Distance Runners Claim Numerous Personal Bests at Occidental College

The Occidental College Distance Carnival has always been a meet where the Pirate middle and long distance runners get an opportunity to focus on their events only. The meet did not disappoint as Ventura College runners recorded 13 seasonal bests with six of the marks resulting in personal records.

Sam Boyle dipped under two minutes for the first time this season while also doubling back for a seasonal best in his 1500 meter heat. Ruben Juanillo-Mora (800), Kyle Mochizuki (800), Jaime Luna (800), and Matthew Medina (800m & 1500) all improved on their seasonal bests to date. Anthony Rivas and Alexis Miron both clipped over 19 seconds from their PR's in the 5000 meters, running 16:16.33 and 16:44.05 respectively.

On the women's side Megan Kearney posted a 2:24.13 in the 800 meters in her first run of the season and looks to drop a chunk more as she regains her form from her senior high school PR of 2:18. Brigitte Kiesewetter and Brittany Gonzalez both ran all-time bests in the 5000 meters running 19:46.19 and 20:23.05 respectively. Jordyn Vassaur was on pace for a top ten all-time VC mark in the 10k when she feel ill with two miles to go.

"I believe we made some progress Friday night," commented head coach Tony Veney. "The entire crew ran with a greater sense of urgency and as a coach you love to see aggression and fearlessness in the heat of battle. I was proud of how Jordyn hung in and ran the last two miles with a stomach issue and she and I both know she can run much faster when she's feeling good."

The Pirates will split the team for their next competitions on Friday March 20 as the throwers will compete at the Santa Barbara Relays and the rest of the team travels to Lancaster and the Antelope Valley Invitational. The first event at AVC starts at noon while the first event for the throwers goes off at 9:00am with women's hammer and men's javelin at Westmont College. The shot and discus will be contested at Santa Barbara City College.