TRACK AND FIELD / STATE HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS : Jones, Harrison Lead Second Try

What if the CIF held the State track and field finals and no one showed up?

Officials are hoping that will not be the scenario when they try for a second time beginning at 3 p.m. today at Cerritos College.

The finals were unexpectedly canceled two weeks ago after a morning of heavy rain. Thomas Byrnes, CIF commissioner, called off the meet after judging that the facilities were unsafe for participants.

But an hour after his announcement, the weather cleared and the track dried. Coaches, athletes and fans were outraged at what they called a hasty decision.

In the ensuing days, Byrnes got so much criticism that he changed his stance regarding a makeup date. When the Central Coast Section proposed rescheduling the finals for today, the commissioner was receptive to the idea.

“We’re trying to do things that are in the best interests of kids,” Byrnes said. “We feel holding this meet now is the best for everyone.”

The CIF’s 10 sections were responsible for contacting the qualifiers from their respective areas and alerting them to the rescheduled meet. Those who do not attend will not be replaced.

Officials hope that nearly 90% of the finalists will compete, but because entries are not being confirmed, it is anybody’s guess who will show up.

The meet got a boost when All-American sprinter Marion Jones of Thousand Oaks announced that she would bypass a national meet in Chicago in favor of the State meet.

“Now that all the politics and nonsense is over with, we can get back to doing what we do best, and that is compete,” said Jones, who has won six State titles and is expected to add three more today by winning the 100- and 200-meter dashes and the long jump.

“I’m back to being excited again. I’m starting to feel like I did before they canceled it.”

One of the top boys, Calvin Harrison of North Salinas, will also compete. He also canceled plans to run in Chicago so he could help his team try to win the title.

Harrison is favored in the 200 and 400, and his school could sweep the 400 and 1,600 relays.

Long Beach Poly is the girls’ team favorite and is expected to have a full squad competing.

The forecast calls for clear skies and temperatures near 90 degrees.