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By PATRICK KINMARTIN, Chico-ER Sports Writer
CHICO — There were two aspects of Wednesday's windy girls track and field battle between Chico High and rival Pleasant Valley
significantly different from last season's, which featured the Vikings beating the Panthers for the first time since 1993.
Most of the talented junior-class members leading that landmark victory for Pleasant Valley decided not to return for their
senior seasons. In the meantime, Chico welcomed a freshman standout distance runner with eye-catching natural skills.
So with young Kody Atkins now around to provide a major boost, the Panthers were back on top with a 70-56 win over a less-formidable
Vikings crew that kept the Eastern Athletic League dual meet very close nonetheless. On the boys side, host Chico prevailed more
comfortably with a 72-47 triumph.
The Chico girls won eight of the 15 events. The number would have been seven if Atkins hadn't turned the Panthers' five-second
deficit going into the final leg of the 1,600 relay into a near five-second victory. She finished her 400 portion in 59.7 seconds
— a great time with added luster considering the freshman hadn't yet run a 400 competitively.
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"I told her, 'Do you know how many kids are desperate to beat 60 (seconds) in a 400 split at any point in their lives?'" Chico
coach Dale Edson said. Atkins also beat a better-seasoned winner, Pleasant Valley distance leader Kelsey O'Sullivan, in the 800
meters with a 2-minute, 23.2-second groove in the two-lap race. Atkins' success there merely reinforced the exploits she used to
establish her future promise for Chico during cross country season in the fall.
Her burst later on the one lap to finish the 1,600 relay, which brought the Panthers back from behind and into the lead, showed
another dimension of those abilities. "My coach told me he would get me something if I could break 60," Atkins said, alluding to
a challenge from Kevin Girt. "People were telling me that's pretty good."
Atkins' impressive display overshadowed another stellar all-around performance by a fellow freshman. Pleasant Valley's Gabrielle
Finley swept the sprint events, winning the 100 and 200 in addition to contributing to the Vikings' victory in the 400 relay.
Those efforts allowed the Vikings to overcome the lack of experience that became a burden when last year's winning junior class
disbanded for a variety of reasons, ranging from injuries to decisions to play club volleyball to focusing on part-time jobs after
school.
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"That happens sometimes in track," Pleasant Valley coach Sterling Jackson said. "We're glad to have the kids that are here this
season that want to compete. "Our girls competed hard. We were a little surprised to get this close and be in the lead most of
the afternoon. (Chico) came back and took back the crown."
The Panthers actually put themselves in position to win on both of Finley's individual wins. Kasey Barnett and Ciara Bergamini
were second and third place, respectively, behind Finley in the 100; Bergamini was second again and Nalani Vernau third in the 200.
Atkins' defeat of O'Sullivan, who started the day with a win in the individual 1,600, also proved crucial toward putting Chico
ahead going into the 1,600 relay finale. "Believe me, I was having to check the scores all afternoon," Edson said. "It took us a
while to get that lead."
In the boys action, two contenders for section titles backed up their reputations. Pleasant Valley speedster Jericho Wallace
overcame the heavy winds to win and reach a season-best time in the 100 (11.2) and also in the 200 (23.2) while Chico's Nick
Sloggy put in a good challenge. Earlier in the day, Wallace was on the Vikings sprint relay
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team that raced by itself but couldn't secure the easy five points because of a baton drop. "That was bad," Wallace said. "It won't happen again."
Chico junior Daniel Parker, the Northern Section's reigning 1,600 champion, was just like Atkins with the way he seamlessly
transitioned to the 400. He won the individual race, then anchored the Panthers' 1,600 relay victory by erasing a deficit and
cruising across the finish line with a substantial lead. "Kody and Dan are similar," Girt said. "You put anything in front of them
and they'll go after it."
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