Hasay cruises to victory

Hasay cruises to victory in first major race of season
Mission Prep senior wins girls individual sweepstakes with the second fastest time on the Mt. SAC course
Jason Eichelberger

WALNUT — Mission Prep senior Jordan Hasay approached her first big cross country race of the season with a simple goal in mind.

“I just wanted to run a good time and win my season opener,” she said.

Mission accomplished.

Displaying the speed, consistent stride and endurance that has made her one of the nation’s most celebrated distance runners of all time, Hasay wowed the crowd and her fellow competition alike, winning the girls individual sweepstakes race for the fourth consecutive year to highlight the 61st annual Mt. SAC Invitational on Saturday at Mt. SAC College.

“I was able to accomplish both of my goals,” Hasay said. “I love running on this course.”

Hasay lowered her three-mile course best time of last season by 15 seconds, winning in a time of 16 minutes, 27 seconds. Her time is also the second fastest time ever posted on the Mt. SAC course, trailing only former Ukiah High standout Amber Trotter, who set the all time course best at the 2001 invitational with a time of 16:16.

Hasay was quick to appreciate the historical significance of her accomplishment.

“It’s a great honor to know that of all the great runners that have run on this course, my time was the second best,” she said.

Hasay, who competed in the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in June and the World Junior Track Championships in July, said her goal is to be racing her best by the time Footlocker National Championships take place in December.

“I didn’t end my track and field season until August, so I started a bit later than everyone else,” she said. “My goal is to peak in December.” The three-time defending state champion drew the loudest ovation of the day when she was introduced and she quickly had many in the crowd gasping in disbelief as she broke away from the main pack less than 400 meters into the race.

After crossing the through the first mile in 5:09, Hasay faced her first challenge of the race, as San Clemente senior standout Alex Dunne quickly closed the gap in the second mile. Hasay led by four seconds over Dunne as both runners finished the second mile in under 11:15. But Dunne was unable to maintain the torrid pace over the final mile, and Hasay took full advantage, gradually increasing her lead over the final 800 meters and winning by 21 seconds over Dunne, who finished second at 16:48. Rancho Bernardo sophomore Molly Grabill (16:54) was third.

Hasay acknowledged that her talented competitors were a big motivating factor in helping her maintain a fast pace throughout the race. “I think the competition helped my time a lot today,” Hasay said. “(Alex) Dunne was coming up on me and I didn’t want to go easy.”

Hasay, who will compete in the San Luis Obispo County meet Thursday, says that she will now focus on hill workouts.

“I had a minor Achilles’ injury and had been staying off the hills,” Hasay said. “But now I will get back to working the hills.”

In a sign of her cult-like following, Hasay was mobbed by fans, competitors and admirers alike after the race, something that she says shows the passion of distance running fans.

“It’s really great for the sport that people are taking such an interest,” she said. “Sometimes it gets a bit overwhelming, but everyone is really nice.”