With state victory in 800, Marin Catholic’s Samantha Wallenstrom more than a sportswoman

CLOVIS, Fresno County — The CIF had planned a presentation for Marin Catholic-Kentfield sophomore Samantha Wallenstrom after Saturday’s 800-meter girls final at Buchanan High School.

It was to honor her nationally recognized act of sportsmanship from last week’s North Coast Section Meet of Champions when she verbally helped competitor Rayna Stanziano to her feet before winning the race.

The public address announcer had his script ready, a photo of Wallenstrom from last week leaning down to encourage Stanziano was prepared to flash on the scoreboard.

But then something unexpected superseded the presentation.

Wallenstrom won Saturday’s state championship, with a remarkable comeback victory in 2 minutes, 8.78 seconds, overtaking of all people Stanziano (2:10.07) and state leader, Menlo School-Atherton junior Charlotte Tomkinson (2:09.41).

Stanziano, a senior headed to St. Mary’s College on scholarship whom Wallenstrom has revered for the last two seasons, started fast with a first lap of 60.7 seconds and led by 10 meters.

She led all the way until the final 100 when Tomkinson overtook her down the stretch. Both runners were spent, but Wallenstrom had plenty in the tank. She passed both runners with 30 meters to go and won in stunning fashion.

Her entire goal all year was to break 2:10. She never considered winning a state title.

“This is definitely not how I expected the night to go,” Wallenstrom said.

Said incoming CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti: “That couldn’t have gone more perfect. What a performance. What a race.”

Wallenstrom was something of an afterthought in the 800 state race two weeks ago. But when she won NCS last week and her time was 2:13.76 even with slowing down, her confidence grew.

In just over two weeks, she lowered her best...