SPRING HIGHLIGHTS : Zimmer and Harris Lead Simi Valley to Track Win

With Jim Zimmer and Robert Harris leading the way, the Simi Valley High boys track and field team continued to roll along.

The Pioneers easily defeated Westlake, 82-45, in a Marmonte League meet at Simi Valley to run their record to 61-1 in Coach Doni Green’s eight years with the program.

Zimmer, who finished third in the 1600 meters at last year’s state meet, won the mile (4:30.8) and and two-mile (9:47.2).

Harris, a junior, is just starting to tap his potential in the sprints. He won the 440 in 50.0 and placed second in the 220 in a personal best 22.1.

In the quarter-mile race, he gave Westlake senior Mike Holcomb (50.4) his first dual-meet loss in two years. In the 220 he was narrowly beaten by Westlake’s Gary Wellman (22.0).

Afterward, Harris said the two races complement each other.

“The strength needed in the quarter helps my 220 and the speed needed in the 220 improves my quarter,” he said.

The victory essentially assured Simi Valley (4-0) of the league title; previously undefeated Westlake dropped to 3-1.

Although Wellman couldn’t save the Warriors from defeat, he did turn in an impressive sprint double. In addition to the 220, he had earlier won the 100-meter dash in 10.6, easily defeating M.J. Nelson (10.9) of Simi Valley.

Other top performances were turned in by Simi Valley teammates Shane Kilgore in the triple jump (44-1) and Ken Lowther in the shot put (52-2).

Westlake junior Chris Mann won the long jump at 22-4 and placed second in the triple jump at 43-2.

In the girls meet, Westlake (3-1) defeated Simi Valley (2-2), 80-38. Sophomore Desiree Joubert led the Warriors with wins in the 440 (60.5), 880 (2:19.8) and mile (5:20.0).