This Field Doesn’t Mind Chasing DeGrammont

NORWALK — Not many runners can say of an opponent, “I saw his time before I crossed the line,” and be satisfied or even happy about the result.

But that’s how El Toro’s Mike Smith reacted after finishing third in the 110-meter high hurdles with a wind-aided time of 14.32 seconds in the Southern Section Division II boys’ track and field finals Saturday at Cerritos College.

Smith, along with a handful of other runners, including Tustin’s Shane Vickers, who finished fourth (14.45), Loara’s Eric Nuanez, who finished fifth (14.53) and Dana Hills’ James Brown, who finished sixth (14.64), often have been overlooked this season because they’ve been overshadowed by Tustin’s Dominique DeGrammont in the big meets.

Saturday, DeGrammont won the 110 hurdles in 13.44 seconds, which bettered the Division II section championship record time of 14.01 by Katella’s Terry Johnson in 1986.

Smith, however, is not discouraged or upset about the lack of attention. In fact, he relishes what he calls “a rivalry” between himself and DeGrammont.

“I’m having more fun now [running against DeGrammont],” Smith said. “Before, it was like just going out there to run and win.”

Smith, a senior, has posted three personal-best times this season--14.4 was his best time before Saturday’s race--and he credits his success to DeGrammont’s presence.

“Each race, I get closer and closer to his times and it puts me up there with the elite,” Smith said. “Not many people get the chance to run against this caliber of competition.”

El Toro Coach Larry Nitta is also aware of the effect DeGrammont has on his runner. “[Smith’s] best times have come against [DeGrammont],” Nitta said. “It pulls him. We’re hoping DeGrammont will pull him into the Masters.”

The times turned in Saturday by Smith, Lompoc’s Tijuan Freeman, Vickers, Nuanez and, of course, DeGrammont, qualified each for Friday’s Masters Meet at Long Beach Veterans Stadium.

“He brings the best out of everyone,” Smith said of DeGrammont.

DeGrammont agreed. “I think I help some runners,” he said. “They take a look at me and say, ‘Hey, this guy’s No. 1,’ and they get all hyped up.”

Smith also hopes DeGrammont’s presence will continue to give him the extra push he needs to qualify for the state championships, which take place June 6-7 at Sacramento City College.

Though he won’t make any bold predictions of upsetting DeGrammont, Smith does have high expectations: “If I get one more chance, and I get to state, I think I’ll be in the top five.”