April 15, 2022

The Women's and Men's Track and Field Teams competed at two separate events last weekend.  Most of the distance and mid-distance runners traveled to Long Beach University to compete at their home invitational while the sprinters and field event athletes competed at the Brian Clay Invitational held at Azusa Pacific University.  Both groups fared quite well against 4 year institutions as athletes continued to set personal records, season best, and National leading marks. 

The weekend was highlighted by Princess Kara, who not only placed 1st overall out of 56 athletes, but now leads the nation in the discuss by over 7.0m.  Her mark of 55.57m is just 1 foot away from the National Record set in 2001 by Central Arizona's own Ilona Rutjes, an impressive mark which has been held for 21 years.  

The following Vaqueras have already qualified for the national meet but set season best performances at Brian Clay: Juvonna Cornette (100m in 11.56), Ashanti Gordon (400m hurdles in 1:06.74), Zamesha Myle (12.39m in triple jump), and Kaise Ugeh (43.74m in shot put).  Zamesha also leads the nation with her mark set at Brian Clay, respectively. 

This Vaquera has yet to qualify but did show up to Brian Clay and posted a season best mark: Cece Charles (100m in 24.77).  

Although no men qualified for the national meet, a good group set season best marks.  Those athletes were: Romar Stapleton (100m in 10.69 and 200m in 22.26), Royden Peets (100m in 10.82 and 200m in 22.62), Razak Abdul (200m in 21.84), Ousman Jagne (200m in 22.06), and Kiondre Taylor (200m in 22.70).  

A handful of the distance and mid distance athletes came ready to race at the Long Beach Invitational. 

The meet was highlighted by Beatrice Keditukei's 5k performance.  Beatrice, who had previously qualified for nationals in the 5k, ran a 18:09.62 which is good enough for 5th in the nation currently.  Beatrice also solidified her mark in the all-time top 20 list for Central Arizona, running the 11th fastest time ever by a Vaquera.  

Other notable performances from the Vaqueras was Anette Carrasco Cota, who posted a 19:21.17 5000m which establishes a new personal record and season best mark for the sophomore.  

Leading the weekend for the Men's Track and Field Team was the mid distance and distance group as 3 new athletes met national qualifying marks while 6 hit season best performances.

Alazar Getahun and James Fincher both secured their spot to nationals, running a 32:35.77 and 32:47.20 in the 10000m race, respectively.  Davin Soto, who had previously qualified in the 3000m steeple, also met the standard for nationals by running a 32:55.15.

Christian Franklin, who was already qualified in the 800m, ran a new season best at Long Beach.  Franklin posted a 1:52.83 placing him currently at 13th in the nation, respectively. 

The following Vaqueros may not have qualified for the national meet but are on the cusp with new season best marks: Salat Ibrahim (10000m in 33:00.45), Benjamin Morfin (5000m in 15:32.31), Joseph Carlson (800m 1:55.86), Joseph Meagher (800m in 1:57.13), and Hayden Gelder (800m in 1:58.82).