Of the five Paly boys who competed in the Central Coast Section (CCS) track trials Saturday, May 20 at San Jose City College, only senior distance runner Scott Himmelberger qualified to advance.

Himmelberger finished the two-mile race third in his heat in 9:45.52. He will go on to compete in 3200M at the CCS Finals meet Friday at San Jose City College.

The Paly boys tied with Burlingame and Oak Grove High School for 26 out of 39 places with a team score of six points at the trials meet Saturday. Other Viking boys who competed in the trials meet, but failed to qualify for the CCS finals, included senior Jeff Ashworth in the triple-jump, junior Sam Margevicius in the 110M hurdles, junior Will Frazier in the 100M, and sophomore Mike Scott in the high-jump and triple-jump.

Himmelberger is seeded sixth for Friday’s race, when he will attempt to finish in the top three to qualify to compete in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Track and Field Championship meet on Friday and Saturday, June 2-3.

"Except for Ben Sitler in first, the race is going to be pretty much open," Himmelberger said.

Sitler, a senior from St. Francis High School, is ranked third in the nation in the 3200M, and is seeded first for Friday’s race. Himmelberger will have to run in the high nine thirties to battle for second or third and hope to qualify for the state meet.

"I think I have a chance," Himmelberger said. "My last couple races have been in the heat of the day so I think I will do better at night."

Himmelberger will race at 8 p.m.

"I am excited to see what he can do," boys distance coach Jeff Billing said. "I am positive he will PR."

The Lady Vikes are sending three runners to the finals. Junior Alicia Ivanhoe will be competing in the 1600M where she is seeded sixth, sophomore Mia Lattanzi is seeded first in the 800M and senior Elissa Chandler second in the 100M hurdles.