For many teams, this past weekend mark the start of the Championship season and although the season came in like a slight breeze, a storm seems to be brewing! Vying for coveted spots for the 2009 USATF Junior Olympics and Youth Nationals, athletes gathered to show that hardwork pays off. Fans, Family and Friends who attended the PAC were treated to an afternoon packed full of action and excitement, filled with close races and surprising upsets.

Fast becoming one of the most exciting teams to hit the scene; for the Athletes at LSI it was "Business as Usual".

Sydnie Bunel - LSI's Bantam Bombshell took her personal Best to new heights when she qualified for the Bantam Girls 100 Meter Final. "What were seeing is hardwork finally come to fruition"

Says Coach Al, "Sydnie is a talented athlete and at 10 years old she's one of the hardest working athletes I know". Poised to do Great things, Sydnie showed signs of greatness when in the 100 Meters prelims she composed a beautiful start and accelerated down the track dipping in a time of 15.04 to qualify 6th for the finals. Later in the finals she would cross the line in 7th for a New Personal Best of 14.64. This PB would come only a day after running a Personal Best of 31.74 in the 200 Meters. "we've been working on acceleration alot in pratice so to see her make it make sense on the track, is probably what we're most proud of.

Giovanna Raffin - What can't she do? That's the question everyone is asking after Giovanna showed why she is quickly becoming a fan favorite. This 800 specialist ran her way to a personal best when she took two laps in 2:25.64. A mark that ranks her 6th in the Nation and in the Gold Medal hunt in the upcoming Nationals.

Says Coach Al, "Gio's success is trusting the process as well as the capacity and effort she shows at pratice and her aptitude to responsible feedback and that's just scratching the surface".

But it would be her performance in the 1500 run that would speak volumes of her capabilities, when for the first time she ventured out at 1500 meters. After clocking the fourth-fastest time in the association in a time of 5:10.44, Giovanna will look to bring home some extra hardware next month when she takes center stage at 2009 Youth Nationals held in Detroit Michigan.

Alexandra Diaz 100 Meter (12.41) and 200 Meter (25.29) PAC Champion

Alexandra Diaz - We could probably argue that she one of the most dominant athletes in the association this season. But whatever ones opinions might be Dominance is exactly what took place this past weekend. Alexandra seems primed and ready to take another leap in performance after taking claim of the 100m and 200m Pacific Association titles. A lighting fast start in the 100 Meter was more than enough to hold off the field as she cross the line in 12.41 for the win. Alex would also run a season best at half-a-lap in a finishing time of 25.29.

Says Coach Al, " She's definitely come on strong the past few years and only seems to be getting stronger. In my personal opinion its her strength and spirit that has helped her become one of the super stars in our association. She's got alot of success behind her in 2008 so it was important that the momentum continue into 2009".

with rock hard confidence and a lot of fire power competiting at the youth nationals again and making the finals will be a big goal for Alexandra, as will winning a Gold Medal.

Katie Nelms - After coming off a tremendous High School season that saw her run a personal best in both the 100 Meters (11.95) and 100 Meter Hurdle (13.70), Katie again sharpened up her spikes and hit the PA Championships as she works to stay in top shape for next months World Youth Qualifier. As she lined up in the block for the Young Womens 200 Meters Katie was clearly the class of the field, claiming first with a 24.56 finishing mark, well up on second place. Katie would also stake claim to victory when she crossed the line first in the 400 Meter Hurdles.

Says Coach Al, "It will be intriguing to see how Katie steps it up and performs at the world youth qualifiers considering the large amount of experience she gained this season taking part in the California State Championships. I mean going head-to-head against some of the best Sprinters and hurdlers in the Country she definitely poised at making the USA Team"

Giovanna Raffin 800 Meter Bronze Medalist PB of 2:25.64

Bryant Canada - Had a quiet track season in 2008, After being diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter, 08 saw bryant struggle with growing pains. Despite injuries and hardship he fought through the pain. But at the Pacific Asssociation Championships Bryant showed a flash of what '08 could have been when he ran to a personal best in the 200 meters in 24.95.

Says Coach Al, " Rebounding back this year is the goal for us. Bryant has grown painfully taller in the pass 2 years and its impeded his development and performance. But he's starting to grow out of it and seems to be coming along just fine. My guess is by next year he'll be back to claim a top spot at 200 and 400 Meters".

With standout performances by alot of his peers, it seems only natural that Bryant is the next Sprinter in line to join some of the best in the association.