Breakers aim for another victory lap

Competing on a new surface last year seemed to infuse new life into the Laguna Beach High track and field program.

With more athletes trying out for the team, the Breakers went on to turn in a stellar 2005 season, which included school records, league titles and CIF honors.

This year on the boys’ track, Laguna has several key athletes returning for what could be a big encore. The Laguna girls’ team also could take flight and will be competitive again.

Both Laguna teams open their seasons at 3 p.m. Thursday at home against Pacific Coast League rival Calvary Chapel.

On March 11, the Breakers will compete at the Irvine Invitational.

A small school going up against bigger programs in the Pacific Coast League, Laguna’s boys’ team finished third behind champion Northwood and second-place Corona del Mar in the 2005 league standings. Of the nine Breakers who qualified for CIF last year, seven return this spring.

“We have addressed some needs in being more competitive in a few areas we were weak in last year,” Laguna boys’ coach Dave Brobeck said. “There is a lot to be optimistic [about] going into the season.

“The numbers continue to swell, and the team attitude is one of serious commitment. In fact, there is almost a feeling of professionalism in the way they conduct themselves, something very rare indeed in high school athletics.”

In addition to seven key returners, Brobeck said other athletes figure to give the team added depth and strength.

“There are a number of other guys who should solidify this team further,” he said. “It should be a lot of fun to see it develop.”

Key returners for Laguna:

Justin Rovin, 110/300 hurdles, CIF finalist 2005, Sr.: Brobeck said Rovin is poised to break school records in both the 110 and 300 hurdles. “Justin should be one of the premier hurdlers in the county,” he said.

Jeremy Eaton, 800/400, 2005 CIF finalist, Jr.: Ran 1:58 in the 800, :51 in the 400 last year.

Max Mullender, 1,600/3,200, Sr.: The 2005 PCL league champion in cross-country, the senior ran 4:34 in the 1,600, and 9:52 in the 3,200 last year. “Currently in the best shape of his life,” Brobeck said.

Aman Bhatia, 1,600/3,200, Sr.: Bhatia was the 2005 league champ last year in the 1,600 (4:29), and was second in the 3,200 (10:05). “Injury-free and strong,” Brobeck said of the 2005 CIF finalist.

George Chheng, 110/300 hurdles, Sr.: “He could very well be the second-best hurdler in league behind Justin,” Brobeck said of the 2005 CIF qualifier.

Boys 4 x 100 relay team: All four members return from last year’s CIF-qualifying team.

Boys 4 x 400 relay team: Three of the four members return from a team that qualified for CIF last year.

Alex Crawley Jr.: finished second at CIF in the 3,200.

Brittany Clark Jr.: Close to setting school records in both the 100 and 200, Clark was the league champion in 2005 in the 100 and finished second in the 200. She also qualified for CIF finals.cpt.03-sptrack-rovin-CPhotoInfoP91OHTK920060303ih2ukqkfSTEVE McCRANK / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)Laguna Beach High’s Justin Rovin makes the final dash to a first-place finish in a110 meter high hurdles CIF division 4 race last season at Cerritos College. -- cpt.03-sptrack-CPhotoInfoP91OHQ0C20060303iewvt1kfDON LEACH / DAILY PILOT(LA)Laguna’s Jeremy Eaton stretches out the lead as he heads for the finish line in a meet against Northwood.