PREP TRACK AND FIELD / SUNSET LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS : Esperanza Boys, Girls Win Titles

The Esperanza boys’ and girls’ track and field teams picked up in the Sunset League where they left off in the Empire League a year ago.

Both Aztec squads dominated the competition Thursday at the league championship meet, en route to the league titles after moving from the Empire League.

The Aztec girls, who won the Orange County Championships team title, scored 164 points, turning back second-place Edison (141 1/2) and avenging a loss to the Chargers in a March dual meet. Because Edison won the dual meet and Esperanza won the league meet, the two teams share the league title.

The Aztec boys, who also won the Orange County Championships, ran away from the rest of the league early, amassing 138 points for the victory, with Huntington Beach (96) finishing second.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything more from these kids today,” Esperanza Coach Al Britt said.

“I told the kids, ‘We’re not going to get any help, so just go out there and do it all yourselves.’ ”

Esperanza was led by seniors Courtney Pugmire, Inshirah Jones and Kristy Kierulff, who combined to win 10 events.

Pugmire equaled her triple victory at the county meet, winning the 800 (2 minutes 15.09 seconds), the 1,600 (5:03.97) and the 3,200 (11:13.17).

“My day is done!” Pugmire proclaimed after winning the 1,600.

Jones had an equally busy day, winning the 100 hurdles (14.56) and 300 intermediate hurdles (44.60) in addition to running legs on the victorious 400- and 1,600-relay teams for the Aztecs.

Kierulff won the long jump (19 feet, 1/4 inch), high jump (5-6) and anchored the 400 relay victory.

Huntington Beach senior Eileen Dunaway helped the Oilers to a third-place team finish, posting victories in the 100 (12.29, wind aided) and 200 (25.71, wind aided).

“My goal this season was to win them both, so I’m happy,” Dunaway said.

Esperanza senior Anton Hector had a hand in three victories, taking top honors in the 110 high hurdles (14.83), the 300 intermediate hurdles (39.17) and running the third leg on the winning 400 relay team.

Huntington Beach sophomore Tony Trueba coasted to victories in the 1,600 (4:27.15) and the 3,200 (9:36.37). Los Alamitos’ Aaron Ford won the 100 (10.97, wind aided) and the 200 (22.41).