Track and Field hungry as ever

By Laura Jackling
The Guardsman

The City College track and field team is adding new and young talent this spring season and is looking to maintain their commitment to excellence.

“Every year we try to be one of the top in the state,” head coach Douglas Owyang said.

Before the team’s most recent winning streak from 2004 to 2006, the track and field team had not won state since 1973, Owyang said.

A few familiar faces will return from last season, including sprinter Joshua Calbert, distance runner Mario Escobedo and hurdlers Alvin Nguyen and Brandon Johnson.

“We won conference last year, so we’re looking to duplicate that,” hurdles coach Gregory Bianchi said. “We’ve got a young crew this year, so we’re just working on fundamentals.”

Distance runner, Stephanie Cano is also optimistic for the upcoming season, and she said team is working hard to come out on top.

“We’re running more miles to improve our times and endurance,” Cano said. “Teamwork helps during practice. We’ve got a strong team bond.”

Some of the top athletes this spring include decathlete Adam Nikoseria, Rodka Kartousova and Erika Williams.

The team’s first meet will be Feb. 18 at Hartnell College.