With only the second track and field meet in the books, sophomore Ni’a Leni didn’t waste any time putting to work whoever replaces the names on the record-setting placards at El Camino.
While winning the event and topping her own college-record set at the Cerritos Invitational, Leni threw a 52-2 3/4 in the Shot at the USC Trojan Invitational on March 1st.
“My family was there, so I knew I had to do my thing.” Leni said.
Leni fell short a mere three inches from matching the National American Community College record for a U.S. citizen. She continued to win the Discus in a throw of 149-2, which is only two feet from the school record in that event.
“I think (the Shot record) is going to get broken this week,” said Leni, referring to the upcoming meet. “I’m not trying to be big-headed. It’s different when you believe you can do it. It’s confidence.”
Leni is the defending California State Champion in the Shot. Coach Dean Lofgren believes Leni to be in the top five throwers in the Shot out of the entire west coast.
“Na’i could possibly break (the record) every time this season, not that we want her to believe that she has to continue doing so, however.” coach Lofgren said. “For her, it’s just natural progression as she continues to gain experience.”
Leni as well as the rest of the El Camino Track and Field team competed well against many of the top University, Community College, and Club programs in Southern California including USC, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Bakersfield, VS Athletics, Mt. SAC, and Cerritos College to name a few.
Jacob Weintraub also impressed the masses, winning in the Shot in a throw of 54-2 despite some recent discomfort with a tendonitis injury in his shins. Weintraub’s throw placed him as the current California leader at this event.
“I was nervous. “Weintraub said. “Throwing in Track and Field requires a lot of technique, and if one thing goes wrong, every thing’s off.”
Everything was on for Weintraub apparently, as he improved in distance in the Shot by nearly two feet, in comparison to his previous distance.
“I was on my ‘A’ game”. Weintraub said. “I really wanted to perform well for my team. Throughout the past couple of weeks, I’ve been throwing terribly. I was just trying to get my game back, both physically and mentally.”
Throws coach Darryl Guerin is optimistic with the way Weintraub has battled back from the injury.
“Mentally, (Weintraub is) getting there.” coach Guerin said. “He’s starting to squat now, so he’s getting stronger. He’s right where we want him to be.”
As for the men’s runners, freshman Anthony Mitchell from North Bakersfield High School anchored very well in the Men’s Sprint Medley relay with a superb 1:51.7 leg, helping his team to place third overall, and placing the squad eighth All-Time within El Camino College. The members also included sophomore Jacob Yowell, and freshmen Kevin Avery and Laron Taylor, both from Washington Preparatory High School.
“Anthony is going to make a huge impact on the team.” said El Camino runner coach Kevin Hughley. “In the 800(m), right now, he’s one of the state leaders”.
Taylor and Avery, along with freshman Aaron Gatlin from Inglewood High School and freshman Christian Jemison (add high school) placed third in the 4 x 200m at 1:29.87.
The women’s runners placed second overall with a time of 1:51.67 in the Women’s Sprint Medley. The members included sophomore Shavonya Decuir, freshman Kiaira Bostic from Palisades Charter High School, freshman Kayc Wharton from South Torrance High School, and sophomore Liz Pereyra. The same group of women teamed together for third overall in the 400m relays at 49.85.
“Kayc Wharton is a very talented freshman”, coach Hughley said. “She was recruited for the 400(m) Hurdles and is ranked third in the state in that.”
The Women’s 1600m Relay placed fourth overall in a solid early-season 4:02.95 with solid legs from sophomore Stephanie Bruton at 60.7, Wharton at 57.9, and Pereyra at 59.7.
All of the women runners are exceeding our expectations.” coach Hughley said.
In the 30+ 3,000m field, freshman Maria Colin (add high school) placed 13th at 11:06.37 and sophomore Courtney Stephens placed 16th at 11:14.29, both faring well amongst the competition.
Sophomore Steven Calise anchored the fifth place Distance Medley with his 4:21 mile leg and returned later for a third overall place in the 3,000m at 9:06.37. Calise was the 2008 Southern California 1500m Champion in Track and Cross Country.
El Camino Track and Field competes tomorrow at Cerritos College in a four-way non-conference scoring meet. They will compete against Cerritos College, Saddleback College, and Palomar College in the first scoring meet of the season.
“I see Cerritos as a rival talent-wise, and they are in our conference.” said coach Hughley. “To get as many points as possible against them is the goal. Also, the players will be running their natural events, which is something that they’ve been waiting for.”
