SOUTHERN SECTION CROSS-COUNTRY : A Smashing Time by Dameworth as Agoura Wins Title

Bryan Dameworth of Agoura established himself as one of the best Southern Section cross-country runners of all-time Saturday by winning the 2-A Division individual title over the hilly three-mile course at Mt. San Antonio College.

Dameworth’s time of 14:36 is the second fastest run on the course, behind the record of 14:32 set by Burbank’s Jeff Nelson in 1978.

Junior Luis Quintana of Arroyo Grande shadowed Dameworth for two miles before Dameworth exploded over the final mile and ran the last 800 meters in close to two minutes. Quintana was second in 15:11.

It was the first individual Southern Section cross country title for Dameworth, who is the two-time defending State Division I champion.

Agoura won the 2-A team title with 47 points. Arroyo Grande was second with 102.

Camarillo showed why it is considered one of top boys teams in the nation by dominating the 4-A Division with 56 points, winning by 47 points over second-place Saddleback. Camarillo’s time of 78 minutes 59 seconds was the fastest of the day.

Hart and San Gabriel continued their Foothill League rivalry in the 3-A final, Hart prevailing, 64 to 102. St. Anthony scored a mild upset in the 1-A with 78 points, defeating Cathedral (96).

Palos Verdes’ girls won their fifth consecutive 4-A Division title with 51 points, defeating Buena (72) and San Clemente (137). Undefeated sophomore Shelley Taylor of Edison won the individual title in 17:59.

Agoura’s girls had 47 points, winning the 2-A Division over Arroyo Grande (83). Agoura junior Deena Drossin had the girls’ fastest time, 17:42.

The Charger girls’ time of 96 minutes 17 seconds was the best of the day, ahead of Palos Verdes’ 97:01.

Alta Loma’s Nancy Ragon won the 2-A title and led the Braves to the team title with 96 points. Paramount was second with 77 points.

Maranatha won its fourth 1-A title but needed six runners to do it. The Minutemen tied Los Angeles Baptist at 96 points. Maranatha got the victory because its sixth runner, Karin Singleton, finished four spots in front of L.A. Baptist’s No. 6 finisher.