In the blistering heat at last Saturday’s (May tenth) CIF Southern Section Prelims, where the surface temperatures sky rocketed to 140 degrees, the Burros track and field team proved they could handle the weather—and the competition. Seven student-athletes, including two alternates, out performed the qualifying times, with several standout performances to show for it.
Held at the Yorba Linda High School, the meet screeched to a stop due to blazing temperatures. The competition was paused for over three hours as officials tried to keep the athletes and spectators safe. And when the events finally resumed, the Burros athletes brought some heat of their own to the track.
The Burros qualifying for CIF Finals include Silas Aberer and Zion Ortiz in the 3200 meter run, Sir-Tray Williams in high jump, Julian Buchan in pole vault, and Brooklynn Sizemore in the 300 meter hurdles. Kyndra Shermer (discus) and Maddy Martin (100 hurdles) both earned spots as alternates.
For junior Silas Aberer, CIF Prelims was a breakthrough. He took seven seconds off of his previous personal best in the 3200 meter run, finishing in 9:18:60 and securing his first-ever spot at CIF Finals. “The competition was excellent,” said Aberer. “Half the guys who moved on were top ten finishers at state in cross country last year.” And despite a long heat delay, Aberer led the front pack of the race maintaining the first position right up til they had 50 meters to go. “I was pleasantly surprised to find myself able to compete with such a high caliber of runners.”
Junior Brooklynn Sizemore made history in the 300 meter hurdles, breaking her own school record by nearly two seconds. “My favorite part was crossing the finish line after my PR and seeing the time we have always talked about,” said Sizemore. “I’ve been an alternate for Finals before, but I never had the chance to run, so this year, knowing I have a secured spot feels amazing.”
The brutal conditions were impossible to ignore, and both Aberer and Sizemore commented on them. “The outdoor temperature surpassed the legal limit of 92°, multiple spectators fainted, the fire department was called to escort an elderly lady from a building where she was suffering heat exhaustion,” said Aberer. “The surface temperature of the track allegedly surpassed 140 degrees.” Sizemore added, “They ended up delaying the meet for almost four hours because it was so dangerous!”
With CIF Finals coming up this Saturday, May 17, the Burros are looking strong and ready to race. From personal bests to historical firsts, they’ve already proven that even extreme heat can’t stop them.
