Birmingham Buries Monroe in Track Behind Several Personal-Best Efforts

The Birmingham High boys’ track team began the season as a co-favorite for this year’s City Section title, and the Braves have lived up to the billing.

Birmingham, second to Locke in last year’s City meet, defeated visiting Monroe, 98-25, Friday in a Mid-Valley League meet. The Braves (4-0, 4-0 in league meets), powered by a slew of personal-best performances, won 14 of 15 events.

Tony Serpas won the 100 meters in 10.7 seconds, a personal best and the fastest time in the region this year. He also made his first appearance in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles, winning the event in 42.6, ran the second leg for the victorious 400 relay team (42.9) and anchored the winning 1,600 relay team (3:32.7).

Teammate Mike Moguel won the 200 in a personal best of 22.2 after running 50.1 to win the 400. He also ran the third leg for the 400 relay team.

Raymond Banner, the defending City champion in the 110-meter high hurdles, won his specialty in a personal best of 14.4, then finished second to Serpas in the 100 in a personal best of 10.8. He ran the first leg for the 400 relay team.