Ray DeBolt of Granite Hills, a new school at the east end of Madison Avenue in El Cajon, won the San Diego Section mile championship on May 27, 1961.
The victory gave DeBolt, who passed away in the recent months in Reno, Nevada, at age 75, the distinction of being the first section champion in his event.
DeBolt, who outran the field in 4:28.2 on a gusty afternoon at Kearny High, was one of 12–only event winners advanced–who went on to the state championships at East Los Angeles College the following week.
DeBolt did not place among the top five in the state meet but his 4:26.8 time was a personal best and was the fifth fastest ever by a San Diego-area runner.
Thanks to Buzz Thom for letting us know.
