The562’s coverage of cross country and track and field is sponsored by Bryson Financial.
Heartwell Park will provide the backdrop for the latest act of the 2022 Moore League cross country season. So far there’s been metaphorical fireworks, literal lightning bolts, and a slew of new course records.
That sets up the dramatic conclusion to the league season on Wednesday evening. The boys’ varsity race is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. and the girls’ varsity race will start at 5.
Starting with the boys’ race, there remains a genuine battle for the top spot. Millikan junior Jason Parra has never lost at league finals, but Poly’s stud senior Cameron Rhone is having a tremendous season so far, winning both league races already. Can Rhone complete the sweep and knock Parra off the top of the podium, or will Parra get his revenge and win the league for the third straight year?
Their battle will also have major ramifications on the team race, which will come down to the wire between Millikan and Poly. The Jackrabbits have a 15-year league title streak on the line, but the Rams enter Wednesday’s meet tied on points with the defending champs.
Poly’s lineup is deeper than it was at the first league meet when Millikan secured its victory, but these teams are still fairly even. In the CIF-SS rankings for Division 1, Poly is No. 9 and Millikan is No. 11.
Meanwhile, Poly has the only ranked squad on the girls’ side, checking in at No. 10 in Division 1. The Jackrabbits have won the first two league meets comfortably, even without senior Camille Lindsay in the lineup. The plan has been for her to return at league finals, which gives a boost to an already strong unit led by superstar ninth-grader Avery Peck. Lindsay is a two-time league champ, but isn’t in midseason form the way her freshman teammate will be.
Millikan is second place in the team standings, and there’s a real battle for the No. 3 spot, which could be the final automatic qualifying position for CIF. Wilson and Lakewood are tied going into league finals, giving both teams reason to fight for every position at the finish line.
Wednesday’s forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-60s along with wind gusts that could exceed 30 mph. That won’t make for great running conditions, but could add some extra drama to what’s already been a fascinating cross country season.
CLICK HERE for live results from the races via MileSplit. The562 will also have live updates, videos and photos from Heartwell.
