Parker Salomon
Sports Editor
Despite fierce onshore winds and periodic rain sprinklings, Mira Costa’s surf team rode its way into a fifth-place finish.
The Costa surf team placed fifth out of 12 teams in the varsity division and fourth out of 10 teams for the junior varsity division in the State Championship tournament on March 4 and 5 in San Diego.
“As a whole, the team did really well, and we were proud to place fifth against such tough competition,” freshman Megan Seth said. “The conditions made it more difficult to catch the best waves, but we pulled through and persevered.”
Link: Surf team competes against Redondo
The contestants competed in three different categories that included boys longboard and boys and girls short board.There were multiple heats per category, each with six surfers. The top three surfers from each round advanced to the next round, while the remaining three contestants were eliminated from the rest of the competition.
“We did really well, and I think we were in the best position we have been in to compete in many years,” surf coach Tracy Geller said.
Photos: Senior Andrew Neal and Senior Jackson Weaver surf through barrels
Senior short boarder and captain Cody Purcell was able to make it to the semifinals in the boys short board but was knocked out when he placed fourth in his heat. He placed first in the first round and second in the quarterfinals. Purcell did an excellent job at putting himself in the best position to get the best waves, Geller said.
“Cody went the furthest for our team, and he just barely missed going to the next round,” Geller said. “He excelled in picking the cleanest waves and positioning himself to get those waves, which is what led to his early heat wins.”
Seth placed fourth overall in the girls varsity division. She placed first in her heat during the quarterfinals and third in her heat during the semifinals. The tournament was Seth’s first state competition in her high school career, so she felt good about her performance as a whole, she said.
“I did pretty well considering the tough competition,” Seth said. “The conditions were very windy and rainy, so I was glad to place third.”
Senior Andrew Neal placed second in the varsity division for long board. He placed in the top three for rounds one and two and the quarterfinals and semifinals. Neal believes his overall performance in the competition was solid.
Link: Sypder Holds surf contest
“The waves and weather were pretty horrible all day, but the team and I managed to do well despite all the wind and lack of surf,” Neal said.
The Mustangs are undefeated heading into the end of their season but remain tied with Redondo for first place in Bay League, since their last matchup resulted in a draw. Costa’s next competition against Redondo will take place at 26th street in Manhattan Beach, but the date is still undetermined. The two will compete for the Bay League title.
“I feel that our team did very well considering our competition, which is telling of how we will do in the future,” senior short boarder Robbie Itzinger said. “I believe that we will do well in our next competition, and as a whole, the team had a great season.”
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