Lima cleared 6 feet, 6 inches to take the high jump title.
The win qualified Lima for Friday’s California Interscholastic Federation meet at Buchanan High School in Clovis, near Fresno.
 Frank Lima is greeted warmly by Sammy Hamilton after winning the Central Coast Section high jump title Friday. |
Later, Irish finished fourth in the 200. With the CCS being allowed to send its top three finishers to the state meet, it looked as if Irish would only be running the 400. But Hardiman, the third-place finisher in the 200, withdrew from the 200, opening up the spot for Irish. She accepted the bid.
Lima cleared the opening height of 6-0 on his first attempt, and cleared 6-2 and 6-4 on his second attempts. He was one of five competitors left at 6-6. Clearance at that height is an automatic bid to the state, regardless of finish in the competition.
He cleared that height on his opening attempt.
“When I got over it, it was hard to believe at the time,” Lima said.
He put on his sweats and watched the remaining competitors make their attempts at 6-6. Of the four remaining competitors, only one, defending champion Aaron Thompson of Riordan, had cleared 6-6 this season.
Lima walked around the area, watching as the other competitors miss on their attempts. When Gunn’s Marcus Anderson missed on his final attempt, Lima had the title won.
“I was trying to qualify for state,” Lima said. “I didn’t think I was going to have a chance to make it as a CCS champion. It never occurred to me all year. I’m really excited.”
He quickly put in mind back into the competition, attempting to set a personal best of 6-7. He missed on three attempts. After his final miss, he waved his family, friends and teammates who made the trip to Gilroy.
“I was as nervous for him as I was for my own races,” Irish said. I’m so happy to see him win.”
Irish will be making her second trip to the state meet after her second straight second-place finish in the 400.
Hardiman led throughout the race, finishing in 56.11 seconds. Irish completed the one-lap race in 56.74, with Shanie Landen of St. Francis third in 56.90.
“I was hoping to say with her a little closer,” Irish said. “I lost her completely at the end.”
Hardiman and Irish turned in the top two times at the CCS Trials on May 23. Friday’s final was the first time the two had raced each other this year.
“She’s really good,” Hardiman said. “She pushed me the whole way. It was a battle. I had to pull away from her.”
Irish didn’t have much of a chance in the 200 as the top three placers, Pinewood’s Angela Gradiska, Willow Glen’s Andrea Martinez and Hardiman pulled away from Irish and the rest of the field. A photo showed Irish out leaned Monta Vista’s Natasha Sakaller to get fourth.
“I’m going to run the 200 for fun,” Irish said. “Getting that spot caught me off guard.”
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