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Simon qualifies for Sac-Joaquin Section Masters meet
CV sophomore takes second in 300 hurdles
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Central Valleys Mahogany Simon finished second in the 300 hurdles at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV-V Track & Field Championships last week in Turlock. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Mahogany Simon, a standout sophomore hurdler on Central Valley's varsity girls track and field team, has extended her season for at least one more week.

Simon placed second with a time of 46.84 seconds in the 300 hurdles at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV-V Championships on Thursday at Stanislaus State.

Mahogany qualified for Masters for the second year in a row.

"Her dedication and diligence play a huge role in her success," Hawks head coach Veronica Moreno said. "She's passionate about the sport. She's so humble. If she puts pressure on herself, she doesn't show it. She's always very positive."

Simon placed seventh in the 100 hurdles (16.56) during trials on May 17.

Mahogany didn't compete in the finals on Thursday.

"She would have qualified (for Masters) in both events," Moreno said. "But we decided to drop the 100 hurdles to focus on the 300 hurdles."

Central Valley senior Lisandro Gallardo posted a personal-best time of 42.99 seconds while placing ninth in the varsity boys 300 hurdles on May 17.

He placed second (44.01) at the WAC Championships the previous week.

"I couldn't be more happier for him," Moreno said. "He was really young when I first met him as a sophomore. His hard work paid off. He never missed practice."

Central Valley junior Gilberto Alvarez was supposed to compete in the pole vault.

Alvarez scratched to take a makeup AP test.

"He found out the day before," Moreno said. "He was pretty disappointed. He was really looking forward to it."

Gilberto placed first during the conference finals.

"He's worked hard all season," Moreno said. "He'll be successful again. He's extremely focused. He documents his progress."

Simon will compete at the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters competition at Elk Grove High School this week.

Trials and finals will be held on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

The top three placers at Masters advance to the CIF State Meet.

"It would be a great opportunity and accomplishment to make it to state," Moreno said. "It's possible. She's been working really hard. She's super focused."