POMONA, Calif.-- Cal State Fullerton opened up the 2013 season with a bang this weekend, as the team took home seven first place finishes and 24 top-four finishes overall this past Friday and Saturday at the Pomona Preview.
Amanda Mercado continued to build what already was a solid indoor season for her, claiming her first win of the outdoor season, while recording a personal best in the women's hammer throw (47.14). She also finished second in the women's shot put with a throw of 37-09.50.
Jasmyne Davis (37-03.75) dominated the triple-jump and took home first place, as Kara Kalmar (11-10.50) had a performance to remember as well, as she won the women's pole vault. Ana Valdovinos ran a 2:19.98 in a winning performance in the women's 800-meter run to round out the top performances for the Fullerton women.
On the men's side, Walter Whitaker followed in Davis' footsteps, leading the Titans to a sweep of the triple-jump, recording a winning leap of 48-11.25. Shawn McNany also had a career-best performance (16-00.75) as he won the men's pole vault by over two feet, while Jayson Perez (3:55.00) and Sean Krinik 3:57.00) finished first and second in the men's 1500-meter run to round out the top finishes for the men.
"Overall it was a really good opening meet where we saw a lot of positive results," said head coach John Elders. "It was nice to just get out there and get our feet wet as we prepare for the upcoming competition."
Daniel Walker (179-04) and Kenneth Callinan (166-01) finished first and second in the men's javelin throw, with both recording personal bests. Taylor Lothman ran a 51.47 and took fourth in the men's 400-meter dash.
Malek Walls placed third in the long jump (21-11.75), while Brandon Cook (9:01.42) and Christian Aviles (9:12.25) took third and fourth respectively in the 3000-meter run to highlight other solid outings for the men.
Alexandria Stewart (12.30) finished just a millisecond behind Cal Poly Pomona's Angela Garcia, as she placed second in the women's 100-meter dash. She also took third in the 200-meter dash with a time of 25.51, while teammate Elizabeth Claustro finished just behind her in third, with a time of 25.78.
Claustro also again took third in the women's 400-meter dash, recording a 58.62. She finished just behind teammate Calaiah Branch (58.29), who took second place in that event.
Katie Bathgate (4:51.15) and Lauren McIntyre (4:54.73) took third and fourth respectively in the women's 1500-meter run to finish off what was strong weekend for the Titan women.
The Titans will resume their season next Friday and Saturday as they'll host the Ben Brown Invitational at the Titan Track and Field complex.