Over winter-break, a select group of grizzlies competed in the Winter Track and Field season. The winter season consists of athletes competing in untraditional events such as the 60m, 150m and 600m, with many more to offer. These grizzlies did exceptionally well in their events; some did so well that they had the opportunity to compete in the Winter Track & Field Championship at Arcadia High School on Feb. 3.
Eight out of 10 grizzlies were able to compete in the championship at Arcadia High School. One of them was none other than senior Nolan Jones. Jones raced in the 300m at Arcadia. When asked to reflect on his performance, Jones gave a thoughtful response.
“When I finished my race, I immediately looked up at the time, and it was nothing but dissatisfaction. I was trying [to run] 35 [seconds] but it didn’t happen solely because I just got off injuries,” Jones said.
Another notable student athlete who competed in the championship is junior Nayla Rosas; she raced in the 60m at Arcadia. Rosas gave an enthusiastic reply when asked about her experience at the Winter Championship..
“It was hectic because I couldn’t find myself on the heat sheets. I had to hop into a random heat and into a random lane. I didn’t do so well, so [the] coach had me run in Rayne’s (teammate) name. I PR’d and ran an 8:43,” Rosas said. “It was pretty stressful because we kept running around trying to find me on the heat sheets and we were talking to the Finished Results (race organizers) people on what we should do and then they said to put me in a random heat.”
Jones and Rosa’s teammate, senior Christian Magana also gave his insight on performing at the Winter Track and Field Championship.
“I had a pretty big PR in the 300m [by] 0.3 second PR and then in the 150m had a .01 second PR,” Magana said. “A PR is a PR, but overall I think I did pretty good. It was a good way to start the season, still acclimating, switching from football, but I think it was a great start.”
With the track and field team already in mid-season form, seeing where these athletes started; seeing their times now is truly remarkable. Senior Magana running a 50.25 and Senior Jones running 49.88, both in the 400m. Our seniors are looking sharp as ever, and we’re only midway through the season! Their final home meet, senior night, will be on Wednesday, April 24. Come out and support our grizzly track and field athletes and celebrate our seniors!
