Fillmore’s Fabian Del Villar took 4th place in the California State Championship Meet this past weekend, finishing with a time of 9:05.45, setting a new school record and earning a State Championship medal. Photo Courtesy Kim Tafoya.

On June 25th and 26th, VS Athletes in conjunction with PrepCalTrack and Finished Results hosted the California State Championship Meet at Arcadia High School. Athletes that placed among the top 40 in an event could register to compete in this meet. Fillmore’s Fabian Del Villar qualified to compete in the 3200 meters after posting a best time, and school record in the 3200 Meters of 9:12.10.

So here we are at Arcadia waiting for the 9:00 PM start of the 3200 meters. Two weeks ago at CIF SS D4 Championships in Carpinteria, the plan was to go out to the front and run a fast one. Unfortunately, it did go to plan. The early fast pace, the humidity, the heat, setting the pace, and other factors all added up to a third place finish in an event that Fabi was favored to win. Fabi finished in a time of 9:30.18 in 3rd place. Needless to say, FabI was disappointed.

The State Meet was never a sure thing, with COVID still a threat to keep the meet from being held. But meet organizers were able to make it happen. During Fabi’s warm up, The sun was still out 45 minutes before the race, but it felt cool. Fabi said that he felt light, and good, during the warm up.

Twelve of California’s top distance runners toed the line. After a quick start Fabi found himself in last place, but before the first lap was run, Fabi worked his way into first place and into the inside lane. He led for about 2 pedestrian paced laps. On the third lap the pace picked up and Fabi ran in fourth to sixth place. He went to the front again during the fifth lap and held that place until the final lap. That’s when the sprint to the line started with 6 runners who had broken away. Fabi worked his way back up to third place and would finish in fourth place in an excellent time of 9:05.45, a new School Record and a State Championship medal. Fabi ran an excellent race, felt he could have won, but was happy with his finish. This was approximately 25 seconds faster than his prior race at Division 4 Southern Section Finals in Carpinteria.

This is the culmination of an excellent season where Fabi set School Records in both the 1600 Meters (4:20.02) and the 3200 Meters (9:05.45). Fabi is one of many athletes who worked hard and performed well in spite of the COVID impact. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to watch him race and grow over the last 4 years. We wish Fabi the best as he transitions to UCLA next year. Go Blue!

This race can be watched on YouTube, HDRunners, Day 2. Enjoy.