Edwards could join Demus (1999-2000) and Collins (2005-06) in achieving back-to-back 300-meter hurdles crowns for Bruins, who are also looking to repeat for first time in program history and secure fifth girls title overall

By Pete Marshall for DyeStat

Photos courtesy of Ken Martinez and Jimmy Su

When Long Beach Wilson co-coach Neil Nelson sized up his girls team’s chances of winning a state title before the CIF State Track and Field Championships last season, he thought the Bruins’ best chances were in 2023 and 2025.

That’s because last year’s team included senior Aujane Luckey, who won the 400 meters, was seventh in the 200 meters and was part of the 4x100 and 4x400 relays that finished third and second, respectively, to lead Wilson to the state title, the first outright girls crown for the Bruins in program history.

The 2024 season would be tougher because of the departure of Luckey, now at Arizona State, but 2025 was considered to be another great opportunity because most of Wilson’s 2024 top performers would be returning.

But the Bruins aren’t going to give up on winning a title Friday and Saturday in 2024 at the CIF State Championships at Buchanan High’s Veterans Memorial Stadium in Clovis.

“If we get one (state title) this year … we knew this year would be our toughest year,” Nelson said. “We’re young.”

Wilson again qualified the 4x100 and 4x400 relays, and junior Kaylin Edwards equaled what Luckey did last year by qualifying for state in both of those relays and two individual events (100 hurdles and 300 hurdles) after winning the 300 hurdles state title last year.

Other individual qualifiers are freshman Saniah Varnado (300 hurdles and 400), sophomore Brooke Blue (400) and junior Loren Webster (long jump). And unlike last season, Wilson’s 4x800 relay qualified for state this year.

While this year is more promising that Nelson might have previously believed, he doesn’t want to get ahead of himself. After all, Wilson has never repeated as girls state champion, also capturing titles in 1996, 1998 and 2006.

A fifth girls team championship would help the Bruins equal Berkeley High for second all-time in state history behind only the record 15 titles captured by Moore League rival Long Beach Poly.

“We try not to think about it (winning state),” he said. “They have to get to the finals first. We’ll see what happens Friday. We can’t think about it until after Friday.”

Nelson said that Edwards is peaking at the right time after a slow start because of a hamstring injury.

“We didn’t rush her this season,” Nelson said. “She’s healthy now and we’re happy for that.”

Edwards is excited about the meet, but doesn’t want to get ahead of herself.

“I”m just hoping to do my best. It’s going to be a challenge, but I’m looking for a PR. Personally, I haven’t thought about it: me as defending state champion,” Edwards said. “But all together, I feel confident.”

She has room to improve for her 300 hurdles, where she had a season-best effort of 42.00 seconds May 11 at the CIF Southern Section Division 1 finals at Moorpark High, but has not yet equaled her state-winning time of 41.57.

Edwards said where she can make up that time is cleaning up her form in clearing the last hurdle.

While people will be watching to see if Edwards can repeat in the 300 hurdles, with the potential to join LaShinda Demus (1999-2000) and Ebony Collins (2005-06) as back-to-back state champions in the event for the Bruins, the 100 hurdles are an exciting new opportunity.

“It’s my first year at state in the 100 hurdles. I’m excited. My 14.11 last week was my PR. I want to go low 14,” Edwards said.

It’s not unusual for Edwards to compete at four events in a meet, but it will be a new challenge should she make it to Saturday’s finals in every competition. All four events will take place in a little over four hours, with the Bruins looking to cap the meet with a victory in the 4x400 relay for the first time since securing back-to-back titles in 2005-06.

“The most important thing is to keep praying and stay connected with God,” Edwards said when asked about recovering from one event and preparing for the next. “That, and listening to music.”