Vanderbilt wins sprint events at SVL track meet

Willows High School senior sprinter Chantal Vanderbilt was back in familiar territory at the Sacramento Valley League track meet – at the front of the pack.

Vanderbilt, the two-time 100-meter Northern Section champion before an injury sidelined her last year, had finished second in a couple of sprint races this year; however, she won both the 100 and 200 meters on Friday with times of 13.54 seconds  and 28.40 seconds.

Her two first-place finishes helped Willows finish third in the varsity girls standings behind Live Oak and Durham, which won the varsity and JV boys divisions along with the varsity girls crown. Colusa won the JV girls championship.

Karlee Welsh also won gold for the Honkers, taking first place in the 3200 meters in 13:01.86.

The varsity boys finished in third place behind Durham and Live Oak, but still received several strong performances. Cody Pastorino won the 300 hurdles (44.16) and the triple jump (38-6.5) while Andrew Carmon won the high jump (5-8) and Matt Candelaria won the shot put (41-7.5).

The junior varsity boys also finished third, scoring 82 points. Chris Gomes won the 1600 meters (5:09.95) and the 3200 meters (11:32.39). His times would have been good enough to win both of the varsity races.

Jesse Schuller was first in the 110 hurdles (14:10.17) while Zach Hampel won the high jump (5-0.

For the JV girls, Olivia Fleming own the 400 meters (1:04.59) and the 300 hurdles (55.77). The Honkers finished in third place with 36 points.