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.
