header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
February 8
1990 - Rock 'n' Roller Del Shannon, whose hit "Runaway" topped the charts in April 1961, found dead at home in Sand Canyon [story]
Del Shannon


Photo by Ferraz Photography

In the beginning of the varsity girls’ cross-country race Thursday afternoon, Maddie Dignadice looked like San Luis Obispo legend Jordan Hasay.

Way out in front, not afraid of anyone, and so smooth, she looked as if she was out on a Sunday morning jog.

In the end of the varsity boys’ race at Santa Clarita Central Park, Sam Peckham looked similar to San Francisco University’s Holland Reynolds.

Collapsed from both exhaustion and dehydration, nearly unable to move, but still too stubborn yet courageous to quit.

As for the five-time defending California state champions in Saugus High?

The girls in blue and white reminded everyone of the same Lady Cents of 2010. And 2009. And 2008. And 2007. And 2006.

Very focused, very determined and incredibly hungry for the Golden State’s biggest prize in late-November.

On a day when Saugus sophomore Abigail Frankian continued her undefeated dream season by winning the frosh/soph girls race by almost two minutes, and junior teammate Nina Sassano won her second consecutive race by winning the junior varsity campaign in a time that would of seen her tenth in the “big dogs” race, Valencia junior Dignadice gapped the entire varsity girls field by nearly 200 meters over the first mile and stayed there for a majority of the 2.9-mile race.

In the race were two all-state honorees in Saugus’ Karis Frankian and Jenay Jauregui, as well as Golden Valley High junior Chelsey Totten, the fastest returning performer from last year’s finals. Despite a very conservative first mile, Frankian caught the junior phenom just after two miles and went on to win by 25 seconds in 18 minutes, 18 seconds, while Dignadice hung on tough in second (18:43). Jauregui closed quickly over the final 1,200 meters, but ran out of room, taking a solid third in 18:50. Frankian, Dignadice and Jauregui were the only ladies to break the 19-minute barrier on Thursday. Meanwhile, Valencia’s Arianna Michaels stunned everyone with a sensational fourth place finish in her varsity league debut, finishing in 19:02, just ahead of Totten (19:06).

After those top five, the Saugus girls dominance began with Katie Huntington (19:14), Tiffany West (19:22), Jordan McCall (19:23) and Heidi Hoslet (19:30) finishing 6-9. Tenth went to Golden Valley junior Abby Buckoff, although the junior varsity winner in Sassano of Saugus ran a second faster than Buckoff. The younger Frankian, Abigail, also ran a terrific solo race at the frosh/soph level (19:43), while senior Emily McCarty had an off day, finishing 15th in the varsity race. Valencia finished a solid second, while the Canyon girls were the story of the day, upsetting both strong West Ranch and Golden Valley squads in third, although standouts Taylor Welker, younger sister of 14th place finisher Ashley Welker, and Weslie Totten, twin sister of Chelsey, didn’t compete.

On the boys’ side, Golden Valley senior Kristian Martinez finally got the chance to redeem himself after a disappointing 12th place finish in last year’s finals; however, Hart’s Sam Peckham stole the show with his courageous finish after collapsing near the finish due to dehydration and exhaustion. Last fall, Peckham was unable to perform at the finals due to a stress fracture in his foot. Heading into the finals, both Martinez and Peckham were the favorites to win the individual gold medal. Although Peckham’s finish was a courageous effort, his 12th place finish proved to be the difference in the team standings as Saugus, the five-time defending champions, slipped by the Indians by a single point for second. Junior AJ Yarnell had a phenomenal performance too. Golden Valley’s Martinez lead the final mile, but it wasn’t easy as the Saugus standout trailed Martinez with just 500 meters remaining. Martinez’s 1:54 800-meter speed was too much to handle though as the veteran pulled away for a six second win, the second cross country league win of his young, brilliant career, and a new course record of 15 minutes, 34 seconds.

Golden Valley made it clear to the entire Foothill League that they are indeed the favorites for this year’s championship and probably impossible to beat as they put their entire scoring contigent in the top seven with Juan David Garcia in third, Nolan Del Valle in fourth, Aaron Nguyen in sixth and Gabe Levy anchoring the team in seventh. Canyon’s Zachary Wims rounded out the top five individually, setting a new school record in 15:55 for the Cowboys.

NOTES: Saugus High girls won all three team and individual races, while the Centurions received a team win from the junior varsity squad and individual wins from Cole Helm and Anthony Rosales. The Hart boys ran down Saugus in the final 400 meters of the frosh/soph race, bolstered by third and fourth place finishes from freshmen Mac Kaufman and Ruben Rubira.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


WATCH NOW
LOCAL SPORTS HEADLINES
Friday, Feb 7, 2025
Braden Van Groningen had 19 kills to lead The Master's University men's volleyball team in a four-set win over the Vanguard Lions Thursday, Feb. 6 in Costa Mesa.
Friday, Feb 7, 2025
The newest members of The Master's University Hall of Honor represent a clear theme: unforgettable excellence in cross country and track and field and an undeniable commitment to Christ and Scripture.
Friday, Feb 7, 2025
College of the Canyons men's basketball claimed a third straight conference victory on Wednesday, Feb. 5, this time storming past host Glendale College 77-70 behind a game-high 15 points from Gilad Ziegel.
Thursday, Feb 6, 2025
Quincy Phillips had a career-high 37 points to lead The Master's University men's basketball team to a 95-69 win over the Park-Gilbert Buccaneers Wednesday night, Feb. 5 in The MacArthur Center.
Thursday, Feb 6, 2025
The Master's University baseball team continued its impressive start to the season with a 9-5 win over Cedarville University at Lou Herwaldt Stadium in Santa Clarita Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 5.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1990 - Rock 'n' Roller Del Shannon, whose hit "Runaway" topped the charts in April 1961, found dead at home in Sand Canyon [story]
Del Shannon
Beginning Saturday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, March 2, customers in Santa Clarita Valley can donate to Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clarita Valley during checkout at their local Ross Dress for Less store.
Ross Fundraiser Benefits SCV Boys & Girls Club
The Saugus Union School District Asset Management Committee will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Feb. 12: Saugus School District Asset Management Committee Meeting
The Castaic Union School District Governing Board will hold its regular meeting Thursday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. The board will first meet in closed session at 5 p.m.
Feb. 13: Castaic School Board to Receive Chiquita Canyon Landfill Update
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale, led by Artistic Director Allan Robert Petker, is currently in its 25th anniversary season celebrating its mission to bring fine choral music to the Santa Clarita Valley community.
March 9: Santa Clarita Master Chorale Presents ‘Silver Serenade’
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold a special meeting in closed session to negotiate the purchase of parcels of land at 5:30 p.m. in the Carl Boyer Room at City Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Feb. 11: City Council to Negotiate Land Purchases
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees will hold a business meeting Wednesday, Feb. 12, beginning at 5 p.m. The board will first meet in closed session at 4 p.m.
Jan. 12: COC Board Considers 2025 Goals, Affordable Student Housing
The Cube Ice and Entertainment Center in Valencia will offer a special Valentine’s Day Sweet Hearts Skate on Friday, Feb. 14.
Feb. 14: Sweet Hearts Skate Event at The Cube
Broken Leg Theatre has announced its upcoming production of the critically-acclaimed play, "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike," written by Christopher Durang. Durang is a master of comedy and winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play.
Feb. 14-16: ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ at The MAIN
Join the Valley Industry Association for a special Cocktails & Conversation event hosting Director of Economic Development of city of Santa Clarita, Tom Cole, Thursday, Feb. 27, from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Feb. 27: VIA Cocktails & Conversation With Tom Cole
The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation has announced that Natalie Vowell will assume the new Vice President of Business Development position for the Santa Clarita Valley.
SCVEDC Names Natalie Vowell New VP of Business
The Child & Family Center’s Pathways to Recovery Program, in partnership with the city of Santa Clarita, will host a special SCORE Scholarship Program sign-up event on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 3-6 p.m. in the Child & Family lobby.
Feb. 11: SCORE Scholarship Sign-Up Event
The city of Santa Clarita has announced a recap of the stats for another successful Holiday Light Tour, which brought joy and holiday cheer to residents and visitors alike.
Holiday Light Tour Recap, Golden Ticket Giveaway Winner
The city of Santa Clarita has announced the return of SENSES Block Party to Main Street in the Old Town Newhall Arts and Entertainment District for another year of high-energy fun. SENSES is held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month starting March 20.
March 20: SENSES Returns to Old Town Newhall
The William S. Hart Union High School District has announced that the La Mesa Junior High School Counseling Department has been designated a Recognized American School Counselor Association Model Program.
La Mesa Junior High Earns Recognition for Counseling Program
Dr. Thea Sweo Alvarado, former dean of instruction at Pasadena City College, has been named interim assistant superintendent/vice president of instruction at College of the Canyons.
Sweo Alvarado Named COC Interim Assistant Superintendent/VP of Instruction
Single Mothers Outreach has announced the gala celebration, "Cheers to 30 Years" will be an anniversary party held 7 p.m. Friday, May 9 at Sand Canyon Country Club.
May 9: Single Mothers Outreach Celebrates ‘Cheers to 30 Years’
Braden Van Groningen had 19 kills to lead The Master's University men's volleyball team in a four-set win over the Vanguard Lions Thursday, Feb. 6 in Costa Mesa.
Mustangs Beat Old Rival
The newest members of The Master's University Hall of Honor represent a clear theme: unforgettable excellence in cross country and track and field and an undeniable commitment to Christ and Scripture.
TMU Announces 2025 Hall of Honor Inductees
College of the Canyons men's basketball claimed a third straight conference victory on Wednesday, Feb. 5, this time storming past host Glendale College 77-70 behind a game-high 15 points from Gilad Ziegel.
Canyons Claims Third Straight Conference Win, 77-70 at Glendale
1919 - First publication of weekly Newhall Signal newspaper, $2 a year [story]
Signal Century
Autonomous vehicles under testing permits have collectively covered over 4 million miles on California’s public roads from Dec. 1, 2023, to Nov. 30, 2024, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has announced.
Over Four Million Test Miles Logged in State by Autonomous Vehicles
Federal, state and local agencies will come together to host an informative webinar, "Understanding Air Quality After the L.A. Fires" on air quality impacts in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires.
Feb. 10: Understanding Air Quality After the L.A. Fires
The Santa Clarita College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center will host singer and musician, John Waite, 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
Feb. 21: Santa Clarita PAC Presents Singer John Waite
SCVNews.com