CROSSTOWN SPLIT

Steve Virgen

No disrespect to Costa Mesa High, but Estancia senior Abdul Kaiyum

never worried about whether the Eagles would lose to the visiting

Mustangs in the boys track and field dual meet Thursday.

After all, the Eagles seem to be the best team in the Golden West

League.

“I knew it was going to be our meet,” said Kaiyum, who came from

behind to win the 400 meters. “We looked at the team records. They’re

not really a big challenge for us. We’re getting a lot of points from

different people this season. Jason [Johnston] has been scoring and

Peppino [Humberto Rojas] is Peppino.”

Kaiyum passed Omar Ruiz over the final 100 meters to win the 400

in 57.1, while Ruiz came across in 57.2. Rojas, who will attempt to

break the school record in the 3,200 (9:26) Saturday at the Orange

County Championships, won the 800 (1:59) and 1,600 (4:37).

Johnston, who has won four events in three duals this season, won

the 300 intermediate hurdles (43.6), the long jump (20-5) and the 110

high hurdles (16.0). He received competition in the triple jump from

his own teammate, Zack Novak, a senior who won two events (triple

jump and high jump).

Estancia senior Joey Lindquist won the shot put (44-2), while Nick

Koreerat won the 100 (11.81). Costa Mesa senior Zach Powell won a

close race against Koreerat in the 200. Powell finished in 23.5,

while Koreerat came in at 23.8.

The Mustangs also received victories from Marco Huipe (3,200) and

Luke Sapolu (discus).