Neil Sybert

1963-66

Class of 1967

Bio:   Neil Sybert ran on the junior varsity and varsity cross country teams that started the league unbeaten streak in the Sunset League. He rose to prominence during the 1965 and 66 seasons in which Westminster won two CIF/SS “AAA” section titles. Neil placed third at the 1965 Sunset League finals and placed 9th at the CIF/SS championships as Westminster won their 2nd championship in 3 years. Westminster also placed 9th in the National Postal race and was selected at the top team in California by Cal-Hi Sports. During the 1966 season, Neil won the individual Sunset League title leading the Lions to their fourth consecutive league title. He also placed 4th in the CIF/SS “AAA’ Finals helping the team earn their second consecutive title and third in four years. He also placed 8th individually in the National Postal race while Westminster placed 2nd as a team. The Lions also won their third Sweepstakes Team Championship at the prestigious Mt SAC Cross Country Championships in course record time. Neil was named varsity captain his senior year. He also ran the Mission Bay Marathon in 1966 finishing in 3:05.40, currently 6th on the WHS list.

Neil’s track seasons were highlighted by a 2nd placed in the Sunset League Two Mile race in 1966 and winning the league title in 1967. He placed 4th at the CIF/SS championships in 9:12.9 which earned him a berth in the California State meet in which he placed 8th.  His time was the 10th fastest in the United States and is still the Westminster school record.  He also participated on the 1966 4x mile team and 1967 distance medley team that won the Mt. SAC Relays in record times that are still school records.

Neil spent his collegiate freshman year at Goldenwest Junior College. His track season included a National Record in the 4xmile in 17:10.6 and a 9:05.4 two mile that was the 8th fastest in the nation earning All American honors. He then transferred to the University at California, Los Angeles. He earned there varsity letters in cross country and two in track.  During his tenure UCLA won three PAC-8 titles and the 1971 NCAA title in track. Neil primarily ran the steeplechase and finished as the third fastest in UCLA history at 9:08.4. He did establish records for the steeple against Washington State University: 9:26.4 in 1970, San Diego State University: 9:09.4 in 1970 and Arizona State University 9:08.4 in 1970.

Neil is currently slicing off a section of San Diego and renaming it Sybert County. He is retired and involved in the Old Lions and our escapades. He has given up trying to beat Doug.

 

 

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