PREP ROUNDUP : Carlson, Parlin Set Track Meet Records

Field events took center stage at the Irvine Invitational Saturday as Kevin Carlson of Katella and Mark Parlin set meet records at Irvine High School.

Carlson, the defending state high jump champion, cleared 6 feet 10 1/2 inches to top the 6-9 set by Chris Moxley of Mission Viejo last year. Parlin, who was named the boys’ athlete of the meet, won the shotput with a 61-2 effort, then came back in the late afternoon with a winning discus throw of 181-4.

After clearing 6-10 1/2 on his second attempt, Carlson, a senior, attempted a personal record of 7- 3/4 but missed on all three tries.

“None of the attempts were really that good because my legs were a little tired and sore,” Carlson said. “And I was just happy to get 6-10 1/2.”

Bob Wilkins, Carlson’s high jump coach, said he is trying to keep the pressure off Carlson this season.

“I don’t know if things are happening too soon,” said Wilkins, who was concerned about Carlson peaking too early. “After all, it only counts when you get to the state meet. Right now, he’s on cloud nine and having fun.”

Carlson’s brother, Brian, won the freshman/sophomore high jump at 6-6, breaking Kevin’s record of 6-3 1/2 he set as a sophomore.

Parlin, who has signed a letter of intent to attend UCLA, placed second in the state meet last year in the shotput.

In the girls’ events, Katella’s Martha Pinto was named the athlete of the meet after she won the 3,200-meter run in 11 minutes 19.6 seconds and placed second in the 1,600 in 5:18.8. Sophomore Rajai Espinosa of Dana Hills upset Pinto in the 1,600, winning in 5:17.2.