Leon finishes track career at state meet

California track athlete David Leon finished in 13th place in the 400-meter dash with a time of 52.10 in the Class 3 State Championship on May 29.

Leon, a senior, was the lone Pintos representative at the state meet.

While he also ran cross country, Leon said track is his favorite sport. When he made it to state, Leon said he was nervous, especially without his teammates.

“I was really nervous,” Leon said. “It was my first time going to state for anything, and I was the only one who made it, too.”

Leon has run track since middle school. The friends he has made on the team is one of the big things that make track fun for him, he said.

“Friends make it fun, I do like running a lot though, too,” Leon said.

Leon said his favorite event in track is the 400-meter dash. He admits he could have done better at the state meet.

“I did not run it the best,” Leon said. “My best time was like a 51.04 ,and I ran a 52 (at the state meet.) I was still happy.”

Finishing his high school track career with a state meet appearance was bittersweet for Leon.

“It was sad, but at the same time I was happy,” Leon said. “It was sad leaving track but it was OK.”