The Prospector

Yuba College's Independent Student News Source

The men and women on the track

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Yuba College Track and Field has assembled one of the finest group of men and women athletes to attend our college in many years. The following is a profile of the athletes, their performance, their goals, and a pictorial layout of their fine talent and ability.

Here are some profiles on the men and women of the track. (Click on the photos for more information on the athletes.)

Alyssa Emerson runs the anchor leg on the women’s 4x400m relay team. She is a very special athlete as a freshman from River Valley High School. She won this race two weeks in a row. “I plan to run the 200m and 400m sprints in addition to the relays. I love this team. I don’t want to go anywhere else but here. I’m training harder every day.” Emerson’s team posted a 4:49 time for the winning race. She plans to transfer after graduation in the field of agricultural science.
Dom Bellamy is in his sophomore year at Yuba College. He is the voice of Yuba College track. “I try my best to bring positive energy to the program. I like to keep the athletes loose and help my teammates to make the most of their ability. I’ve learned a lot while here and I stay grounded. My first step is to maintain my focus. The next step is to always remember to keep your eye on the goal. Lord willing, I believe I’ll have a chance to run at the next level, a four year university. I hope to earn a scholarship and continue to compete.”
Daniel Putman is a graduate of local River Valley High School in Yuba City. He runs the 200 meter sprint and the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays. Putman did run track at River Valley. The 4x100m relay team improved from 5th to 3rd place in their second performance of the season with Putman running in this, his freshman year. He says, “With a good push in the 4x100m as a group, we could make our way to the state finals.”
Thomas Mehler runs the 200 and 100 meter sprints. He is also a member of the 4x100 meter relay team. Mehler says, “I love working with Coach Montrell Williams. He knows his stuff and brings a lot to the table.” Mehler won the 200 meter event for his heat on Saturday, February 27. Mehler, a two sport athlete, also plays soccer for Yuba College. “This is my first time running. I’ll gain more confidence and keep getting better.” His time in the winning sprint was 23.4 seconds.
Davit Saghatelyan went to high school at Del Campo in Fair Oaks, California. This is his second year running track. Saghatelyan won both the 200m and 400m sprints on Saturday, February 27. Saghatelyan said, “This puts me in a position to compete at a higher level next weekend. It definitely puts me in a spot to get better.” Another two sport athlete, Saghatelyan started for the Yuba College basketball team this past fall. “I’m thankful that I had the opportunity here at Yuba College to play basketball and run track.” He also competes on both the 4x100m and 4x400m relay squads.
The highlight of the track season would have to be marathon runner Melvin Nyairo, the 5000 meter specialist. Nyairo says, “I’ve been running since I was back in Kenya. I also run the 2000m race, but I specialize in the 5000m marathon. I did run cross-country for Yuba College and was the only athlete to the state championship.” Nyairo was ranked 65th in the state for community college athletes in 2014.
Esther Philipp from Yuba City is a welcome addition to the women’s team. She was encouraged to join the track team after taking a running. walking, jogging class with former track Coach J.J. Rodriguez. She competes in the 100m hurdles, 200m high jump, 4x100m relay, and the javelin throw. Philipp is a very dedicated athlete. “I thank God that I have two working legs and that He gave me the body I have. I’m in great shape and very happy to be at Yuba College.” She has practiced for two months in the weight room preparing for the start of the season. Philipp wants to pursue a degree in kinesiology at Master’s College in Santa Clarita after graduation here.

Note: This article was featured in the Spring 2016 edition of The Prospector.

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