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Varsity Boys Run To Invitational Title
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A dominating performance by the boys and girls lifted Escalon to a Trans-Valley League win in track and field competition on Wednesday.

The squads were victorious over Patterson, traveling to take on the Tigers in the first TVL match of the season.

"They were a fairly small squad," assistant coach Mike Berhorst said of Patterson. "We dominated them in nearly every event."

The boys and girls each won for the Cougars, starting the season at 1-0.

But it was the Saturday trip to the Stanislaus Invitational in Turlock that produced some outstanding efforts for the Escalon runners, jumpers and throwers.

Leading the way was Amanda Nunes, who took first place in the girls 100 meters with a time of 13.5. She was also second in the 200 meters and ran with the girls 4-by-100 and 4-by-400 meter relay teams.

"She had four events, she did outstanding for us," said Berhorst.

Marcus Savage was a winner as well, taking first place overall in the boys high jump with a leap of 6-0. Marc Backovich was second in the mile (1600 meters) with a personal best time of 4:45. Mike Sawyer was third in the discus with a throw of 114-5.

Vynce Bacay took second in two events, losing each by the slimmest of margins. He was second in the 100 meters in 11.77, the winner finished in 11.70. In the 200 meters, he took second with a time of 23.7.

"It was a really strong showing for him this early in the season," Berhorst noted.

Andrew Arotca claimed a third place honor in the 300 meter hurdles, 46.00.

Jamie Landry was a third place finisher in the girls pole vault, clearing eight feet.

In the mile relay, the JV boys were third, the team consisting of Joe Colllins, Andy Schmidt, Dane Jacobsen and Heath Dougherty.

The varsity boys were winners of the mile relay, that team consisting of Marcus Savage, Gus Arzac, Randy Huntington and Vynce Bacay.

"They won by nearly four seconds, they had a strong showing at the end of the day," Berhorst said.

The boys varsity team won the meet, claiming first place in the small school section competition. The varsity girls finished fifth.

"They had over 15 small schools there," added Berhorst. "It was a good day. Last year, it was raining and we did well, this year was even better."

The team has a bye this week, then will be in action at Hughson on Wednesday, March 31.

They also plan to attend the Rocklin Invitational on April 3.

"Our kids are getting a good look at the competition," Berhorst said.