Last week's withering heat was no problem for Germaine Wroblewski, one of eight Half Moon Bay High School track athletes who competed in the Central Coast Section Track and Field North Trials on Saturday, May 17, at De Anza College.
Wroblewski, who says she runs better as the temperature rises, qualified for the CCS semifinals in the 1600 meter with a ninth-place finish in a field of 24 runners. She crossed the finish line in a personal best 5:41.75, almost 30 seconds behind the winner, St. Ignatius High School's Marielle Schlueter, who recorded a blistering time of 5:11.66 minutes.
"Because it was so hot, I just thought I'd run it as well as I could, and keep pushing every lap," Wroblewski said. "I actually really like the heat. My best times are in the heat."
The sophomore will compete in the section semifinals, which combine the north and south sections of CCS, on Saturday, May 24, at San Jose City College. Track events begin at 2 p.m.
"I'm really excited," Wroblewski said. "It should be interesting."
Twenty-four runners _ 13 from the southern section and 11 from the northern section _ will compete for 12 spots in the CCS Finals, set for Thursday, May 29, at San Jose City College.
Wroblewski was the only Cougar athlete to qualify for the semifinals.
Eight other runners competed but did not qualify: Andy Chain in the 1600 meters, Anastasia Eslinger in the discus, Erica Strohmeier in both the 100- and 300-meter hurdles, Jen Tuff in the 3200 meters, Camillia Carroll in the 400 meters, and the team of Strohmeier, Carroll, Jessica Strom, and Elyane Calabaquib in the mile relay.