Akimel 6th grader Brooklyn Christofis (photo left) won the 1600 meter run in 5:19.42 by running an easy pace for the first 800 and taking it out for the 2nd.
“I went a little slower the first 2 laps,” said Christofis after the race. “I picked the pace up and gave it everything I got in the last 2.”
Brooklyn’s strategy was to take the first lap in 1:15 and she did, putting her in the lead. By the time the 800 rolled around her lead had grown and she cross the finish line almost 8 seconds ahead of 2nd place finisher Morgan Foster (Altadena).
About an hour later Brooklyn went on to win the 800 meter run in 2:29.86 with Gabby Abbadessa (8, Akimel) 2nd in 2:31.36 and Morgan Foster (Altadena) 3rd in 2:33.69.
“I decided to take it slow like the mile and pick up the last lap,” she explained. “It’s really exciting that I won because all the competitors are really good.”
As Brooklyn was on the straightaway for her first 400 an athlete moved in front of her too closely and caused a small collision. Instead of keeping on pace, Brooklyn slowed down to make sure the other athlete was ok.
With two more years in middle school Brooklyn has a goal in mind for the 1600. “I am trying to beat Baylee Jones (Fr., Desert Vista) time which is a 5:09….I look up to her.”
Editor's note: Brooklyn Christofis is the daugher of former Desert Vista girls cross country coach Doug Christofis also known as "Coach C"
Nick Thatcher (8, Altadena, photo right) won the boys 1600 meter run in a time of 4:54.
“I was kind of worried because I knew Hobbs (Habtamu Chaney, Akimel) and Graham (Graham Eversden, Aprende) would be going out in a pretty good pace and I was planning on sticking with them but I was kinda worried I wouldn’t be able to float behind them,” explained Thatcher after the race. “We were right on pace and on the 3rd lap I decided to make a move.”
So with 600 to go Thatcher made his move to give himself a big enough lead so Hobbs and Graham would not be able to catch him with their kick.
With less than 100 to go both Hobbs and Graham came close to catching Thatcher but his strategy worked and he was able to cross the finish line in front of them finishing in 4:54.65 with Habtamu Chaney (8, Akimal) just .02 seconds behind in 4:54.67 and Graham Eversden (Aprende) in 3rd in 4:55.07.
It was a 10 second PR for Thatcher and the first time he dipped under 5 minutes.
Thatcher went on to win the 800 meter run in 2:17.50 with Brendan Hicks (8, Altadena)in 2:18.42 in 2nd and Habtamu Chaney (8, Akimel) in 3rd.