~ May Issue ~
 

Track Dominates CIF
By Lauren Stabile, Editor

ESHS has never been known as a track juggernaut, but this year, the team’s image has transformed from a “get in shape” class to a legitimate and talented team.  With the graduation of the infamous track stars of 2006, many assumed that this year would be a rebuilding year, subject to crushing defeats and complete shut-outs.  Contrary to this belief, the Eagles sent athletes in ten events to the CIF Southern Section Division III Preliminaries, many of whom had never competed in track before.  On May 12, hundreds of schools rallied for their athletes at Warren High School in Downey.  Amid the screaming fans and nervous parents, the Eagles held their own, with freshman Allison Reaser dominating the long jump and senior Brent Marcelis thrashing the competition in the 100 and 200 meter dashes. “I feel very happy about making CIF,” Reaser commented, “I don’t think many freshmen make it that far, so this is an honor.” Both advanced to the CIF Southern Section Division Finals on May 19 at Cerritos College. 

            While Reaser and Marcelis advanced to the finals, this does not diminish the five other athletes who competed on Saturday.  The boys’ 4x100 meter relay team was slated to overshadow the opposition, as it has done in the past.  However, seniors Doug Arias, Marcelis, Travonn Smith and John Yessner were disqualified for an illegal hand off.  Yessner came close to qualifying for long jump as did junior Nathan Graves in the high jump and junior Jason Stone in the 110m High Hurdles.  Reaser also competed in the 100 meter high hurdles, 100 meter dash and 300 meter low hurdles.  While she did not qualify for CIF in these events, Reaser still has three more seasons to shine in track.

            From the league weaklings to CIF titans, the Eagles shined in their 2007 CIF debut.  Watch the progress of Reaser and Marcelis on www.dyestatcal.com/#SS.