Sprint Relay Debuts With State B Mark

The Jim Linthicum Invitational hosted by DeAnza College provided the first big test for the 2020 Hartnell track & field teams. With over ten Northern California community colleges in attendance, the day provided numerous season bests, a couple of state qualfiying marks, and plenty of insight into the what the Panthers will need to do this season to contend for the Coast Conference team championship and a top three trophy at the Northern CA Final in May. 

The 4x100 men's relay team in 2019 found themselves as All-Americans after posting the second fastest time in school history at 41.31. Two of the four return in 2020 and the success of the foursome continues in their first competition of 2020. Tim Hunter and De'Antae Williams were members of the 2019 squad and are joined by newcomes Hiroki Terada and Jeffrey Wiemer. The team produced a State "B" mark Saturday in 42.82 which was good for fifth overall one of the most competitive races of the day. Add in Jesse Mandujano in the 4x400 relay team, and the squad also produced a season best 3:27.40 to place third overall. Juan Gutierrez III paced the Panthers in the 1500 meters with the third best mark overall in 4:08.59. Isaac Gensel (15:57.05), Elliot Ruiz (15:57.85), Jesus Avalos (16:03.92), Luis Meza (16:06.18), Luis Perez (16:13.69) all dipped the 16:20 provisional mark for the 5000 meters. Sophomore Julian Resendiz moved to second in the Coast Conference in the pole vault with a clearance of 4.20m (13'9.25"). Frosh Dillon Engler improved in just a week over the collegiate high hurdles. His 15.99 makes him eligible for the Northern California Championship and is currently top 10 in the region. Soph De'Antae Williams met the provisional mark for the 200 meters with his 22.54 early season mark. Tim Hunter (22.80), Hiroki Terada (22.78), and Jeffrey Weimer (22.92) all dipped under 23 seconds in the half lap sprint. Weimer improved in the 100 meters to 11.21 with Engler at 11.55. 

The Panthers will compete next at the Chico Wildcat Cup hosted by Cuesta College on Friday, March 6. The meet will be comprised of programs that are lead by coaches who graduted from Chico State and competed for the Wildcats.