Nia Garcia and Cahlil Hooper will represent Culver City High School in the CIF Southern Section track and field finals at Cerritos College, Norwalk, on Saturday.

Garcia will run the 100 meter hurdles and Hooper will compete in the 100 and 200 meters.

Both runners ran their lifetime bests last Saturday during the CIF prelims at Moorpark High. Garcia turned in a 14.77 in the hurdles and Hooper ran the 100 meters in 10.72, the 200 in 21.67.

“I felt good, but I know I can do better,” said Garcia. “CIF competition is tough, but it’s a lot of fun. I want to get to the Masters meet and the State meet. But it feels amazing to represent Culver City in the finals.”

On Saturday, field events start at 10:30, track at 1.

“It’s exciting that both runners are going to the finals after recording their personal bests,” said Coach Jahmal Wright. “We hope that they will run faster Saturday.”

If they place high in the finals, they will advance to the CIF Masters meet on Friday, May 27.

That meet will combine the top track and field runners, jumpers and throwers of the 500 schools in the CIF Southern Section. “Whatever happens, we are extremely proud of all of our track and field athletes,” said girls Coach Rayfield Beaton. “Nia Garcia and Cahlil Hooper are good examples of what a student athlete is all about. They work hard in the classroom and on the track.”

Garcia realizes good coaching is one of the many ingredients that make a good athlete. She has two of the best, Beaton and Wright.

“Coach Beaton never gave up on me even when I started giving up on myself,” said Garcia. “He pushed me to do better. Coach Wright always is there to give us moral and verbal support.”

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com

Mr. Laase may be contacted at GMLaase@aol.com