White Decides to Compete in Masters Meet

Russell White of Crespi High has reversed his field and will compete in tonight’s Southern Section Masters Meet at Cerritos College in Norwalk.

White had said he would not compete in the meet--the section qualifier for the state championships--because of a scheduling conflict with Crespi’s graduation ceremonies. However, the Celt senior, who won four individual titles at the 2-A Division finals Saturday, thought twice about passing up the final two weeks of his illustrious high school athletic career.

“It’s a once in a lifetime deal,” White said. “Might as well do it while it’s good.”

Or do it while he can. White will attend commencement exercises at 5 p.m. at Crespi and depart for the meet at Cerritos College immediately after accepting his diploma. The meet begins at 6:30.

The 6-foot, 180-pound sprinter will try to make the meet in time for the 200 and the triple jump.

“I don’t know about the long (jump),” he said. “I’ll try my luck.”

Although White’s future is in carrying the football at Cal, he has had his share of top performances on the track.

At the 2-A finals, White won the 100 meters (10.78 seconds), 200 (21.47), long jump (23 feet, 3 1/2 inches) and triple jump (48-11).

White was eighth in the 200 meters in last year’s state championships and second in the triple jump as a sophomore.