STATE CHAMPIONSHIP -- Twice as nice: DV boys win track title

Desert Vista's boys track team was the overwhelming favorite to repeat as state champion heading into this week's Class 5A-Division I state meet. Somehow, they exceeded all expectations.

The Thunder racked up an astonishing 209.5 points - 140 more than second place Mesa Mountain View - and two all-Arizona records en route to their second consecutive state title at their home track. DV's four-by-400 (3:13.50) and four-by-800 (7:45.40) meter relay teams both set state records.

In two days of competition, the Thunder had a total of five individual state champions. Steven Figueroa was a two-time champ, winning both the shot put and the discus.

Allante Battle (400), Chris Ingrassia (300 hurdles) and John Kline (800) were DV's other individual champions.

Mountain Pointe's boys finished sixth with 26.5 points, led by Will Claye's all-Arizona record of 52-4 3/4 in the triple jump and Michael Woodham's title in the 110 hurdles.

On the girls side, Desert Vista was third (55.5 points) while Mountain Pointe was eighth (31). Chandler won with 141.5 points.

The Thunder didn't have a single individual state champion, though pole vaulter Alex Weatherly took second by going 12-0, a full foot improvement upon her previous personal record.

The Pride's Jameena Trotter took fourth place in the discus event.

For more coverage of the 5A-I state meet, see the May 14 edition of the Ahwatukee Foothills News or check back at www.ahwatukee.com.