The Cerritos College track and field teams hosted their Annual invitational on Feb. 18 and 19, which did not start on time due to rain.
The non-scoring meet that consisted of teams all around Southern California had some athletes like Daniel Herrera who changed the way he ran, although he still ended in first place in the 5000 meters.
“It wasn’t nice to run in, but it wasn’t that bad,” Herrera said regarding how the rain affected his performance that Friday.
With the rain letting up a little throughout the second day, most of the runners were happy to see the sun come up.
Gabriel Hilbert, who had the number one time in the nation for the 800 meters last year, came in first for the same event while the sun was out.
“I like all conditions. Clean conditions I do a little better,” Hilbert said on the importance of the weather for his events.
Hilbert also went on to say that the team should improve as the season continues, rain or shine and can possibly win state this year.
While some of the Cerritos Women’s athletes tired from the first day, were not able to perform at the best of their abilities the next afternoon.
On top of that many of the women on the team did not compete in the events that they usually compete in.
Despite being physically tired, Sophomore Cassandra Mejia finished in fourth place in the 1500 meters.
“On Friday night I ran the mile. It was terrible.” Mejia said on the performance.
With rain throughout the weekend Falcon’s Stadium was not as full as expected, but close family and friends of the Cerritos College team were present according to many of the athletes.
When asked if students not on the team usually show support by going to meets on the weekend, some of the athletes said they do not come, but it does not bother them.
“I don’t really mind. It is not for everybody,” Mejia said on the non-existing support from the average Cerritos College student.
The track and field team will be at Pasadena City College on the 25th for a mini-meet and will continue to travel on away meets through early March.
