Pleasant becomes first California male sprinter since Muhammad in 2012-13 to sweep 100 and 200 in back-to-back years, with See doubling up in discus throw and shot put for runner-up JSerra; Stanley helps Granada Hills secure team victory with 400 title and 4×100 triumph
By Landon Negri for DyeStat
CLOVIS, Calif. – Rodrick Pleasant delivered as he always does Saturday night. Quick on his feet and quick with his legs, his attention is also quickly shifting, as he finishes his high school career.
The Garden Serra High senior became the first California sprinter to win state titles in both the 100 and 200 meters in consecutive seasons in 10 years. He won the 100 in a wind-legal 10.20 seconds and the 200 in a wind-legal 20.67 seconds at the 103rd CIF State Track and Field Championships at Buchanan High’s Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Both victories were against star-studded fields.
The team score was a considerably closer competition, as Granada Hills Charter needed every bit of its third-place finish in the 4×400-meter relay – the meet’s final event – to overtake second-place JSerra for its first state championship in school history.
Pleasant, an Oregon commit, had just one word when asked about his future.
“Football,” he said.
He did, however, reflect on a season that included the all-conditions fastest 100 in state history (10.09) and a wind-legal performance of 10.14 at the Southern Section Masters meet a week ago, which tied his own state record.
Saturday, he outraced Long Beach Jordan junior Jordan Washington, who ran 10.30 for second place in the 100. El Cerrito senior Robert Stitts was third in 10.31. South Torrance senior Anthony Flowers, who appeared to false start in Friday’s prelims before having it overturned, was fourth in 10.44.
Pleasant won the 200 in a showdown with Granada Hills Charter senior Dijon Stanley, who ran 20.95. Clovis North senior Nickolas Miller was third in 21.02, and Washington was fourth in 21.06
“Just a blessing to be here,” Pleasant said. “I’m excited about everything and to finish off my last high school meet like this is amazing.”
The last boys athlete to claim repeat state titles was Sherman Oaks Notre Dame’s Khalfani Muhammad in 2012-13.
“It means a lot,” Pleasant said of the accomplishment. “Just happy to be here to celebrate with my family.”
Stanley did get a win in the 400 (45.77), and he also was a part of the Highlanders’ winning 4×100 relay…
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