Coach Christopher Richardson spoke highly of his men’s and women’s track and field teams over their recent success at the South Coast Conference Championships, “I knew we had the caliber and potential to be successful, but the athletes stepped up in areas I never would have expected.”

The men’s and women’s track and field teams both took home first place finishes at the South Coast Conference Championships last weekend.

Richardson, who also coached both the men’s and women’s cross country teams to their championships, he said, “Overall being able to come in as my first year coaching, and win both the conference championship for cross country and track and field is pretty cool.

“Something extraordinarily special is our men’s 800-meter team, we placed first (place) through sixth (place). It’s never been done before.”

Distance coach Daniel Ozan likes the fact that his runners placed in the top six.

“Having six guys make it into the final is pretty good, to sweep is even more beautiful.”

Sophomore Adam Vega, who placed first in the 800-meter said, “I didn’t think I was going to be able to race because of my previous race, but it was pretty exciting being able to win and lead all my teammates.”

The Falcons also had Ricky Carrigan place first in the men’s triple jump with a mark of 47-05.

“The first couple of jumps I was nervous and a little bit rusty, but after that it felt natural. As soon as I went off the board I knew it was going to be a big jump, and when I landed I heard the crowd so that confirmed it,” he said.

The Falcons will participate in the Southern California Championships at Antelope Valley College on Saturday before competing in the State Championships on May 17 and May 18.