Boys Track and Field: CdM gains much hope in loss

Steve Virgen

CORONA DEL MAR - Though the Corona del Mar High boys track and

field team lost, 86-49, to visiting Fountain Valley, the Sea Kings are

excited for the Pacific Coast League season.

CdM senior Josh Yelsey starred in the distance events, taking first in

the 800-meter (1:58.3) and 1,600 (4:26.6), while senior Taumata Grey took

top honors in the shot put and discus.

CdM Coach Bill Sumner said the preseason is not about wins and losses.

“It’s more about practicing specific things,” he said. “We’re more of

an end of a season team. If you put too much emphasis on the early meets

you really foul up the big picture.”

The Sea Kings remain confident to repeat as PCL champions and plan to

dominate the competition.

Jon-Luke Del Fante, Geoff Collier, Mike Whitaker and Blake Dillion are

especially excited. There was not much success to enjoy when they played

soccer and endured a 2-22-2 season.

Del Fante, Collier and Whitaker along with Mike DiSano just finished

behind Fountain Valley in the 400 relay (46.2).

“There’s just more heart in track,” Dillion said, comparing his

emotions to soccer.

Del Fante, who is from South Africa, and Whitaker, are in their first

season with the track team and are making the most of their time.

The Sea Kings open league competition, Thursday at 2:45 p.m., at

Laguna Beach.