Fling Vaults to First Norcal Title
The 2019 Northern California Track & Field Championship at Modesto Junior College was highlighted by the first individual title for sophomore Jack Fling. Fling, who prepped at Palma High School, cleared a lifetime best 15'7" to win the competition by 6 inches. The clearance made his the third best performer in the state of California and sixth nationally for community college pole vaulters. He joins a list of former Panther pole vaulters to win the regional title and has a great shot at the overall state title May 17. Fling along with freshman Jesus Avalos in the 10,000 meters were both individual regional champions for the Panthers.
The men's team placed fifth overall just 10 points out of fourth and 12 points from a top three regional trophy. The Panthers left out significant points in competition that could have pushed the team into a top 3 position. There were several unexpected performances that did aid the Panthers to their team finish. Freshman Shraee Harrison placed fourth in both the long jump and 200 meters. Fellow frosh De'Antae Williams also placed fourth in the 100 meters. Harrison and Williams teamed up with Timothy Hunter and Jakob Streeter for a fourth place 41.31 mark in the 4x100 relay. That mark improves on their second best in program history mark. They also advanced to the state championship in the 4x400 relay with a mark of 3:18.39. Nicholas Merillana moved up this year to fourth in the 1500 meters, while also placing seventh in the 5000 meters. Despite a hurt hamstring, Isaiah Guerra placed fourth in the javelin with a mark of 46.23m. Fling also helped in the javelin with a seventh place finish. Jesus Avalos was sixth in the 5000 meters to pick up three points. Sophomore Victor Nambo placed seventh in the 3k steepelchase. Those who also gained top 9 finisher experience were Wyatt Conner in the shot put with a ninth place finish.Sophomore Brendan Lepe was ninth in the 400mH.
The 2019 CCCAA State Championship will be held on May 17-18 at College of San Mateo.