Moorpark Track & Field start season hot
MOORPARK COLLEGE SEASON OPENER
Moorpark College track and field distance athletes had an outstanding start to the season at the Moorpark Opener on February 3. There were some notable early-season performances from both the men's and women's teams.
Sophomore Emily Richmond started the day off strong in the women's 2k steeplechase. Emily had a fantastic 2022 track season competing in her first year of the steeplechase earning runner up status - qualifying her for the state championship.
On the men's side, Wyatt Tack put on a nice show in the 2k steeplechase. Wyatt ran away with the win after a patient race and an exciting final 400-meter lap. Sophomore Bradley Williams is returning for his second season in the steeple.
Sophomore Marlo Lavacude-Klenck had a strong early season double, running 5:18 in the 1500 taking 3rd and 11:27 in the 3k for 2nd overall. Marlo was 11th overall at the CCCAA state championship in the 1500m. Freshman Alianna Tapia from Fillmore High School ran her first collegiate track events, doubling in the 1500 with a time of 5:22 and 11:28 in the 3k.
The Raiders had several men run their first 1500m race of the season and a few who even hit new personal records. Sophomore Max Kirkhope had an incredible run in 4:15, taking several seconds off his best time. Sophomore Nicholas Williams ran an exciting race taking first in his heat in 4:27. Sophomore Anthony Cruhlac ran 4:47 making a huge improvement from last season.
The 600m event was yet another exciting event of the day. Bradley Williams ran 1:26.56 and teammate and 2022 XC All-American Matthew Russell ran 1:28.06; rounding out the top 10. Freshman Janrebb Puno from Camarillo High School ran 1:28.87 and will target the 800/1500 events this spring.
The 3k was the last distance event of the day and had an outstanding field of talented community college and university athletes. Sophomore Bryce Gardhouse ran a huge 3k (personal best) of 8:40.51 taking 2nd overall in the event. Bryce is a 2022 XC All-American and took 7th last year at the CCCAA state championships in the 1500m. Teammates Johnny Slone (who finished 8th at the 2022 CCCAA state championship in the 10k), Marcus Fehlman (who finished 9th at the CCCAA state championships in the 1500), Matthew Russell, Liam Pereira, Max Kirkhop, and Sean McArthur also ran solid early season races.
Nate Ocegueda (41' 11.25") and Hunter Diaz (40' 6.25") were 3rd and 5th, respectively, in the shot put. Nowak was 6th in the hammer throw (97' 5"). Freshman Carlos Tototzintle was 8th in the 3k with a time of 10:05.
WOMEN
Freshman Ava Ball had a great day. She was 2nd in the 100 hurdles (16.75), 2nd in her first ever 400m hurdle race (69.9) and was the lead leg of the 2nd place 4x400 team. Sophomore Samantha "Sami" Crane jumped a lifetime best of 9'7" in the pole vault, a 9" improvement over last year's best. Her jump placed her 2nd overall. Sami also placed 5th in the 800m. Freshman Emelina Whalen was 3rd in the 100m with a time of 12.88 and sophomore Hannah Sewall was 3rd in the 800m (2:36).
Sophomore Marisol Munoz placed 5th in the 1500m (5:20) and the 3k (11:29). Freshman Raquel Perez was 6th in the hammer and 7th in the discus. To conclude the meet, the team of Ava Ball, Hannah Sewall, Samantha Crane and Margarita Rosales Medina placed 2nd in the 4x400m relay with a time of 4:28.
Next week the team will compete at the WSC Relays on Friday, February 17th, hosted by Ventura College. Events begin at 11am.
Visit http://www.MoorparkTrack.com for event information.