The LBCC Vikings Track and Field team experienced ups and downs when they competed in the Long Beach Invitational at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Feb. 28.
Starting off with sophomore Joycelyn Galloway getting second in two events with 10.29 meters in women’s shot put and 33.54m in discus throw.
Sophomore Cicely Arana placed second with a 12.65 second run in the women’s 100m dash.
Freshman Grace Ellis had two wins, one coming from her 13 minute, 42.07 second time in the women’s 3k run and helped her team with a 14:04.94 performance in the women’s distance medley.
“I had my coaches yelling at me to get that adrenaline rush to finish that run. Just trying to get some more races under my belt. I’m happy with it,” Ellis said.
Jada Reese put multiple wins on the books with a time of 25.53 in the women’s 200m, a 1:01.88 in the 400m, and helped her team win the women’s 4x100m relay with a 48.69.
“I think it’s a good run though, I’m kinda tired from the 400m but I just did my best, so I went out there and went for it,” Reese said.
The men had a tough challenge during the Invitational with Armando Padilla placing third with a 51.33 in the 400m.
Sophomore Donovan Zavala made a final push to get the win with a 11:09.59 in the men’s distance medley.
“It felt alright, I just filled in the first two laps and pulled it off after. It’s a good race,” Zavala said.
LBCC Director of Track and Field, Gabriel Rivera saw the positivity of the athletes who came together in these events, with the women’s victories highlighting the improvements their team needs.
“I think we need to clean up some of our relay exchanges, especially with the men’s side of the relay. I think we just make sure we align ourselves upon the technical aspects in our field events,” Rivera said.
The next meet for the Vikings Track and Field will be held on Mar. 6 at the Beach Opener at Long Beach State.