The men’s and women’s track and field had a successful season this year which saw the women place fifth overall at the California Community College Athletic Association Southern Regional finals, earning them a spot in the state championships.
Freshman Andrew Ruffin and sophomore Darnelle Harris who are both on the men’s team, placed with top ten finishes in two of the first three races of the season.
Men’s and women’s track and field has now had players qualify for the state championships two seasons in a row.
On the women’s team, Aazalet Danage had two first place finishes in the 200-meter finals, with a time of 25.13 seconds and in the 400 meter finals, with a time of 60.77 seconds in the Coast Classic track event at Orange Coast College.
At this year’s state championship, Danage competed in the women’s 400 dash and placed ninth, sophomore Destiny Diaz competed in the 3000-meter steeplechase and placed 12th, freshman Callissa Canadlot competed in the javelin throw and placed fourth, and sophomore Lyling Irwin competed in pole vault and placed 11th.
Sophomore James Martin on the men’s team competed in the men’s triple jump, finishing tenth place as the only male athlete who qualified for state for the Vikings.
“I think overall we had a pretty good season, my team had some good tough practices, worked hard everyday and worked even harder at the meets and we were fortunate enough to compete for state and came up short, but my team never quit on me this season,” head coach of women’s track and field Karen Vigilant said.
Sophomore Darnelle Harris, who competed in the state finals last season discussed his performance this season.
“You know last year it was a great achievement qualifying and competing in the state championships. This year I had some good finishes in races but you know wasn’t able to qualify for state this year, but season was a great one we all grinded it out and was proud of my teammates who got to compete for state,” Harris said.
Vikings track and field will return next spring with hopes of more players qualifying for state.