With only the second track and field meet of the season 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 EC.
While winning the shot put event and topping her own EC record set at the Cerritos Invitational, Leni threw a 52-2 3/4 feet at the USC Trojan Invitational on March 1.
“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.
Leni continued to win the discus with a throw of 149-2, which is only two feet from the EC record in that event.
The track and field teams will compete tomorrow at Cerritos College at 3 p.m. 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 think the shotput record is going to get broken this week,” Leni said, 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.”
Coach Dean Lofgren said he believes Leni to be in the top five throwers in the shotput out of the entire west coast. Leni is the defending California champion in the shotput.
“(Leni) could possibly break (the record) every time this season, not that we want her to believe that she has to continue doing so,” Lofgren said. “It’s just natural progression as she continues to gain experience.”
Leni, as well as the rest of the track and field team, competed against many of the top university, community college and club programs in Southern California including USC, Cal State University at Fullerton, Cal State University at Bakersfield, Versus Athletics, Mt. San Antonio College, and Cerritos College.
Jacob Weintraub impressed opposing coaches, winning in the Shot in a throw of 54-2 despite recent discomfort with a tendonitis injury in his shins. Weintraub’s throw placed him as the current leader at this event in California.
“I was nervous,” Weintraub said. “Throwing in track and field requires a lot of technique, and if one thing goes wrong, everything’s off.”
Everything was on for Weintraub, as he improved his distance in the shotput by nearly two feet.
“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.”
Throwing coach Darryl Guerin said he felt optimistic with the way Weintraub has battled back from the injury.
“Mentally, (Weintraub) is getting there,” Guerin said. “He’s starting to squat now, so he’s getting stronger. He’s right where we want him to be.”
Leading the men’s runners were freshman Anthony Mitchell from North Bakersfield High School. Mitchell placed 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 EC. The relay members included sophomore Jacob Yowell, freshmen Kevin Avery and Laron Taylor, both from Washington Preparatory High School.
“(Mitchell) is going to make a huge impact on the team,” Warrior running coach Kevin Hughley said. “He is one of the state leaders in the 800-meter event.”
Taylor and Avery, along with freshman Aaron Gatlin from Inglewood High School and freshman Christian Jemison, Washington High School, placed third in the 4 x 200 relay at 1:29.87.
The women placed second overall with a time of 1:51.67 in the women’s sprint medley. Relay members included sophomore Shavonya Decuir, freshman Kiaira Bostic ,Palisades Charter High School, freshman Kayc Wharton,South Torrance High School, and sophomore Liz Pereyra. The same group of women teamed together for third place in the 4 x 400-meter relays at 49.85.
“(Wharton) is a very talented freshman,” Hughley said. “She was recruited for the 400 hurdles and is now ranked third in the state in that event.”
The women’s 4 x 1600 relay team placed fourth overall in a solid early-season 4:02.95 with contributions from sophomore Stephanie Bruton at 60.7, Wharton at 57.9 and Pereyra at 59.7.
“All of the women are exceeding our expectations,” Hughley said.
In the 30 plus 3,000 meter field, freshman Maria Colin, Lynwood High School, placed 13th at 11:06.37 and sophomore Courtney Stephens placed 16th at 11:14.29.
Sophomore Steven Calise anchored the fifth place distance medley with a 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 1500-meter Champion in both Track and Cross Country.
“Our goal is to get as many points as possible against (Cerritos),” Hughley said.
“They are a conference rival and have the talent to compete., Hughley said.
“Our runners will be running in their natural events, which is something they have been waiting for,” Hughley said.
