Running stride for stride with the strongest field she had faced all season, Palisades High track runner Marissa Williams had a specific goal in mind at Saturday’s 48th Arcadia Invitational: break 4:50 in the mile.
Despite entering as the state leader in both the 1,600 and 3,200, Williams was not considered the favorite in either event – a testament to the quality of the competition at one of the nation’s most prestigious prep meets – and although she didn’t cross the finish line first, Williams clocked a personal-best 4:49.23 to earn the fifth-place medal. Jordyn Colter of Cherry Creek, Colorado who will be Williams’ teammate at Cal in the fall, won the race in 4:45.24.
In an effort to speed up the meet, seeded and invitational runners were grouped together and Williams found herself amidst a large pack with no room to run for the first lap and a half.
“The first lap was really slow – I thought I was going to fall or someone would fall,” she said.
After giving her all in the mile, Williams decided not to run the 3,200, in which she achieved a personal-best 10:25.02 at Arcadia last spring.
“We were pushing each other and I didn’t want to separate too early but I felt strong at the end,” said Williams, who warmed up to the songs of Nirvana and Kings of Leon. “I really just wanted to break 4:50 so I guess I’m satisfied.”
One ecstatic spectator was Cal assistant track coach Chas Davis who watched two of his future stars in top form.
“I couldn’t be more happy – Marissa ran a very strategic race and demonstrated the patience she’ll need at the next level,” Davis said. “You could tell she was familiar with the Californians. We return everyone and we may have one or two more girls coming in so I’m super excited.”
Williams bettered her 1,600 time of 4:50.77 at the Pasadena Games two weeks earlier and will compete at the Mt. SAC Relays or the South Bay Invitational next weekend.
— Steve Galluzzo
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