Christine Bjelland

Steve Virgen

In the fall of 2002, there was chatter of, “Where is Christine

Bjelland? What happened to her?” Now, it’s, “Uh-oh. She’s back.”

Bjelland, a Costa Mesa High distance runner, injured her hip in

the middle of the cross country season and had to sit out for the

remainder of the year. But she’s back and ready to pick up where she

left off, and that’s being one of the top runners in the Golden West

League.

Though Bjelland, a junior, is running again, her comeback is still

in progress. The story of Bjelland is nowhere near the end.

“I don’t have as much depth as last year,” Bjelland said in her

regard to her amount of training which started in January. “I was

only two seconds off my [personal record] in the [3,200 meters] on

Saturday [at the Orange County Track and Field Championships]. I was

so excited about that.”

Bjelland said the key to her comeback has been patience and it

paid off Saturday when she finished sixth in the 3,200. She also

finished third in the 1,600 rated heat (5:21.63), a step blow the

seeded heat.

Bjelland has also gained an extraordinary appreciation for running

after she had to sit out for so long.

“I didn’t have a complete cross country season,” Bjelland said. “I

had a good start to the season and it would have been nice to see how

it would have turned out. I guess some things happen for a reason.

“But now, I’ve been trying to give my all, because I couldn’t do

anything before,” she continued. “I don’t want to take any

opportunity for granted.”

Costa Mesa Coach Glenn Mitchell said Bjelland has been a tireless

worker and has shown intensity in her attempt to get back to full

strength. Mitchell has also noticed the amount of fun Bjelland is

having this season.

The Mustangs are undefeated in Golden West League dual meets this

season and they are poised to win the league title. In addition, the

Costa Mesa squad is up in participation numbers, and that includes

her younger sister, Tracy Bjelland, a freshman.

“This season has been a lot of fun,” Bjelland said. “The winning

is fun, but the team has more people this year and that’s why it has

been so great.”

Costa Mesa’s depth has allowed Bjelland’s comeback to unfold

smoothly. She is on the verge of returning to form, as evidenced in

her performance in the Mustangs’ 99-23 league dual-meet victory over

crosstown rival Estancia April 24.

Bjelland tripled, winning the 800 (2:34), 1,600 (5:36.2) and 3,200

(13:39). She was not totally impressed with the victories.

When she was told she was selected as the Daily Pilot Athlete of

the Week, she said “Really? But [Estancia standout Diana Rosete]

didn’t run last week.”

Bjelland offered words of encouragement last week at the dual meet

at Estancia. Rosete did the same when Bjelland missed the cross

country season.

“I hope she’ll be able to run in the league finals,” Bjelland

said. “It’s her senior year and I want her to do the best she can.”