Reseda Hurdler Powell Sidelined by Groin Injury

Drue Powell of Reseda High, the top returning high hurdler in the state, could be sidelined up to four weeks because of a groin injury.

Powell, who placed third in the 110-meter high hurdles in last year’s state championships, aggravated the injury Saturday in the high hurdles in the Alemany Relays at Cal State Northridge.

“I could see right from the start that something was wrong,” Reseda Coach Steve Caminiti said.

Although Powell had complained of soreness in his groin in the week leading up to the meet, he said he felt fine after running the second leg on the Regents’ 400-meter relay team. The team finished second in its heat.

“I told him it was up to him whether or not he wanted to run in the highs,” Caminiti said. “Looking back, that might have been a mistake. (Drue) is such a competitor that it’s hard for him to go to a meet like that and not run.”

Powell, a senior noted for his strong finish over the final 30 meters of the high hurdles, got off to a solid start at Northridge but faded badly over the last three barriers and finished fourth in 14.92 seconds. His personal best is 14.01. Muir senior Gerald Stamps won in 14.75.

The injury is particularly frustrating to Powell because he had been having superb workouts.

“I thought he was ready to go 14-flat or under,” Caminiti said.

Although Powell is expected to begin running again within the next two weeks, he is doubtful for the prestigious Arcadia Invitational on April 10.