Hartman, Canyon Race to L. A. County Titles

Canyon High’s Ed Chaidez calls him one of the most talented runners he has ever coached. Doug Speck, a respected high school cross-country expert, calls him one of the top three sophomores in California.

And now Dave Hartman, of whom Chaidez and Speck speak so highly, can also be called the 1988 Los Angeles County cross-country champion after his convincing victory Saturday at College of the Canyons.

Competing in the team sweepstakes race, Hartman took the lead after the first mile and was never headed, winning by 27 seconds with a time of 16 minutes, 36 seconds over the rugged 3-mile course.

Hartman’s victory helped undefeated Canyon win the team title with 35 points as the Cowboys placed 5 runners among the top 14. Belmont (56), Antelope Valley (79), Loyola (108) and Hart (109) rounded out the top 5.

Hartman, who says he is just an inexperienced athlete still learning the tricks of the cross-country trade, proved himself an able apprentice.

“I was surprised I won so easily,” said Hartman, who did not compete in cross-country until his freshman year at Canyon. “I expected some of the other guys to be with me.”

Craig Lawson of Granada Hills placed second in 17:03 and Natividad Gaona of Belmont was third in 17:08. Hartman’s teammates, Keith Meter and Mike Rattary, placed fifth and sixth in 17:12 and 17:22.

Ashley Black’s victory (20:54) led Palos Verdes, the defending state Division I champion, to the girls’ team sweepstakes title.

Heather Scobie of Saugus, severely injured in an automobile accident last October, continued her comeback with a 21:44 victory in the girls’ large schools race.