Tracksters ‘run’ to season
Photo by JAIMIE HSU
by EVELYN WONG & JAIMIE HSU
Kick-starting their season with a “bang,” the boys and girls tracksters will compete in their first league meet against the San Gabriel Matadors March 24 away.
Due to construction of the new track at the Ken Davis Field, the teams have been practicing at Eastmont Intermediate, and “home” meets will take place at San Gabriel High School.
“The biggest dilemma is that the construction of the track limits our numbers; because we have to fit everyone in two buses, I had to cut more people this year,” said Head Coach Jason Arnold. “It is also inconvenient to have to always take the bus to practice.”
The Spartans competed against the California High Condors, away, but scores were unavailable at press time.
On March 12, the tracksters participated in the Rosemead Invitational at Rosemead High School. Competing against 720 individuals and relay team members, 10 Spartans received medals for placing in the top three for each event.
For the boys varsity track team, senior Abraxaz Sanchez placed first in the 800 meter race, while senior Jonathan Barakat and sophomore Demian Sanchez both medalled in the 400 meter race; the boys varsity 4×4 relay placed second overall. In addition, seniors Adrian Medrano and Chris Tisuthiwongse both received medals for the boys varsity discus throw and triple jump, respectively.
Sophomore Lizbeth Cano placed second in the girls varsity 3200 meter race.
In the boys frosh/soph team, sophomore Daniel Elicea and freshman Elias Diaz received medals in the shot put and discus throw, respectively.
For the girls frosh/soph team, freshman Taylor Bicad medalled in the high jump.
“I think the team will do well this year,” said Arnold. “The varsity boys and girls teams both have plenty of experience; as long as they stay healthy and pull together, I think that we have a great chance at being league champs.”
The Spartans competed against the Whittier High School Cardinals in an away meet March 3. Due to complications involving darkness as the meet progressed, the 3200 meter races and 4×4 relays were canceled. According to Arnold, however, the varsity and frosh/soph boys teams were in the lead, while both girls teams were behind the Cardinals.
“Although we were unable to emerge victorious in all divisions against Whittier, I think we did very well,” said Arnold. “We were missing about 20 members due to the Catalina field trip, so that contributed to our loss.”
In their first preseason meet Feb. 27, the tracksters participated in the Arcadia Invitational at Arcadia High School. Of six teams, the varsity and frosh/soph boys both placed second, while the varsity and frosh/soph girls both placed fourth in their respective divisions.
“I think this season will be a learning experience for everyone, since we are all new members,” said Faith Kwan-Garcia, sprints coach. “I have faith in this very young team.”
