CdM seeks repeat

Steve Virgen

While Anne St. Geme and the Corona del Mar High girls track and field

team continue to acquire attention in the prep running world, the Sea

King boys squad has been preparing to make some noise of its own down

the stretch toward the Pacific Coast League finals.

The Corona del Mar boys, who will compete at Tesoro on Thursday,

are undefeated in the PCL, 2-0, and, led by a balanced attack on the

track and in the field events, the Sea Kings (5-2 overall) appear

headed to repeat as league champions.

Last year, Corona del Mar won the title along with the girls team

and this season the squads have a great chance to complete the sweep

once again.

In the distance events, senior Kevin Artz leads the Sea Kings.

Artz, the PCL cross country individual champion, has been earning

points for Corona del Mar in the 3,200 meters, as well as the 1,600

and 800, while sometimes competing on the 1,600 relay team.

“He has great range,” Corona del Mar Coach Bill Sumner said. “With

our distance runners we have a nice, strong group.”

Sumner’s distance group finished second in the PCL for the cross

country season. The distance runners include, Kenny Wong, Garrett

Prechel, Ryan Guthrie and J.C. and Jack Turner, among others.

Senior Chris Ringstrom, a soccer standout who helped guide the CdM

boys team to a CIF Southern Section Division II semifinals

appearance, leads the Sea Kings when it comes to the sprints.

Ringstrom entered the season with one of the top times in Orange

County for the 400 (49.67). He is shooting for the school record,

which is 48.6, set by Vince McGuiness in 1983.

Corona del Mar seniors Eemaan Jalili and Ross McKee have been

contributing in the hurdles, while Andrew Wong has also been a huge

help in the field events, competing in the jumps.

The Sea Kings will take on host University April 22, before

defending their title at the PCL finals at Tesoro May 6.