Race 45: 
Sweepstakes Girls Indi Div 1-2

WALNUT CA 10/21/00 -- Hoover Glendale CA sr Anita Siraki humbled the famed Mt. SAC cross country course today with a 16:38 victory that took an amazing 17 seconds off Julia Stamps' HS girls course record (1995).  

As a measure of Siraki's improvement from last year, when she was merely the national champion 2-miler, today's time was 20 seconds faster than her California State Meet victory here a year ago.  That time had been tied with another Stamps mark for 2nd on the all-time Mt. SAC list that goes back 20 years for this configuration.  

No wonder Siraki told reporters afterward, "I love this course.  It's my favorite."  Siraki also revealed she was sick this week and didn't get her normal training.  She told her coach early today she wouldn't run if she didn't feel right in warmups.  Apparently she felt OK.

Siraki started way back in the pack, but worked her way up to the lead group by the end of a mile in 5:27.  In the second mile, Siraki moved out sharply and passed through 2 miles leading in 11:17.  She was alone the rest of the way with nothing to beat but the clock.  

Siraki left in her wake a strong group of California girls: Amber Trotter, Ukiah 17:11 (2nd best girls time of the meet); Natalie Stein, N. Hollywood 17:23; Laura Jakosky, Agoura 17:42; Julie Allen, Fountain Valley 17:51; Desire Davila, Hilltop 17:59; and Lynn Dixon, Mira Costa 18:02

Mt. SAC Invitational Race 45 
Sweepstakes Girls Indi Div 1-2

Race 45 story in pictures

Anita Siraki was all smiles on a day that started with doubts whether she would run because of a midweek illness.

Detailed Results

Sprinting out at the Start: Siraki is 2nd from left

Amber Trotter leads in first mile, but Siraki is right there on outside of lead pack

Midway, Siraki finds something amusing

Then she screams when she sees the finish clock

Then come interviews, hugs, high fives, and autographs