Leach Passes Another Hurdle, Finally Beats Manship in 300

Staci Leach and Sharon Manship. For four years they have been synonymous with the girls track program at Thousand Oaks High.

This year, however, the 5-10, 135-pound Manship has attracted more attention than the 5-7, 125-pound Leach.

But Leach emerged from Manship’s shadow at Saturday’s Southern Section championships at Cerritos College by defeating her teammate in the 300-meter low hurdles. It was the first time Leach had defeated Manship in the event this year.

Leach’s winning effort of 42.69 was a personal best and the fastest time in the Valley area this season. Manship placed second in 43.34.

Leach also placed second in the 100 low hurdles with another personal best of 13.96.

“I wasn’t really thinking about winning the 300 hurdles,” Leach said. “I just wanted to go 1-2. We needed the points.”

Once the race started, however, Leach concentrated on winning.

“I thought I had it won after the fourth hurdle,” Leach said. “I just felt so strong and smooth. I was surprised how easy it felt.”