Brea-Olinda, Irvine Invitationals Saturday

The high school track season breaks into full stride this weekend when many of Orange County’s top programs compete in invitationals Saturday at Brea-Olinda and Irvine high schools.

The Brea-Olinda Invitational, which has nearly tripled in size from last year, features 20 squads from Southern California--14 of which are from the county. Field events begin at 8 a.m.

Two of the county’s top boys’ teams--Foothill and Cypress--will compete at Brea. Seniors Ethan Taub (Foothill) and Jimmy Hutsell (Cypress) will renew their duel in the 400 meters. Taub edged Hutsell by one-tenth of a second in the 500-yard run at last month’s Sunkist Indoor Invitational at the Sports Arena.

Buena Park senior Carrie Garritson, the county’s cross-country champion, and Corona del Mar senior Jason Boyce, the county leader in the long jump and 100-meter sprint, also are expected to compete at Brea.

The Irvine Invitational, which begins at 8:30 a.m., will feature two boys’ teams--Woodbridge and Esperanza--expected to battle for the county title in April. On the girls’ side, Laguna Hills and El Toro will compete along with a strong returning squad from Esperanza.