Layla Ruiz, Watsonville, (Jr.): Watsonville’s star distance runner broke a school record that stood for nearly 30 years.
Ruiz finished the 1,600-meter race in 5 minutes, 9.22 seconds — close to four seconds faster than the previous record during the Central Coast Section trials in May. Martha Luna set the record in 1990 when she finished the 1,600 in 5:12.94.
Ruiz also participated on the 4×100 relay team, which finished 18th in 4:17.53 and set a new freshman-sophomore record at the CCS championships.
Ruiz earned the final qualifying spot in the 3,200 finals but decided not to participate. She won the 3,200 at the inaugural Pacific Coast Athletic League Masters Meet.
Ruiz will be one of the favorites to win nearly every race — 1,600 and 3,200 meters — she will participate this season.
