PREP TRACK AND FIELD : Westchester Rules Amid Surprises

Kaaron Conwright’s upset victory in the boys’ 100 meters was one of several surprises that helped Westchester claim its first City Section track and field team title Thursday at Van Nuys Birmingham High.

Conwright, a senior, entered the 100 with the third-fastest qualifying time, but he led from start to finish and won in 10.75 seconds. Charles Lee of Reseda Cleveland, the favorite, finished second in 10.85.

In the 400 relay, Conwright anchored the Comets to an unexpected victory over Manual Arts and Cleveland.

Westchester, which opened in 1948, scored 46 points in winning its first title. Crenshaw and Fremont tied for second with 32 points, and two-time defending champion Dorsey was fourth with 31.

“Truthfully, we haven’t talked about winning a City title at all in the last few weeks,” said Conwright, who capped a productive day with a second-place finish in the 200. “I think we knew we had a chance if everything fell into place, but it hasn’t been a topic of conversation.”

In the girls’ team race, Dorsey used its victory in the final event to take the title with 63 1/2 points, its second in the past four years. Runner-up Washington finished with 56 points, and Woodland Hills Taft was third with 41.

Washington led Dorsey, 56-53 1/2, entering the final event, the 1,600 relay. Dorsey won the race in 3:56.93, and Washington did not compete.

Keisha Griffis kept Washington in contention with victories in the 100-high hurdles and 300-low hurdles. She also anchored the Generals to victory in the 400 relay.

But Dorsey’s depth proved the difference. Sophomore Janice Thomas led the Dons with victories in the 100 and 200.

In the boys’ competition, Conwright was not the only strong performer. Peter Gilmore of Pacific Palisades won the 1,600 and 3,200. Fremont’s Clarence Scott won the long jump in 24 feet, 9 1/2, making him the state leader.

The top three finishers in each event qualified for the state meet, June 2-3, at Cerritos College.