LOS ANGELES—With the Big West Conference Championships sitting on the horizon, Cal State Fullerton came up with a big performance over the weekend, as nine athletes set personal bests over the weekend at the OXY Invitational.
The always-reliable trio of Katie Wilson, Ashley Sims, and Deena Pierce came through for the Titans once again, as Wilson ran a season-best 54.59 and placed sixth in the 400-meter dash to vault her from third to second place in the Big West and to 58th overall in the NCAA West Region.
Sims and Pierce each ran personal bests, as Sims recorded a time of 24.06 and placed fourth in the women's 200-meter dash and Pierce ran a time of 1:01.27 and finished ninth in the 400-meter hurdles. Both rank fifth in the conference in their respective events. Sims is now 78th in the NCAA West Region in the 200-meter dash and Pierce sits at 72nd in the 400-meter hurdles.
Ana Valdovinos ran a personal best 2:14.74 in the 800-meter run, while Emily Taylor posted a personal best time of 4:33.80 in the 1500-meter run to round out the top performances for the Titan women on the day.
On the men's side, Bryan Luther, Javon May, Robert Pachoreck, and Joshua Gordan led the 4x100 meter relay team to a season-best time of 41.08 and a second place finish. The time currently ranks second in the Big West.
Walter Whitaker recorded a personal best 49-04.25 in the triple jump and placed fifth. He now ranks third in the league in the event and 41st in the NCAA West Region.
Malek Walls, Josh Gordon, Taylor Ros all set personal bests, as Walls recorded a 23-00.75 in the long jump, Gordon ran a 48.78 in the 400-meter dash, and Ros ran a 49.14, also in the 400-meter dash.
Tony Crutchfield (22.16) and Keawe Tolson (22.56) both recorded season-best times in the men's 200-meter dash
"Overall it was a really nice weekend for us," said head coach John Elders. "This was a great tune-up for Big West Championships next weekend.
After another solid weekend, Fullerton now turns its attention to the biggest meet of the season, as the Titans will compete in the Big West Championships next Friday and Saturday in Northridge, Calif.