It took until the end of the 103rd State track championships, but the Del Norte girls won the new 4×800 relay.
Del Norte’s relay team, No. 2 in the state going into the finals at Buchanan High’s Memorial Stadium, took the lead when Hannah Riggins scorched the third leg to open a 30-meter lead. Paige Echsner anchored the team and when J Serra made a move, she responded to lead to an 8:55.99, No. 4 in the nation.
Del Norte ran the same team that held the state lead for a week at 9:00.77.
“I it I looked back with a lap to go, I did a full 180,” said Echsner, who was sixth in the pole vault at 12-5. “I knew I need to haul the last 300 meters.”
It was a big day for Riggins.
More than a few people raised their eyebrows after Riggins, who set the section 800-meter record at 2:06.69 at the Arcadia Invitational, opted to compete in the 1,600-meter run.
She had two reasons.
First, she wanted to run a fast 1,600. Second, she wanted as much time as possible between her race and the relay.
So, running a strategically sound race, Riggins came on over the final 200 meters to place third overall in 4:41.42. That just happens break the section record which was 4:41.71 by Torrey Pines’ Alli Billmeyer in 2011.
“Wow!” was Riggins’ instant reaction to being told she broke her second section standard before heading off to Princeton. “I knew it was fast because I was dying at the end. My last 100 could have been better but …”
No one complains about a record.
Riggins stayed back as La Jolla freshman Chiara Dailey decided to try to hang with national leader Sadie Engelhardt of Ventura, who scorched a 2:13 for the first 800. Dailey paid a terrible price but Engelhardt was all alone in winning at 4:33.44, a season best.
Meanwhile, with a lap to go, Riggins moved into second with Scotts (CQ) Valley’s Ashlyn Boothby right behind. Boothby grabbed second with 100 meters remaining to edge Riggins at 4:39.44.
“I gambled by pushing with 300 meters to go,” said Riggins. “Third in a section record is the perfect way to end my high school career.”
A week ago Riggins led on the final lap of the section championships only to have Dailey run her down.
“Last week I couldn’t close like I did today,” said Riggins. “It’s better to have this happen (finish strong) this week.”
Dailey paid the price and after being in second for two laps, she fell to 11th in 4:52.81.
“She’s good,” said a very impressed Dailey of Engelhardt, who came back to double in the 800 at 2:07.22. “I’d rather do bad and go for the win.”
Brand is a freelance writer.
