Paxton Sneaks Up on Field in Hurdles

SACRAMENTO — Based on his best times this season, Crenshaw High hurdler Sharif Paxton was not expected to be a factor in this weekend’s state high school track and field meet.

Paxton, however, likes being an underdog, and Friday he recorded the top qualifying time in the 110-meter high hurdles at 13.92 seconds going into tonight’s finals at Hughes Stadium at Sacramento City College.

“I wouldn’t say that I’ve been overlooked,” said Paxton, who finished third in last year’s state meet with a time of 13.81 but had only 14.06 as a personal best this season before Friday. “The only thing is that my best times had not been put forth in my races. I feel that I’ll be ready for [the final] as long as I stay focused.”

Paxton, a two-time City Section high hurdles champion, will face his toughest competition from two other local runners in Dominique DeGrammont of Tustin and Kenyon Rambo of Long Beach Poly. DeGrammont, who has the top time in the state this season with a wind-aided 13.44, won his heat in 14.04. Rambo finished second to Paxton at 14.05.

In the boys’ team title race, Pasadena Muir moved into position to win its fourth consecutive championship behind the versatility of junior Sultan McCullough. With senior leader Obea Moore sidelined because of a hamstring injury, McCullough easily was the top qualifier in the 100 and 200 meters, and he also anchored the Mustangs’ qualifying 400- and 1,600-meter relay teams.

“Yes, there is a lot of pressure on us to go out and finish the season with a bang,” said McCullough, who will be one of the top running backs in the nation during the upcoming football season. “What helps us is that we’re really a tight team. Throughout the season, we’ve all just been sticking together.”

Muir may get an additional boost if Moore, who won both the 200 and 400 meters in last year’s meet, runs the anchor leg in tonight’s 1,600 relay final.

In the girls’ team race, Long Beach Poly’s depth should be good enough to give the Jackrabbits their fourth title in the last six years.

Freshman Angelita Green, who had the top mark in Friday’s 800 meters, may end up as the only first-place finisher for Poly, but the Jackrabbits are loaded with several qualifiers in other events, including Bunmi Oguneleye in the 400 meters and long jump.