten of Locke is the state leader in the 100- and 400-meter events and the 100 low hurdles, and is entered in all three.