As runners walked up to the starting line, anxiety was built up as they jumped, shook and moved around to loosen their nerve tensions building up, and as they get onto their blocks, ready to run, a system error halted the race.

“The computers and the cameras weren’t working during the [100 meter] hurdles,” Syrea Hicks, freshman sprinter said. By hand-timing the races continued despite problems.

On Friday March 7, EC’s track and field team competed against Cerritos College, College of the Canyons, Ventura College and East L.A. College in a non-scoring multi-team invite held at Cerritos College.

Many of the Warriors placed top three in events, while others earned current titles for Southern California. Runners had the opportunity to participate in events that weren’t their specialties.

Crystal Lizaola, sophomore sprinted her way to earning her a spot on EC’s College All-Time Top 10 Performer List as seventh placed athlete. She also holds the current Southern California title in the 400m hurdles with a time of 63.26 seconds.

“It is a good (stand alone) mark,” Lofgren said.“She is the current state leader with Raven [Nunez] as number two in Southern California.”

As she led the 4x 400m relay with sophomore team mates Raven Nunez, Liliana Lopez and Jaylyn Branch helped pull in a winning time of 3:56.89 making them the new 400m relay leaders in Southern California.

While sophomores lead the way, some up and coming freshman are making their mark on the track. Despite time-system failure during, Hicks was clocked at 14 seconds hand-timed in 100m hurdles as well as placing second in both the Long and Triple Jump.

“I had to stay really focused,” Hicks said. Hoping to “perfect the race,” she views the week during practice to prepare her for competition.

Just like the women’s team, the men also came home with wins. Freshman Raphael Lawton-Gayle had a productive weekend along with team mates. He won the 100m in 11.18 seconds and placed third in the Long Jump.

“I felt I did decent in my events. I can defiantly improve,” Lawton-Gayle said. He sets goals for the season by “using this season as a building block for next season.”

Freshman Austin Nuchols, son of current EC recorder holder in High Jump Steve Nuchols attempts to make a name for himself. Going back to back running events, he did his personal best, placing third in the 400m in 48.51 seconds as well as placing second in the 200m in 22.21 seconds.

“Getting experience under their belt can allow them to get stronger in events,” Lofgren said. “Although it’s early in the season, the team has potential to be well-rounded.”

Friday and Saturday the team will be competing at CSU Fullerton. Lofgren says it will possibly be the most competitive meet in this part of the season.