The men’s and women’s track team competed against it’s neighbors the College of the Redwoods on Feb. 16. National Championship qualifiers and alumni from last season were also honored at the meet.
Michel-Ange Siaba is a sophomore majoring in criminology and social justice at HSU. Siaba is a jumper and thrower looking to build upon his success of last season. Michel placed in second after HSU alumni Teigan Eilers (6.41m).
“For the first meet of the season, it was better than what I jumped last year so I can see my improvements,” Siaba said. “Especially because the mark I got today was pretty close to my personal best record. It’s rewarding when I see my teammates gain confidence and we mature as a strong team.”
Junior Brailee Vandenboom majors in business administration with an emphasis in marketing. Vandenboom sprints and also jumps placing in three separate events. First in 100 meters, 400 meters, and high jump. The 100 meter dash, Vandenboom came in at 13.34 seconds. She finished The 400-meter dash at 1:01.88, and the high jump at (1.62 m).
“I haven’t been practicing at my best, and it was a real big surprise,” Vandenboom said. “I think it’s setting me up for the entire season. We’re going to have a solid team this year, we’ve always had like a young team in the past, and now we’re all maturing.”
Chee Shorty is an undecided student at the College of the Redwoods. Before trying out track Shorty played football, baseball, and tennis. Chee is being recruited by HSU track and field. Although it was his first time throwing the javelin, he never gave up. On his first and second throw posted a scratch. However, on his very last chance, he got the job done placing first, by throwing 34.79 meters which is about 114 feet.
“I felt surprised honestly,” Shorty said. “This is my first time. I didn’t even know the rules. I liked how everyone around me was encouraging and reminded me not to pass the line.”
Sophomore physical therapy major Jared Del Real throws shot put and discus. Del Real earned a first place finish in shot put with a 14.14. Breaking the 14 meter mark is encouraging and an impressive feat for a sophomore.
“I scratched on my second throw,” Del Real said. “I tried to stay focused, I felt like I had some more left in me but I’m super excited and we’ve been working really hard this offseason. We’ll be changing people’s minds about the Humboldt State men’s track and field. We have a competition mindset and limit the number of throws to get the best outcome possible.”
Humboldt State track & field hit the road against Chico State Feb 28 and March 1. The calendar also opens up to tough division one competition during the Stanford Invitational in Palo Alto, CA on March 29 and 30.
