Benito Picks Up Auto in 5k at Fanelli

A rainy Mike Fanelli Classic at Chabot College made it difficult for the Panther men to show improvement but sophomore distance ace Moises Benito was able to secure a State "A" in the 5000m and lower his lifetime best 800 meters. The meet brought schools all over the nation to the Bay Area but an atmospheric river dampened performances for most of the two day meet. 

Benito debuted this season in the 5000 meters on Friday in 14:54.96 making him one of five men in the North to run the event under 15:00. On Saturday, he lowered his 800 meter best to 1:56.65. Jose Cota was next at 1:59.72, breaking two minutes for the second time this season. Freshman Gael Godinez ran his lifetime best in the 800 meters (2:00.33) with teammate Elijah Melchor at 2:01.79. Sophomore Axel Sanchez (2:04.65) was next with a lifetime best. Mario Avila lowered his season best in the 5000m to 16:18.78. Arturo Melgoza continued to immprove in the 3k steeplechase (10:36.63). Juan Gonzalez-Zeferino competed in the mile (4:44.14). Freshman Julian Vargas ran 30:36.81 in the 10,000 meters. 

In the throws, Andres Ruiz Perez inched closer to the 50 meter mark with a lifetime best 49.89m in the hammer throw. Freshman Armando Amaro achieved the State "B" with 45.90m. Javin Niar cleared 3.90m in the pole vault. 

The Panthers will compete next at the Coast vs Valley Meet at Modesto Junior College on Friday, April 5.