EC track and field team started the season off right during a South Coast Conference opener at Mt. San Antonio College last Friday.

The Warriors raced to the finish line with an early season meet picking up a few wins where athletes placed first and second for both the men and women’s teams.

“The meet went good,” Raphael Gayle-Lawson, freshman, sprint and jumps said. “A lot better than expected. We had goals to start off the season with. I thought the team did amazing placing first and second.”

Gayle-Lawson placed second out of 30 in the long jump while other men in field events placed first. Chris Street and Matt Larson placed first in Shot Put and Javelin.

Those who placed first said it gave them the motivation to push harder this season and continue to do their best competing at the college level.

“We did pretty good for our first meet,” Jaylynn Branch, sophomore, sprints/hurdles said. “Everybody’s trying to got used to how the races feel.”

A few of the women took first place in their events. The 4×400 meter relay took first place during the meet. Branch placed first in the 400-meter while Crystal Lizaola, sophomore, sprints and hurdles placed first in the 100-meter hurdles and the 800-meter.

“I just expect to get better and improve my time,” Lazily said. “I think everyone tried their best. Everyone’s getting a feel for it but once they feel confident their going to do much better.”

For returning runners they are hoping to keep their individual goals achieving their personal best during the season. With a team full of new runners, however, they are faced with challenges when it comes to running and competing at the college level. Adjustments will be need to keep the Warriors victorious.

Kevin Hughley, assistant track coach said the men side is full of young talented athletes that have potential to be great runners. He hopes that the returns “lead by example” through their actions on and off the track.

Although it was only a practice meet, the coaches hoped that it would allow the team to loosen up, have fun and compete to their best ability come conference meets.

“It was not a scoring meet, we just wanted the team to have fun and get ready for the season,” Hugely said. “I was surprised how great they performed and hope they continue getting better throughout the season.”

The first official conference meet will be against Cuyamaca and Orange Coast tomorrow at Orange Coast College.

“This group are full of gifted athletes. The competition will allow them to challenge themselves and compete harder ,” Hughley said.