On May 8 Archer Track runners participated in the Liberty League Finals, competing against teams from Pacifica Christian, Providence, Holy Martyrs, and Yula. Archer’s runners finished second in the Liberty League.

Birmingham High School in Van Nuys hosted the Liberty League’s final meet. Archer’s team of 19 runners competed in nine races; seven qualified for CIFs.

The 400 meter relay team, comprised of Marcela Riddick ’16, Yasmeen Namazie ’15, Alyssa Downer ’17, and Maia Barnett ’14, got second place behind league champions Pacifica Christian.

Freshman runner Leyla Namazie ’17 ran an impressive 800 meter race, getting first place with a personal best of 2:38 minutes, a qualifying time. She had a 50 meter lead over second place runner from Providence.

In the 100 meter dash, Barnett finished in first place overall with a time of 13.32; Downer in second with 13.62. The third place runner from Pacifica  also qualified with a 13.65.

All three qualified for CIFs, Riddick as an alternate with a qualifying time of 13.66. Namazie ’15 got second place in the 400 meter dash with a qualifying time of 65:03.

The 1600 meter relay was the last race of the meet. Both Namazies (’15, ’17), Leandra Ramlo ’16, and Clara Gasparetti ’17 claimed first place after lapping another runner in the last leg.

After the last race of the meet, Archer runners gathered to celebrate seniors Barnett and Tara DiMaio ’14. Downer and Shishi Shomloo ’15 both delivered speeches, thanking them for their “dedication and long-lasting spirit.”

Barnett and DiMaio were team captains and integral in the team’s successes this season.

Practices will continue throughout this week for CIFs qualifiers— CIF Prelims will take place in Carpinteria on May 17, 2014.