Long Beach Middle School Cross Country Championships

Saturday morning found me at Heartwell Park shooting the Long Beach Middle School Cross Country Championships. This was my third year covering this event and each year it continues to grow. This year they added 3 races, the 4th & 5th Grade Girls and Boys (1 mile course) and then a fun run for parents and supporters (2 mile course).

The first race of the day was the 4th & 5th grade girls.

This young lady took first in the 4th & 5th grades girls race.

Next came the 4th & 5th grade boys race.

Which this young man took first in.

The middle school races were started with the 6th grade girls.

Won by this young athlete

Followed by the 6th grade boys,

Which was won by this young athlete.

Next came the 7th grade girls

Won by this focused athlete.

And then the 7th grade boys.

Won by this young man.

This now brings us to the next up and coming high school track stars of the Moore League. I'm sure as I continue to shoot for Lakewood Track and the Moore League I will see these outstanding athletes making a name for themselves.

This brings us to the 8th grade girls.

Won by this young lady.

Last by not least is the 8th grade boys

Won by this young man.

I have to say, what would a Long Beach Middle School cross country event be without the help of these two guys, who provided lead and set the pace for all of these runners. Although when the 8th grade runners came out I think they pushed both of them to simply maintain their lead.

Red & White - Lakewood Football

I know football is getting closer when Lakewood has their Red & White team scrimmage game, which they had this past Friday at Vet's Stadium. I am looking forward to another year of football and "Friday Night Lights". So take a peak at some of this years up and coming players.

Bolsa Chica Wet Lands

I recently saw some pictures posted on the Fred Miranda forums of some skimmers and remembered it about this time of year (actually July) that I was able to see them for the first time at Bolsa Chica Wet Lands, so I decided on my day off to head out there to see if I can get some nice shots of them. I also asked my son, who is currently on summer break from Cerritos College, if he wanted to come with me on this early morning walk-about. I was a little surprised when he eagerly said yes.

5:30 am found of on the road to the wet lands. It started out a bit chilly but as the sun peaked out from behind the low morning clouds it warmed up quite a bit. Needless to say the skimmers were pretty much non-existent, although we did see a couple, but nothing for me to shoot. We spent the next 2 1/2 hours walking and talking while I shot various wildlife that presented itself to us.

I have to honestly say I had a great time. It was simply awesome to share this time and my passion with my son and to just spend the time talking. Although he still lives at home he does spend a lot of time away from the house doing his thing with school and friends, so when I get times like this I cherish them.

Here are some of my favorites from the day and thanks for stopping by.