Boys 3200 Calif. State Meet 2024

bishopbronco wrote:

I have a couple of questions about the 2024 California State Meet boys 3200 that I hope long time followers of running can answer. First of all, though I ran cross country/track in high school and college in the late 70’s/early 80’s, my times were not anywhere close to what is being run today, and I never came close to qualifying for the state meet. I have never coached and am not up to date on the latest training methods.
Last year, I began following high school running because I live in Long Beach and Jason Parra was getting some coverage. As a result, I became familiar with Evan Noonan and Emmanuel Perez. I was really looking forward to seeing them run the 3200 at state, which is the basis for my questions. My intent is not to criticize, but to learn so I can understand why the state 3200 played out like it did.
I am looking at that race through my 17/18 year old mindset and what I would have wanted if I had been in that position back in the day. I would have loved to win a state championship my senior year, so everything I did my final track season would have pointed to that race. However, when I look at what Parra and Perez did prior to State, I am confused. Since I was not involved in the decision making, perhaps those of you with more experience can help me understand what happened.
Emmanuel Perez of Cathedral - has the fastest time in the state for 3200. Runs the 1600/3200 double in the league finals and CIF prelims. Appears to be setting up for the state meet. However, only runs the 1600 at CIF Finals, and the 4x800. His opportunity to be a state champion is now greatly reduced as there are several others with faster 1600 times. I read that the coach felt that Cathedral had a shot at the boys state title, so Perez will run the 1600, which enables him to also run the 4x800, which will add more points for Cathedral than only running the 3200, winning and earning 10 points. However, Perez comes in 5th in the 1600 (4 points) and the 4x800 comes in 4th (5 points) = 9 points. Cathedral comes in 7th place in the team standings with 19 points, not even close to Poly’s 33 or Wilson’s (3rd place) 27 points.
Here’s my first question, and again, I do not have any knowledge of the decision making process. I just know that I would have rather been given my best opportunity to win a state title in the 3200, rather than roll the dice and hope I can pull off a fast enough 1600 to win. Of course, if I’m able to run 8:40 for 3200, a pr in the 1600 might get me 1st. How would you guys feel about this if this was your senior year and you were asked to give up your best event for the sake of the team, when in reality, probably will not place top 3?
Jason Parra - I really like how he races, but am confused as to his schedule leading up to the 3200 at State. The 4 weeks before State, Parra doubled in the 1600/3200. Not only did he double, he cranked out strong efforts in each race. I doubled a few times and it was draining. I was not the caliber of runner Parra is, and I’m amazed at what he ran:
League Finals: 1600 - 4:12, 3200 - 8:54
CIF Prelims: 1600 - 4:10, 3200 - 8:54
CIF Finals: 1600 - 4:07, 3200 - 8:48
Masters: 1600 - 4:10, 3200 - 8:49
State - 1600 - 4:23 (Friday night), 3200 - 8:47 (Sat. Night)
Looking at this from a coaching point of view, what did Parra gain by running the 1600 Friday night at State, even if he “relaxed” and ran 4:23? Was this just to loosen up from the drive to Clovis? I never ran 4:23, and if I had, I would have been still feeling it the next day. He’s been pounding the 1600/3200 double for 4 weeks and the race he’s been aiming for is tomorrow. Why not give him the rest? In comparison, Evan Noonan, who has a brutal kick and won, was well rested. Though Noonan did the 1600/3200 double in CIF Prelims and Finals, he had only run the 3200 the previous 2 weeks.
Sorry for the long post and I appreciate your knowledgeable thoughts! I was really looking forward to watching Parra, Perez, and Noonan race. Though Parra and Noonan raced, and Parra gave a gutsy effort in trying to get rid of Noonan’s kick, I feel Noonan was significantly more rested. Of course, the 3 did race at Arcadia (where Perez ran 8:40), but it seems like Noonan is better prepared to hang with Perez now. Thanks!

bishopbronco wrote:

I have a couple of questions about the 2024 California State Meet boys 3200 that I hope long time followers of running can answer. First of all, though I ran cross country/track in high school and college in the late 70’s/early 80’s, my times were not anywhere close to what is being run today, and I never came close to qualifying for the state meet. I have never coached and am not up to date on the latest training methods.
Last year, I began following high school running because I live in Long Beach and Jason Parra was getting some coverage. As a result, I became familiar with Evan Noonan and Emmanuel Perez. I was really looking forward to seeing them run the 3200 at state, which is the basis for my questions. My intent is not to criticize, but to learn so I can understand why the state 3200 played out like it did.
I am looking at that race through my 17/18 year old mindset and what I would have wanted if I had been in that position back in the day. I would have loved to win a state championship my senior year, so everything I did my final track season would have pointed to that race. However, when I look at what Parra and Perez did prior to State, I am confused. Since I was not involved in the decision making, perhaps those of you with more experience can help me understand what happened.
Emmanuel Perez of Cathedral - has the fastest time in the state for 3200. Runs the 1600/3200 double in the league finals and CIF prelims. Appears to be setting up for the state meet. However, only runs the 1600 at CIF Finals, and the 4x800. His opportunity to be a state champion is now greatly reduced as there are several others with faster 1600 times. I read that the coach felt that Cathedral had a shot at the boys state title, so Perez will run the 1600, which enables him to also run the 4x800, which will add more points for Cathedral than only running the 3200, winning and earning 10 points. However, Perez comes in 5th in the 1600 (4 points) and the 4x800 comes in 4th (5 points) = 9 points. Cathedral comes in 7th place in the team standings with 19 points, not even close to Poly’s 33 or Wilson’s (3rd place) 27 points.
Here’s my first question, and again, I do not have any knowledge of the decision making process. I just know that I would have rather been given my best opportunity to win a state title in the 3200, rather than roll the dice and hope I can pull off a fast enough 1600 to win. Of course, if I’m able to run 8:40 for 3200, a pr in the 1600 might get me 1st. How would you guys feel about this if this was your senior year and you were asked to give up your best event for the sake of the team, when in reality, probably will not place top 3?
Jason Parra - I really like how he races, but am confused as to his schedule leading up to the 3200 at State. The 4 weeks before State, Parra doubled in the 1600/3200. Not only did he double, he cranked out strong efforts in each race. I doubled a few times and it was draining. I was not the caliber of runner Parra is, and I’m amazed at what he ran:
League Finals: 1600 - 4:12, 3200 - 8:54
CIF Prelims: 1600 - 4:10, 3200 - 8:54
CIF Finals: 1600 - 4:07, 3200 - 8:48
Masters: 1600 - 4:10, 3200 - 8:49
State - 1600 - 4:23 (Friday night), 3200 - 8:47 (Sat. Night)
Looking at this from a coaching point of view, what did Parra gain by running the 1600 Friday night at State, even if he “relaxed” and ran 4:23? Was this just to loosen up from the drive to Clovis? I never ran 4:23, and if I had, I would have been still feeling it the next day. He’s been pounding the 1600/3200 double for 4 weeks and the race he’s been aiming for is tomorrow. Why not give him the rest? In comparison, Evan Noonan, who has a brutal kick and won, was well rested. Though Noonan did the 1600/3200 double in CIF Prelims and Finals, he had only run the 3200 the previous 2 weeks.
Sorry for the long post and I appreciate your knowledgeable thoughts! I was really looking forward to watching Parra, Perez, and Noonan race. Though Parra and Noonan raced, and Parra gave a gutsy effort in trying to get rid of Noonan’s kick, I feel Noonan was significantly more rested. Of course, the 3 did race at Arcadia (where Perez ran 8:40), but it seems like Noonan is better prepared to hang with Perez now. Thanks!

bishopbronco wrote:

I have a couple of questions about the 2024 California State Meet boys 3200 that I hope long time followers of running can answer. First of all, though I ran cross country/track in high school and college in the late 70’s/early 80’s, my times were not anywhere close to what is being run today, and I never came close to qualifying for the state meet. I have never coached and am not up to date on the latest training methods.
Last year, I began following high school running because I live in Long Beach and Jason Parra was getting some coverage. As a result, I became familiar with Evan Noonan and Emmanuel Perez. I was really looking forward to seeing them run the 3200 at state, which is the basis for my questions. My intent is not to criticize, but to learn so I can understand why the state 3200 played out like it did.
I am looking at that race through my 17/18 year old mindset and what I would have wanted if I had been in that position back in the day. I would have loved to win a state championship my senior year, so everything I did my final track season would have pointed to that race. However, when I look at what Parra and Perez did prior to State, I am confused. Since I was not involved in the decision making, perhaps those of you with more experience can help me understand what happened.
Emmanuel Perez of Cathedral - has the fastest time in the state for 3200. Runs the 1600/3200 double in the league finals and CIF prelims. Appears to be setting up for the state meet. However, only runs the 1600 at CIF Finals, and the 4x800. His opportunity to be a state champion is now greatly reduced as there are several others with faster 1600 times. I read that the coach felt that Cathedral had a shot at the boys state title, so Perez will run the 1600, which enables him to also run the 4x800, which will add more points for Cathedral than only running the 3200, winning and earning 10 points. However, Perez comes in 5th in the 1600 (4 points) and the 4x800 comes in 4th (5 points) = 9 points. Cathedral comes in 7th place in the team standings with 19 points, not even close to Poly’s 33 or Wilson’s (3rd place) 27 points.
Here’s my first question, and again, I do not have any knowledge of the decision making process. I just know that I would have rather been given my best opportunity to win a state title in the 3200, rather than roll the dice and hope I can pull off a fast enough 1600 to win. Of course, if I’m able to run 8:40 for 3200, a pr in the 1600 might get me 1st. How would you guys feel about this if this was your senior year and you were asked to give up your best event for the sake of the team, when in reality, probably will not place top 3?
Jason Parra - I really like how he races, but am confused as to his schedule leading up to the 3200 at State. The 4 weeks before State, Parra doubled in the 1600/3200. Not only did he double, he cranked out strong efforts in each race. I doubled a few times and it was draining. I was not the caliber of runner Parra is, and I’m amazed at what he ran:
League Finals: 1600 - 4:12, 3200 - 8:54
CIF Prelims: 1600 - 4:10, 3200 - 8:54
CIF Finals: 1600 - 4:07, 3200 - 8:48
Masters: 1600 - 4:10, 3200 - 8:49
State - 1600 - 4:23 (Friday night), 3200 - 8:47 (Sat. Night)
Looking at this from a coaching point of view, what did Parra gain by running the 1600 Friday night at State, even if he “relaxed” and ran 4:23? Was this just to loosen up from the drive to Clovis? I never ran 4:23, and if I had, I would have been still feeling it the next day. He’s been pounding the 1600/3200 double for 4 weeks and the race he’s been aiming for is tomorrow. Why not give him the rest? In comparison, Evan Noonan, who has a brutal kick and won, was well rested. Though Noonan did the 1600/3200 double in CIF Prelims and Finals, he had only run the 3200 the previous 2 weeks.
Sorry for the long post and I appreciate your knowledgeable thoughts! I was really looking forward to watching Parra, Perez, and Noonan race. Though Parra and Noonan raced, and Parra gave a gutsy effort in trying to get rid of Noonan’s kick, I feel Noonan was significantly more rested. Of course, the 3 did race at Arcadia (where Perez ran 8:40), but it seems like Noonan is better prepared to hang with Perez now. Thanks!

bishopbronco wrote:

I have a couple of questions about the 2024 California State Meet boys 3200 that I hope long time followers of running can answer. First of all, though I ran cross country/track in high school and college in the late 70’s/early 80’s, my times were not anywhere close to what is being run today, and I never came close to qualifying for the state meet. I have never coached and am not up to date on the latest training methods.
Last year, I began following high school running because I live in Long Beach and Jason Parra was getting some coverage. As a result, I became familiar with Evan Noonan and Emmanuel Perez. I was really looking forward to seeing them run the 3200 at state, which is the basis for my questions. My intent is not to criticize, but to learn so I can understand why the state 3200 played out like it did.
I am looking at that race through my 17/18 year old mindset and what I would have wanted if I had been in that position back in the day. I would have loved to win a state championship my senior year, so everything I did my final track season would have pointed to that race. However, when I look at what Parra and Perez did prior to State, I am confused. Since I was not involved in the decision making, perhaps those of you with more experience can help me understand what happened.
Emmanuel Perez of Cathedral - has the fastest time in the state for 3200. Runs the 1600/3200 double in the league finals and CIF prelims. Appears to be setting up for the state meet. However, only runs the 1600 at CIF Finals, and the 4x800. His opportunity to be a state champion is now greatly reduced as there are several others with faster 1600 times. I read that the coach felt that Cathedral had a shot at the boys state title, so Perez will run the 1600, which enables him to also run the 4x800, which will add more points for Cathedral than only running the 3200, winning and earning 10 points. However, Perez comes in 5th in the 1600 (4 points) and the 4x800 comes in 4th (5 points) = 9 points. Cathedral comes in 7th place in the team standings with 19 points, not even close to Poly’s 33 or Wilson’s (3rd place) 27 points.
Here’s my first question, and again, I do not have any knowledge of the decision making process. I just know that I would have rather been given my best opportunity to win a state title in the 3200, rather than roll the dice and hope I can pull off a fast enough 1600 to win. Of course, if I’m able to run 8:40 for 3200, a pr in the 1600 might get me 1st. How would you guys feel about this if this was your senior year and you were asked to give up your best event for the sake of the team, when in reality, probably will not place top 3?
Jason Parra - I really like how he races, but am confused as to his schedule leading up to the 3200 at State. The 4 weeks before State, Parra doubled in the 1600/3200. Not only did he double, he cranked out strong efforts in each race. I doubled a few times and it was draining. I was not the caliber of runner Parra is, and I’m amazed at what he ran:
League Finals: 1600 - 4:12, 3200 - 8:54
CIF Prelims: 1600 - 4:10, 3200 - 8:54
CIF Finals: 1600 - 4:07, 3200 - 8:48
Masters: 1600 - 4:10, 3200 - 8:49
State - 1600 - 4:23 (Friday night), 3200 - 8:47 (Sat. Night)
Looking at this from a coaching point of view, what did Parra gain by running the 1600 Friday night at State, even if he “relaxed” and ran 4:23? Was this just to loosen up from the drive to Clovis? I never ran 4:23, and if I had, I would have been still feeling it the next day. He’s been pounding the 1600/3200 double for 4 weeks and the race he’s been aiming for is tomorrow. Why not give him the rest? In comparison, Evan Noonan, who has a brutal kick and won, was well rested. Though Noonan did the 1600/3200 double in CIF Prelims and Finals, he had only run the 3200 the previous 2 weeks.
Sorry for the long post and I appreciate your knowledgeable thoughts! I was really looking forward to watching Parra, Perez, and Noonan race. Though Parra and Noonan raced, and Parra gave a gutsy effort in trying to get rid of Noonan’s kick, I feel Noonan was significantly more rested. Of course, the 3 did race at Arcadia (where Perez ran 8:40), but it seems like Noonan is better prepared to hang with Perez now. Thanks!

The right source wrote:

bishopbronco wrote:

I have a couple of questions about the 2024 California State Meet boys 3200 that I hope long time followers of running can answer. First of all, though I ran cross country/track in high school and college in the late 70’s/early 80’s, my times were not anywhere close to what is being run today, and I never came close to qualifying for the state meet. I have never coached and am not up to date on the latest training methods.
Last year, I began following high school running because I live in Long Beach and Jason Parra was getting some coverage. As a result, I became familiar with Evan Noonan and Emmanuel Perez. I was really looking forward to seeing them run the 3200 at state, which is the basis for my questions. My intent is not to criticize, but to learn so I can understand why the state 3200 played out like it did.
I am looking at that race through my 17/18 year old mindset and what I would have wanted if I had been in that position back in the day. I would have loved to win a state championship my senior year, so everything I did my final track season would have pointed to that race. However, when I look at what Parra and Perez did prior to State, I am confused. Since I was not involved in the decision making, perhaps those of you with more experience can help me understand what happened.
Emmanuel Perez of Cathedral - has the fastest time in the state for 3200. Runs the 1600/3200 double in the league finals and CIF prelims. Appears to be setting up for the state meet. However, only runs the 1600 at CIF Finals, and the 4x800. His opportunity to be a state champion is now greatly reduced as there are several others with faster 1600 times. I read that the coach felt that Cathedral had a shot at the boys state title, so Perez will run the 1600, which enables him to also run the 4x800, which will add more points for Cathedral than only running the 3200, winning and earning 10 points. However, Perez comes in 5th in the 1600 (4 points) and the 4x800 comes in 4th (5 points) = 9 points. Cathedral comes in 7th place in the team standings with 19 points, not even close to Poly’s 33 or Wilson’s (3rd place) 27 points.
Here’s my first question, and again, I do not have any knowledge of the decision making process. I just know that I would have rather been given my best opportunity to win a state title in the 3200, rather than roll the dice and hope I can pull off a fast enough 1600 to win. Of course, if I’m able to run 8:40 for 3200, a pr in the 1600 might get me 1st. How would you guys feel about this if this was your senior year and you were asked to give up your best event for the sake of the team, when in reality, probably will not place top 3?
Jason Parra - I really like how he races, but am confused as to his schedule leading up to the 3200 at State. The 4 weeks before State, Parra doubled in the 1600/3200. Not only did he double, he cranked out strong efforts in each race. I doubled a few times and it was draining. I was not the caliber of runner Parra is, and I’m amazed at what he ran:
League Finals: 1600 - 4:12, 3200 - 8:54
CIF Prelims: 1600 - 4:10, 3200 - 8:54
CIF Finals: 1600 - 4:07, 3200 - 8:48
Masters: 1600 - 4:10, 3200 - 8:49
State - 1600 - 4:23 (Friday night), 3200 - 8:47 (Sat. Night)
Looking at this from a coaching point of view, what did Parra gain by running the 1600 Friday night at State, even if he “relaxed” and ran 4:23? Was this just to loosen up from the drive to Clovis? I never ran 4:23, and if I had, I would have been still feeling it the next day. He’s been pounding the 1600/3200 double for 4 weeks and the race he’s been aiming for is tomorrow. Why not give him the rest? In comparison, Evan Noonan, who has a brutal kick and won, was well rested. Though Noonan did the 1600/3200 double in CIF Prelims and Finals, he had only run the 3200 the previous 2 weeks.
Sorry for the long post and I appreciate your knowledgeable thoughts! I was really looking forward to watching Parra, Perez, and Noonan race. Though Parra and Noonan raced, and Parra gave a gutsy effort in trying to get rid of Noonan’s kick, I feel Noonan was significantly more rested. Of course, the 3 did race at Arcadia (where Perez ran 8:40), but it seems like Noonan is better prepared to hang with Perez now. Thanks!

Parra was not supposed to run the 1600 on Friday. His dad (coach) made an error and didn't scratch him at Masters which resulted in him being forced to run the 1600 at State. Trust me he was as pissed when I talked to him for making that mistake. Hardly anything gets by him with any of his kids running. CIF has this rule where if you’re entered in more than one event you need to do all events if not you’ll be scratched from every event. Unfortunately Jason was left with no choice but to run the 1600. Of course Jason was going to apply “honest effort“ but not qualify to allow him to be fresh for Saturday’s 3200. As for Saturday’s 3200, Jason would have been in good striking position to run the last 400 and challenge Noonan but he was boxed in while others were already in full gear. From what I heard Jason still felt very good to race but yes that 1600 on Friday did not help!

bishopbronco wrote:

The right source wrote:

Parra was not supposed to run the 1600 on Friday. His dad (coach) made an error and didn't scratch him at Masters which resulted in him being forced to run the 1600 at State. Trust me he was as pissed when I talked to him for making that mistake. Hardly anything gets by him with any of his kids running. CIF has this rule where if you’re entered in more than one event you need to do all events if not you’ll be scratched from every event. Unfortunately Jason was left with no choice but to run the 1600. Of course Jason was going to apply “honest effort“ but not qualify to allow him to be fresh for Saturday’s 3200. As for Saturday’s 3200, Jason would have been in good striking position to run the last 400 and challenge Noonan but he was boxed in while others were already in full gear. From what I heard Jason still felt very good to race but yes that 1600 on Friday did not help!

Thanks for that information which explains Jason's 4:23 on Friday. It's unfortunate that happened so he wasn't as rested as Noonan, but a very gutsy effort in spite of that. Perhaps Parra, Perez, and Noonan will compete against each other in the next few weeks. It seems they are running very well, and it would be interesting to see them go head to head like they did at Arcadia.

Just enjoy the meet wrote:

bishopbronco wrote:

I have a couple of questions about the 2024 California State Meet boys 3200 that I hope long time followers of running can answer. First of all, though I ran cross country/track in high school and college in the late 70’s/early 80’s, my times were not anywhere close to what is being run today, and I never came close to qualifying for the state meet. I have never coached and am not up to date on the latest training methods.
Last year, I began following high school running because I live in Long Beach and Jason Parra was getting some coverage. As a result, I became familiar with Evan Noonan and Emmanuel Perez. I was really looking forward to seeing them run the 3200 at state, which is the basis for my questions. My intent is not to criticize, but to learn so I can understand why the state 3200 played out like it did.
I am looking at that race through my 17/18 year old mindset and what I would have wanted if I had been in that position back in the day. I would have loved to win a state championship my senior year, so everything I did my final track season would have pointed to that race. However, when I look at what Parra and Perez did prior to State, I am confused. Since I was not involved in the decision making, perhaps those of you with more experience can help me understand what happened.
Emmanuel Perez of Cathedral - has the fastest time in the state for 3200. Runs the 1600/3200 double in the league finals and CIF prelims. Appears to be setting up for the state meet. However, only runs the 1600 at CIF Finals, and the 4x800. His opportunity to be a state champion is now greatly reduced as there are several others with faster 1600 times. I read that the coach felt that Cathedral had a shot at the boys state title, so Perez will run the 1600, which enables him to also run the 4x800, which will add more points for Cathedral than only running the 3200, winning and earning 10 points. However, Perez comes in 5th in the 1600 (4 points) and the 4x800 comes in 4th (5 points) = 9 points. Cathedral comes in 7th place in the team standings with 19 points, not even close to Poly’s 33 or Wilson’s (3rd place) 27 points.
Here’s my first question, and again, I do not have any knowledge of the decision making process. I just know that I would have rather been given my best opportunity to win a state title in the 3200, rather than roll the dice and hope I can pull off a fast enough 1600 to win. Of course, if I’m able to run 8:40 for 3200, a pr in the 1600 might get me 1st. How would you guys feel about this if this was your senior year and you were asked to give up your best event for the sake of the team, when in reality, probably will not place top 3?
Jason Parra - I really like how he races, but am confused as to his schedule leading up to the 3200 at State. The 4 weeks before State, Parra doubled in the 1600/3200. Not only did he double, he cranked out strong efforts in each race. I doubled a few times and it was draining. I was not the caliber of runner Parra is, and I’m amazed at what he ran:
League Finals: 1600 - 4:12, 3200 - 8:54
CIF Prelims: 1600 - 4:10, 3200 - 8:54
CIF Finals: 1600 - 4:07, 3200 - 8:48
Masters: 1600 - 4:10, 3200 - 8:49
State - 1600 - 4:23 (Friday night), 3200 - 8:47 (Sat. Night)
Looking at this from a coaching point of view, what did Parra gain by running the 1600 Friday night at State, even if he “relaxed” and ran 4:23? Was this just to loosen up from the drive to Clovis? I never ran 4:23, and if I had, I would have been still feeling it the next day. He’s been pounding the 1600/3200 double for 4 weeks and the race he’s been aiming for is tomorrow. Why not give him the rest? In comparison, Evan Noonan, who has a brutal kick and won, was well rested. Though Noonan did the 1600/3200 double in CIF Prelims and Finals, he had only run the 3200 the previous 2 weeks.
Sorry for the long post and I appreciate your knowledgeable thoughts! I was really looking forward to watching Parra, Perez, and Noonan race. Though Parra and Noonan raced, and Parra gave a gutsy effort in trying to get rid of Noonan’s kick, I feel Noonan was significantly more rested. Of course, the 3 did race at Arcadia (where Perez ran 8:40), but it seems like Noonan is better prepared to hang with Perez now. Thanks!

I don’t know, but it was just a HS state meet. From looking at the results, it was a pretty good one. Did you attend?