Panthers secure important State “A” or State “B” marks in the distance events

A warmer than usual spring break Saturday in Southern California unfortunately did not help the Panthers secure important State "A" or State "B" marks in the distance events. The annual trip to the Occidental Spring Break Distance Carnival was not all a loss as two top regional marks were produced by sophomore Julian Vargas and freshman Gabriela Cardenas. 

Sophomore Julian Vargas has not competed in track and field since spring 2023 when he placed fifth at the 3C2A State Championship 10,000 meters and experienced an unfortunate disqualification in the 5000 meters. Since then, Vargas has had labrum surgery and a pulled hamstring in the fall at the Norcal Championship. On Friday, he debuted at 5000 meters with less than ideal preparation but the Hartnell school record holder in the event was able to remember how to cover the 12.5 laps as fast as he could. He would finish in 14:54.16, the second fastest time for a two year athlete and fastest for Northern California. The time gives him a cushion of 14 seconds over the fall champion Stephan Chapdelaine of Butte College. Ivan Matinez-Galindo produced the next fastest 5000m for the Panthers at 15:47.14 with frosh Giovanni Ochoa right behind at 15:48.42. Gabriel Clemente (16:03.04) and Leyder Hernandez (16:03.24) finished nearly side by side. Giancarlo Mendo led in the 1500 meters with a season best 4:06.82. Alex Acevedo broke two minutes for the first time as a Panthers (1:59.72).

The Panthers will kick off spring break with the CSM Bulldog Invitational at College of San Mateo on Friday, March 20. Field events start at 10:00am and running 11:00am.