San Fernando Runs Away From Monroe Behind Boykin, Sals

Before Friday’s dual meet against Monroe High, San Fernando track Coach Richard Kiwan was saying how much the Tigers would have to rely on juniors Shelton Boykin and David Sals in the race for the Mid-Valley League title.

The two lived up to Kiwan’s expectations as Boykin scored 14 points and Sals added 12 1/2 to lead the Tigers, 89-37, at Monroe.

Boykin began the day by winning the 120-yard high hurdles in 15.1 seconds, which tied his season best. He then won the 330-yard intermediates in 42.4. He placed second in the triple jump (39-9 1/2) and third in the long jump (19-8 3/4)--neither his specialty.

Sals’ performance included wins in the 100 meters (11.3) and the 220-yard dash (22.6). He also ran strong second legs in San Fernando’s winning 440-yard (44.5) and mile relays (3:36.9).

Such an afternoon prompted the 6-5, 210-pound Boykin to speak out about an April 18 showdown with rival Kennedy.

“Coach Kiwan keeps telling us that Kennedy’s the team to beat, but I’m not that impressed with them,” he said.

Seniors David Richards and Lance Harper refused to be outdone by their younger teammates and performed well for San Fernando.

Richards won the 440 in 51.0, placed third in the 100 (11.5), behind Sals and Harper (11.4), and anchored both relay teams.

In addition to his second-place finish in the 100, Harper also won the triple jump (41-6), placed second in the long jump (20-0) and ran the opening leg on the sprint relay.

The win put the Tigers at 2-0 and tied for the league lead with Kennedy, a 75-50 winner over Birmingham. Monroe is 0-2.

While San Fernando was dominating the boys competition, Monroe defeated San Fernando, 65-36, in the girls meet. The Vikings evened their record at 1-1, and San Fernando fell to 0-2.

Jodi Shanahan led the Vikings. She won the 110- (16.5) and 330-yard (49.8) low hurdles in addition to anchoring both winning relay teams.