The562’s cross country and track & field coverage is sponsored by an anonymous donation, in appreciation of Coach Ron Allice.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly is sponsored by Bryson Financial
The Long Beach Poly girls’ track and field team may be arriving a little early.
The Jackrabbits are filled with young talent and feature very few seniors, but the seniors the team does have as well as the youngsters have all been putting up great marks to start the season.
“Everyone is stepping up and realizing that they have to do their part,” said Poly track and field coach Crystal Irving. “Track is the ultimate individual sport and the ultimate team sport. Every event is like being a part of a relay because it takes every event and every point to win a championship.”
Subscribe to the562 on GiveButter to make a recurring donation and keep Long Beach sports coverage free!
The senior headliner for the Poly girls team has the same last name as the headliner for the Poly boys team: Ricks. Last year, Mai Ricks finished third at the CIF State meet in the shot put with a throw of 42-8.25, a mark she’s already eclipsed this year with a throw over 43 feet.
“She has a chance to do even better this year, she’s been really impressive,” said Irving. The other returning state finalist is junior Jillene Wetteland, who took fifth at the CIF State in the high jump last year. Wetteland jumped 5-6 at State last year and has already reached marks of 5-8 and 5-10 this year, and seems poised for a big improvement this season. Joy Anderson is joining her to bolster Poly’s high jump ranks.
The younger Jackrabbits who’ve been putting up big times in the sprints are sophomores Aniyah Brooks and Lakewood transfer Brooklyn Lee, both of whom have dropped times in a major way this year. Juniors Jaylin Hunter and Nevaeh Lewis are likely to make a splash in the 200 and 400, alongside junior Eriss Portley (who will also jump this year) and junior Leila Holland, who posted some impressive times over the weekend.
Poly’s 4×100 has plenty of options and has put up a state-leading time with Portley, Hunter, Brooks and Lee blazing the track.
The Jackrabbits have legitimate depth in the hurdles, where Anise Becker is looking to make a splash her senior year and already owns four golds in the 100/300 hurdles this young season. Joining her are seniors Elle Dennison, Morgan King, and junior Miyana Gramata-Massey.
Another standout that’s a familiar face is sophomore Avery Peck, a standout cross country runner for Poly who will be their top option in the 1600 or 3200 this year. The Jackrabbits also have a potential star freshman in Shirayah Lewis-Williams, who could be an option in the 800, 1600 or 400. Junior Brianna Wells will also give Poly depth in the middle distance.
“We’re a little ahead of schedule with our young athletes, and we’re excited to see how they progress and keep working,” said Irving.
