4S track club is sending athletes to nationals

Though it’s only been around for a few months, the High Five Track Club, associated with Maranatha Christian Schools in 4S Ranch, is sending two athletes to the National Junior Olympic Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

The event is being held this week in Sacramento. Brietta Klein and Adam Larson qualified for the nationals after their finishes in the regionals, held late June in Las Vegas.

Brietta, 12, took third place in the 3,000 meter run with a 13:00 finish.

Adam, 12, finished in fourth place in the discus throw with 67-4, but made it to the nationals after one of the top-three finishers was disqualified, said Coach Peter Gregory, a resident of Rancho Bernardo.

“The Junior Nationals is the highest level they can go,” Gregory said. “It’s an honor for them to be competing at this high level.”

He said the competition there will be the toughest they’ve faced.

“They’re just going to have to go all out and not hold back because they’re competing against the top in the country.”

Gregory created the open club after the conclusion of the track season at Maranatha. The team practices in Mira Mesa and draws students from all over the Inland Corridor.

Brietta, who plays soccer, was a top middle distance runner. According to her mother, Karen Klein, she really wanted to compete in the mile, but couldn’t run the qualifier because it took place on Sunday and conflicted with her church service.

Despite having only run the 3,000 once before, Brietta finished second in her age group and qualified for regionals.

Adam, meanwhile, played football for the Eagles and joined the track team for shotput and discus.

He was the Frontier League champion in the event this past season.

For more information about the club, contact Gregory at distancerunning2000@yahoo.com.