STATE HIGH SCHOOL TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS : Be Home Before 9:00 : Three County Boys Should Contend in 3,200 Final

Twenty-eight of the state’s top distance runners will line up tonight for the boys’ 3,200-meter final at the California Interscholastic Federation state track and field meet at Cerritos College in Norwalk.

For some, just being part of the race will be reward enough for a long, strenuous season.

For others, it will be an eight-lap, all-out, endure-and-kick war.

“It’s the race I’ve been waiting for all season,” Marina’s Shanon Winkelman said. “It’s what we’ve all been waiting for.”

Along with Winkelman, Orange County will be represented in the race by Corona del Mar’s Eddie Lavelle and Santa Ana Valley’s Jimmy Rodriguez.

Though none of the county entrants are favored to win, few doubt their capability to contend.

The favorite?

Reggie Williams of West Sacramento River City has the state’s fastest time this season at 8 minutes 59.7 seconds. Williams, a senior, is the only California high school runner to break nine minutes this season.

He is especially impressive because he clocked the 8:59 just 2 1/2 hours after running a 1,600 in 4:10.4, the state’s second-fastest time.

In addition, Williams ran both of these times virtually alone, winning the 3,200 by 14 seconds and the 1,600 by 9 seconds.

After Williams, the top contenders are the five Southern Section entrants: Scott Hempel of Walnut, David Scudamore of Palos Verdes, Lavelle, Rodriguez and Winkelman.

Hempel, an outstanding cross-country runner, has the state’s second-fastest time (9:01.56), but placed fourth in the event last Friday at the Southern Section Masters meet.

That race, though, proved just how close the Southern Section entrants are. Less than two seconds separated first place (Scudamore) from fifth (Winkelman).

Scudamore (9:02.38), the 3-A champion in both cross-country and track this year, is probably the most consistent performer, no matter the race situation.

Though he often begins his final surge with 600 meters remaining, Scudamore’s strength is in his final 200 meters, as was the case last Friday when he outpowered the field.

Lavelle (9:02.90) took over, from Winkelman, the county’s fastest time last Friday. A junior, Lavelle has a beautiful, floating stride and a dangerous kick with 300 meters to go.

Lavelle has nine years of racing experience, dating back to his years in age-group competition. His experience is reflected by intelligent race tactics.

Lavelle said he has already accomplished his main goal by qualifying for the state meet, but now that he’s here, he’s ready for goal No. 2: breaking 9 minutes.

The last county runner to run a sub-9 was University’s Greg Whitely, who ran an 8:59 two-mile (8:57.4 for 3,200 meters) in 1985.

Winkelman wants to be the next.

Winkelman (9:03.57) was the dominant 3,200-meter man through most of the season. He has run 9:03 three times, and he’s due for a drop.

“Breaking 9 has been my goal all season,” said Winkelman, a senior bound for UC Riverside. “I’ll be more happy to run 8:59 and get second than to run 9 flat and win.”

Winkelman has good speed and usually begins his kick with 500 meters remaining, a bit earlier than the others. But some say his greatest strength is his courage to run beyond his means.

“I want to run so hard that when I cross the finish line, I won’t be able to catch my breath for 30 minutes,” he said. “Or maybe I could pass out this time. That would be the best.”

Rodriguez (9:03.06), a junior, was a surprise to many when he made the state meet.

“We’ve kind of kept him hidden,” said George Payan, Santa Ana Valley coach.

Rodriguez, 5-feet 9-inches and a muscular 150 pounds, is the workhorse of the bunch. Though he lacks a devastating kick, his strength is strength. He can endure like no other.

Payan said Rodriguez has improved steadily all season because of a change in training. Instead of doing short, quick speed work on the track a couple days a week, the Falcons run hills--400-meters to 800-meters long at full speed--to build strength.

“I think that’s what’s gotten him this far,” Payan said. “That and his desire.”

Which, as far as this race goes, may be the deciding factor.