Patananan Has Golden Sweep in Distance Races

Ever since he was a sophomore, Justin Patananan’s dream has been to sweep the distance events in the Golden League finals.

The Highland High senior made it a reality Friday night with impressive victories in the 800-, 1,600- and 3,200-meters in the league finals at Quartz Hill High.

He was especially impressive in the 3,200 with a time of 10:11.94--more than 31 seconds faster than second-place Daniel Cobian of Palmdale. He ran 2:01.23 in the 800 and 4:28.12 in the 1,600.

“I never heard of anyone doing a triple before,” Patananan said. “So, in my sophomore year, I just made it a goal.”

Patananan said he will probably drop the 800 in favor of the 1,600 and 3,200 at the CIF Southern Section Division I prelims next Saturday at Long Beach City College.

Another impressive performer was Palmdale’s Matt Leonard, who won the shot put (54-1) and discus (152-6). Leonard, headed for Stanford on a football scholarship, set a school record in the shot put on his final attempt.

“My dad [Terry] was my good luck charm,” Leonard said. “He’s been there three times this season and I’ve set personal bests every time.”

The only other boy to win two events was Mentu Daniels of Antelope Valley in the 200 (23.21) and 400 (48.36).

Katie Ray and Danielle Day of Quartz Hill and Kaysie Burnett of Palmdale were double winners.

It was a special day for the Ray family. Katie won the 100 low hurdles (17.47) and the high jump (5-0) and her twin brother, Erik, won the 110 high hurdles (15.31) and finished second in the 300 intermediate hurdles (43.10).

Day, who has signed with New Mexico State, captured the 1,600 (5:19.00) and 3,200 (12:03.6) and Burnett the 100 (13.00) and 200 (27.82).

Quartz Hill’s Dawn Dvorak was the only one to break a league record, winning the pole vault (9-0).

Littlerock had the most qualifiers for the Division I prelims, advancing 14 girls and 13 boys.