With the season’s end in sight, the Fresno City College track and field team is determined more than ever to taste success. Despite brutal weather conditions and several injuries, the Rams have managed to stay poised.
On April 13, the Rams traveled to College of San Mateo for the CSM Lucky 13 meet and came away with several top finishes.
Sophomore Raquel Rochon contributed to the Rams’ success as she has done all season long. She earned a first place finish in the 400-meter dash with a time of 59.65 seconds. She also joined teammates Shantele Mitchelle, Aireanna Johnson, and Maria Manza and led the Rams to victory in the 4×100 meter relay.
“My times are getting lower, but it’s not where I want to be. I still have work to do,” said Rochon. “We’re improving as the season goes on. We’re getting prepared for the workouts. We know it’s going to be hard everyday so we prepare ourselves mentally and physically.”
Aireanna Johnson, another athlete who has progressed during the season, displayed her throwing ability in San Mateo as she placed second in the Javelin throw and third in the shot put with a mark of 9.98 meters.
“I’m doing a lot better than I was at the beginning of the season. It’s getting tiring and long but that’s what it takes. I’m feeling more confident in my ability,” said Johnson. “We just have to keep the goal in mind. For me, it’s about doing the best I can do to get to state.”
In the 800-meter run, it was a dominating victory for the Rams. Jenny Saklar led the way with a time of 2:30.09 seconds while Maria Manza followed with a second place finish and a time of 2:35.09.
Saklar also placed third in the 1500-meter run. She trailed FCC’s Desiree Bustamonte, who finished second in a time of 5:17.87.
The Rams earned yet another victory thanks to Shantele Mitchell, who placed first in the 100-meter dash.
The men also found success in San Mateo as they flourished on the track and on the field. Sophomore Justin Neyman jumped 4.45 meters in the pole vault and took home a first place finish. Thomas Dombrowski joined Neyman in Pole Vault and finished third.
Ian Dildine represented the Rams in the triple jump. His jump of 13-meters was good enough for a first place finish. Freshman Josh Hanson took part in the Javelin throw and earned a third place finish.
For Damean Williamson, it was business as usual. Williamson took first in the 100-meter run.
Matt Klundt continued to build on his strong season with a first place finish in the 1500-meter run. Klundt is currently ranked No.5 in NorCal and No.11 in the state in Steeple Chase.
Sophomore Joshua Garza also earned a first place finish with a time of 2:03.29 in the 800-meter run.
“We had a lot of injuries so far so what we have accomplished is good,” said Garza who has been battling injuries of his own. “This is my first year running the 800. It’s very competitive. I set goals at the beginning of the season and this is where I want to be.”
Freshmen Vernell Green finished in a time of 59.31 and took fourth in the 400-meter hurdles.
“I’m very confident in my team. We can go all the way,” said Green.
Donnell Love also added another first place finish at the CMS Lucky 13 meet with a time of 49.41 in the 400-meter dash. FCC’s Robert Towne trailed Love and finished in fifth.
