The Fresno City College track and field team got off to a fast start this season and has not slowed down since. Many of the athletes continue to put up strong marks in their events.
Freshman Damean Williamson has been leading the way for the Rams from the start. Early in the season, Williamson had a strong performance at the Stanislaus Open Invitational as he placed second in the 200-meter race with a time of 22.6 seconds. He followed that up with another impressive showing at the CSU Stanislaus Kim Duyst Invitational where he placed fourth with a time of 11.02 seconds. And on March 9, Williamson finished third at the 2012 Jack Albiani Invitational with a time of 22.36 seconds.
Sophomore Germay Tesfai is another runner contributing to the success of the team. At the Stanislaus Open Invitational on Feb. 25, Tesfai proved to be unstoppable in the 1500-meter run as he finished first with a time of 4 minutes, 6.93 seconds.
The Rams have also enjoyed much success on the field events. Pole Volter Justin Neyman had one of his best performances of the season at the 2012 Jack Albiani Invitational. His jump of 14-6 was good enough for a first place finish. Freshman Jordan Wiley trailed Neyman with an eight place finish.
Wiley is one of many freshmeen who is making the adjustment to a higher level of track and field. Since he entered the first meet, Wiley realized the difference between high school and college.
”It’s a very different environment. You’re not with the same people you see every meet anymore and there is a lot more traveling,” said Wiley. Still he is focused on making the state meet this season. “Our ultimate goal is to win the state championship. We just have to work hard at practice, and show up every day,” he said.
Wiley is also thankful for the support he has received from the older athletes. “We all have a really close bond. We have been here working since August,” said Wiley.
For Brandon Ikuma the adjustment has been even more unique. Ikuma, formerly a volleyball athlete, is doing track for the first time. Already he has taken part in the javelin, triple jump and long jump. “I have never done track before. I’m just trying to see where I’m at. I’m already beating bigger guys than me in throwing so I’m pretty happy,” said Ikuma.
Freshman Vernon Sampson joined the team late but is already making progress. Sampson is attempting to jump at least 47 feet in the triple jump and 14-6 in pole vault.
“I’m very confident because I have all the help I need. When the coaches can’t help me one- on-one, my teammates help me,” said Sampson.
On the women’s side, Raquel Rochon has picked up from where she left off last season. Rochon finished first in the 400-meter dash at the Maurice Compton Invitational. She also had another first place finish in the 400 at the CSU Stanislaus Kim Duyst Invitational on March 3.
Sophomore Karissa Bell has been just as impressive in the field events. She earned a third place finish at the CSU Stanislaus Kim Duyst Invitational and a second place finish at the 2012 Jack Albiani Invitational thanks to her jump of 11-6.
The road doesn’t get easier for the Rams. They will head to Chabot on March 30 for the Chabot Mini meet. And on April 17, they hope to taste success at the NorCal Community College Championships.
