The Lady Wolfpack distance squad is used to meeting high expectations. After winning the 2013 Sierra League Cross-Country Championships, the team was ready for the 2014 track season.

For freshman and Claremont native Annie Boos,  the sport was so new, it was hard to figure what would be her strongest event. The 1600-meter is more tactical, while the 400-meter is more explosive. So naturally, that led her to try the 800-meter race.

“I was timid to do the 800,” Annie said. “It’s a bit of a love-hate relationship, but Coach Rob pushed me into it.”

Distance coach Rob Lander saw that Annie had a strong aerobic component when observing her in the 1600-meter relay, so he thought the 800-meter would be a perfect fit. This 14-year-old did more than just excel in this event—she owned it.

Annie’s recent achievements include 800-meter Sierra League Finals Champion, finishing in 2:13.98; first place in CIF-SS Prelims in 2:13.73; fifth place in CIF-SS Finals in 2:11.64; and seventh place in CIF-SS Masters in 2:12.64. She almost qualified for the 2014 Track and Field State Championships, but just missed the auto-qualifying time of 2:11.80.

“She’s just modest,” Coach Lander said. “It’s a very tactical race. She surveys the field well and she has shown very good speed.”

Coach Lander also mentioned that if compared, Annie’s 2:11.64 CIF-SS Final Division results—Claremont High School is Division II (DII)—would put her ahead of several other division winners. This includes DI Etiwanda freshman Jacquelyn Hill with  2:12.22, DIII San Marcos freshman Erica Schroeder with 2:15.53, and DIV Marlborough sophomore Bianca Alonzo with 2:16.11.

“I thought I would barely make it to CIF Prelims,” Annie said. “It was just surreal getting this far.”

Annie says she has kind of a one-track mind when it comes to running. Coach Lander, however, said she also has more of a loose attitude on the track.

“She is very free-spirited,” Coach Lander said. “During Masters, while you see others looking serious, Annie would roll her arms out while jogging.”

She has managed to balance sports and academics while earning above a 3.7 GPA. Looking back at her freshman season, Annie knows that she can go further.

“I am shooting for state my sophomore year,” Annie said. “Looking back and knowing what I can do gives me confidence that I can make it.”

Annie’s hard work and determination has not gone unnoticed.

“We can all say we’re very proud of her,” Coach Lander said.

CHS Sierra League tennis champ makes exit in CIF play

Sophomore Andrew Leahy represented Claremont High School well at the 2014 CIF Individual Tennis Championships on May 29 at the University of Redlands.

He had a bye in the first round that afforded him extra time to prepare for the second round, which he won easily 6-0, 6-0. However, Alta Loma senior Victor Brown defeated Leahy in the third round with a tie-break set, 10-8, according to head coach Clint Rees.

“Victor took him to the brink,” Coach Rees said. “Andrew played well, but Victor had him when he served at 9-8.”

Overall, Coach Rees said that Leahy had a fantastic season. He only lost one set during the regular season against Chino Hills freshman Brian Lo, 5-4 by default, but Leahy was defeated in the Sierra League Finals, 6-0 and 6-2.

—Alex Forbess

sports@claremont-courier.com