Track and field edges ahead in large competition

The Yuba College men’s track and field team made a good showing at the CCAA North Open track meet, which was hosted by the Chico State Wildcats on March 13. What was meant to be a small meet between four state colleges turned into the first full track meet of the season. Fifteen schools and many unattached runners made up the field of over 400 participants. With such a large number of athletes competing, the meet lasted from 10 am to 7 pm.

Despite the tough competition from various state schools, the 49ers had a good meet and placed up in the top ten for several events.

In the 100m and 200m, Dewyond Williams and Charles Johnson were Yuba’s highest placers. Williams placed ninth in the 100m and 14th in the 200m; Johnson came in close behind in the 100m, 11th, and was 22nd in the 200m.

John Haymore had the top finishes for Yuba in the 400m, eighteenth, and the javelin throw where he came in 12th. Jacob Rydman, the 49ers only distance runner, ran the 1,500m and the 5,000m placing 20th and 37th, respectively.

One 49er that finished with high standings was Lawrence Wright. Wright competed in the high jump, long jump and triple jump. In the long jump and triple jump, he placed an impressive third, the top place of the day for Yuba College.

“Lawrence has a great chance of qualifying for State in these events,” said Coach Bob Miller.

The 49ers relay team also had a great fourth place finish in the 4x100m relay; they finished in a time of 43.77, only two seconds behind the top finisher.

For the women, Gavina Avila and Rochelle Capps each did an individual event. Avila competed in the 400m and placed ninth; Capps came in 16th in the javelin throw. Avila and Capps are the only two 49er women on the team.

The team continues on with their season, and is hoping for the opportunity to send several athletes to the State meet in May. Their next competition is Saturday, April 10, hosted by Stanislaus College.