Posted: May 28, 2015
AUSTIN, TEX. – Five members of the Cal State Fullerton men and women's track and field team competed in the opening day of the three-day NCAA Outdoor Track and Field West Region Championships on Thursday at the University of Texas at Austin.
Steven Williams posted his best jump of the season on Thursday, clearing a personal-best height of 6-feet-11.75-inches to end up in a three-way tie for 15th place overall. The senior ended his career at Fullerton with a stellar season that saw him finish either first or second place in seven of his nine high jump competitions.
Tyler Hardge was the lone Titan representative in the hurdling events on Thursday, lacing up for the 400-meter hurdles. The standout freshman clocked in at 1:02.46 seconds in her first qualifying heat in Austin, leaving her in 42nd place overall and just outside of the qualifying time to move on to the quarterfinal heat on Friday.
The Colton, Calif. native posted seven first-place finishes in her first year as a Titan and was honored with the 2015 Big West Women's Freshman of the Year.
Janaya Shorty finished only hundredths of a second outside of qualifying for the quarterfinals on Friday in the 400m run after crossing the finish line in 54.58 seconds. The Victorville, Calif. native took home nine first-place finishes during her sophomore season and earned the Titans first Big West Female Track Athlete of the Week nod of the season for her performances at the Riverside Community College Open in March.
Jessica Flores closed out action for the Titan women in the hammer throw competition, posting a throw of 55.49 meters (182-feet-0-inches) to finish 30th overall. Flores broke the school record in the hammer throw earlier in the after throwing a distance of 196-feet-5-inches at the Las Vegas Spring Invite.
"We are very proud of Steven, Josh, Tyler, Janaya, and Jessica," head coach John Elders said. "Steven shined on the big stage and competed really well against the top jumpers in the west region. Josh, Tyler, Janaya and Jessica all got to experience what it takes to compete at this level and will have the chance to learn from their experiences this year. We're thrilled with the direction our program is headed and are excited for the future of Titan track and field."
Final Results:
WOMEN:
Tyler Hardge | 400m Hurdles | 1:02.46 seconds
Janaya Shorty | 400m Run | 54.58 seconds
Jessica Flores | Hammer Throw | 55.49m (182')
Janaya Shorty | 400m Run | 54.58 seconds
Jessica Flores | Hammer Throw | 55.49m (182')