Clint Hamm wins five events to lead IRC boys to a 29-point victory at district meet, while the girls hold off Cambridge.
By JEREMY RASMUSSEN
Published April 16, 2004
TAMPA - Indian Rocks Christian swept the boys and girls team championships Thursday at the Class A, District 10 meet at Berkeley Prep.
Led by Clint Hamm, who finished first in all five of his events, the Golden Eagles topped the Buccaneers 225-196. Tampa Prep and Cambridge tied for third with 67.
For the girls, Cambridge's Candice Williams matched Hamm's feat, but IRC's depth gave it a 202-184 victory over the Lancers. Berkeley Prep was third with 127.
"We were hoping we could beat (IRC)," Cambridge coach Tommy Jones said. "We were really pushing, but we knew they had the numbers and the depth. They're a machine. They have too many to beat."
Hamm won the 100 meters (11.52 seconds), 200 (23.89), long jump (19 feet, 10 inches), triple jump (40-3) and anchored the winning 4x100 team that set a school record of 44.58.
Hamm pulled out of last year's state meet with a hip flexor injury sustained in the triple jump. Thursday was the second time he had competed in it since.
Hamm said he thinks his best chance to medal at state is in the 200 and that he can lower his time to 22 seconds.
Williams won the 200 (27.35), 300 hurdles (49.15), high jump (5-2) and long jump (15-0) and was on the winning 4x400 team (4:31.11).
Other outstanding performances included IRC's Melissa Kotchman easily capturing the 1,600 (5:29.30) and 3,200 (11:35.68). The Eagles' Nathan Holden won the boys events, finishing in 4:42.34 in the 1,600 and 11:20.66 in the 3,200.
Holden said he probably would focus on the 3,200 at state, where he was first last season with a time of 9:37. "I've shown enough speed in practice (to repeat)," he said. "With me, it's more of a mental attitude. I can't make excuses. I can usually tell by the mile marker whether it's going to be a good or bad race."
Berkeley senior Farrah Elchanahl won the 800 (2:29.14) and anchored the winning 4x800 team (10:58.61). Cambridge's Stephanie Grace was first in the 400 (1:05.89) and triple jump (30-11).
