LJ track: "Mitch"

By Ed Piper, Jr.

Andrew Mitchell, never shy to talk with a reporter, said his goal for this nascent track season is the La Jolla High school record in the discus.

"I 'p.r.'ed by 34 feet last year," said the senior, in his final prep campaign (P.R. meaning "personal record"). Mitchell starred on defense for Coach Matt Morrison's football team last fall.

The boys school record stands at 168 feet. Andrew launched a best of 134 feet last spring.

He also competes in shot, where he has thrown 39 feet.

In the latter event, he said he switched from a spin to a glide, which means you won't be seeing him whirl around in dizzying circles before each put this season. The glide is a slide from a backward-facing position in the circle, followed by a simple turn to launch the heavy ball.

Coach Paul Byrnes' girls and boys squads have their initial competition of the year Thurs., March 2, on their new stadium turf against the other two La Jolla schools--Bishop's and Country Day.

The well-known Mt. Carmel High meet begins Sat., March 4.

The new surface, with a brand-new shot put area in the far northwestern corner past the new storage buildings, includes a coating that was poured over the old track in liquid form. Workers then painted the track a Viking red color four times. The work was completed last September.