Double take in San Jose

SAN JOSE — Nikki Hiltz said she needed a signature win.

She picked up two.

The Aptos High junior runner was a double winner on a hot Friday afternoon, claiming first in the girls 800- and 1,600-meter runs at the Central Coast Section Top 8 meet at San Jose City College.

Her 1,600-meter run not only set a meet record, but it’s also the new No. 1 time this year in the nation.

“It feels great,” she said. “It’s almost unbelievable.”

As she walked back to her team’s resting area, the fans in the bleachers gave her and the rest of the runners a round of applause.

In both races, Hiltz outlasted San Lorenzo Valley’s Anna Maxwell, who proved once again to be the biggest challenger in one of the most competitive races involving local participants.

In the 1,600-meter run, Hiltz and Maxwell were among a cluster of opponents that led the field for three laps. At the start of the final lap, Hiltz began her charge and was clear of the field with about 250 meters to go.

Hiltz finished with a time of 4:47.64, setting a new 2012 record. She takes over the top spot from Florida runner Lily Williams, who was at 4:47.79.

Maxwell was second at 4:52.89.



For the complete article see the 04-21-2012 issue.

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