Madison Hudson
Staff Writer
As the Leopards progress into the middle of their season, the men’s and women’s track and field teams finished strong in multiple events at the Pomona-Pitzer Invitational on Saturday.
The five-way invitational included La Verne, Pomona-Pitzer, Occidental, Chapman and Whittier.
La Verne head coach Kevin Reid said he is feeling great about moving forward and doing well in March. He said he will continue to focus on consistency in training and in performances by these athletes.
“The meet went well. For the first SCIAC multi dual meet of the season, we had several quality performances on the track at Pomona-Pitzer on Saturday,” Reid said. “The team competed well, either in their specific events or in alternate events in preparation for the coming outdoor track and field season. For the first full team meet of the season, I think we are set up well moving forward.”
Sophomore Kenneth Davis competed in multiple events, including the 4×100-meter relay and 4×400-meter relay, triple jump and long jump. Davis finished first in triple jump with a leap 13.61 meters, and fifth in long jump, with 6.3 meters.
“Placing first and accomplishing a huge new personal best was a very positive moment at the meet and the vibes were great with the whole team supporting one another during each other’s events was a highlight for me,” Davis said. “Apart from working on my physical fitness, focusing on my mental strength for me has helped me to reach my goals and will continue to step on the track and lock in, forgetting my personal issues aside.”
Sophomore Ottobah Imhotep competed in the 100-meter and 200-meter, and said he focused on racing the clock rather than his placement.
“My goal for the meets is to [set a personal record] and improve my top end speed for meets to come,” Imhotep said. “Our relay teams did an amazing job and ran their hearts out but the best part of the meet was the team bonding at the end and enjoying one another’s company.”
Freshman Peyton Carrera competed in the 200-meter, 400-meter and 4×400-meter relay.
“The 4×400 relay was definitely the highlight of the meet for me, feeling the energy coming down the homestretch is always exhilarating,” Carrera said. “I have been trying to focus on my mentality more than anything and just trying to trust the process.”
The Leopards will return to the track Saturday for the Occidental Distance Carnival and Spring Break Classic in Los Angeles.
Madison Hudson can be reached at madison.hudson@laverne.edu.
Madison Hudson is a staff writer for the Campus Times.