Photo by samsphotoservices.com

Los Angeles, CA – The Occidental track and field team competed in their first scored meet of the season against La Verne and Whittier. Although it is early in the season, the Tigers have already proved that they are here to compete, with both teams sweeping their matchups. The Tigers' presence was surely made known from the moment they stepped into the stadium.

For the women, Eliza Hawley placed herself third overall in the 400m dash by running 1:01.03. Mia Ness ran 2:30.44 for an outstanding 800m dash as she kicked her way across the finish line to place third. Only a tenth of a second behind was her fellow teammate, Nell O'Hara. Merrick Hoel effortlessly ran her 1500m in 4:58.69 and claimed third. Distance runner turned 400m hurdler, Ciara Gillen, leaped her way into third place with 1:11.50. Additionally, Gillen ran 12:11.65 in the steeplechase for a first place finish. On the field, Bridget Ferguson earned third in the women's high jump with 1.40m. Gabriella Knutsen continues to dominate the women's shot, placing first with a 10.28m throw. It was a great day for Keena Brescia as she represents the Tigers in third for both hammer and discus (29.43.). Brescia's hammer throw of 32.68m was a 4 foot improvement from the Pomona-Pitzer All-Comers meet mid-February. 

A total of eight athletes improved on their personal bests on the women's side: 

Tia Akasaki- 200m (29.03) and 400m (1:04.78)

Mei Mei Bayman- 1500m (5:20.16)

Keena Brescia- Hammer (32.68m), Discus (29.43m), and Shot Put (10.05m)

Francesca Candelieri- 200m (27.28)

Kate Cobain- Javelin (27.08m)

Merrick Hoel- 1500m (4:58.69)

Karis Palomino- Pole Vault (2.79m)

Paige Villanueva- 400H (1:24.38)

As for the men, there were a total of 12 athletes that set PRs. In an event of 29 people, Jack Spencer distinguished himself by running a strong 200m, placing him sixth overall with 23.04. The Tigers dominated the 400m thanks to Nick Leon and Baruch Goodman who placed first (50.19) and second (50.52), respectively. Matthew Vickers represented the Tigers in a sea of Sagehens in the 800m, running 1:59.94 and placing himself in third. Renn Stearns literally dove his way into second place to edge out a Sagehen by 0.001 seconds, crossing the finish line in 4:05.13. Aidan Lindhe-Johan muscled through his 5K to earn third with 15:49.19. Tye Hernandez and Harrison Williams took second (16.60) and third (16.85), respectively, in the men's 110m hurdles. Additionally, Jonah Magill and Williams took second (56.51) and third (58.16), respectively, in the 400m hurdles. Sloan Wittliff did a great job in the steeple, placing in second with 10:14.07. On the field, Nagosa Atekha placed third in the high jump with a 1.65m jump. Matthew Avery earned third in the pole vault at 2.94m. Duncan Ellis flew his way into second in the long jump with a leap of 6.45m. 

A total of 12 athletes improved on their personal bests on the men's side: 

Sam Berger- Discus (30.59m) and Hammer (34.17m)

Justin Edwards- 100m (11.30) and Long Jump (6.09m)

Duncan Ellis- Long Jump (6.45m)

Chris Haliburton- 100m (11.16) and 200m (23.12)

Darius Harvey- High Jump (1.60m)

Oscar Hernandez- Discus (27.13m)

Jonathan Hewings- 1500m (4:30.09)

Tobias Searcy-Jorgensen- 400m (53.23)

Will Stark- 1500m (4:35.26)

Renn Stearns- 1500m (4:05.13)

Harrison Williams- 400H (58.16)

Sloan Whittliff- 3K Steeplechase (10:14.07)

The total final scores were 216 (Oxy) – 89 (Whittier) and 196 (Oxy) – 98 (La Verne).

The Tigers will be hosting their annual Distance Carnival and Spring Break Classic on Saturday, March 11.