Eagles seek momentum

Steve Virgen

It seems only fitting Estancia High is hosting the Golden West League

track and field finals.

After all, the Estancia boys team did win the championship last

year.

However, this season does not appear as if it will end the same

way. The Eagles are back to defend their crown, but they will have to

do so without the leadership and athleticism of Humberto Rojas, who

has gone on to star at Orange Coast College.

The Estancia boys, 1-3 in the Golden West League, will have to

settle to be represented in individual events.

Last year, Rojas and Zack Novak fulfilled that role convincingly,

as both qualified for the CIF State meet. Rojas earned second place

in the state in the 1,600 meters, finishing in a school-record time

of 4:10.58. Novak tied for sixth place in the high jump (6 feet, 6

inches).

This year, seniors Jason Johnston and Nick Koreerat will vie for

league titles in their respective events.

Johnston has been displaying his versatility and amazing energy

throughout the season.

He has been competing in the 110 high hurdles, 300 intermediate

hurdles, triple jump and long jump.

He recently captured victories in the four events against Santa

Ana, which edged the Eagles, 65-62, March 31.

Last year, Johnston finished second in the 110 high hurdles, finishing just .01 behind Frank Olivas, who also beat Johnston by

less than a second in the 300 intermediate hurdles in the Golden West

League finals.

However, Johnston exacted revenge, winning both the events, 15.4

in the 110 hurdles and a 41.6 in the 300 hurdles. Johnston has

recorded 15 victories in the 16 events he has competed for the

Eagles’ four dual meets this season.

Koreerat won the 100 (11.6) and 200 (23.8) in Estancia’s loss to

Santa Ana.

Though the Eagles lost Rojas and Novak to graduation, they still

feature a strong cast of returners from last year’s Golden West

League championship team, including sophomore C.J. Buchmann, junior

Alex Cahuantzi, senior Matt Zich, senior Steve Pedroza and junior Geo

Rodea.

The Eagles, coached by Steve Crenshaw, will host the Golden West

League finale, with the preliminaries May 3 and finals, May 6, at

Orange Coast College.