Huskies race past the Greyhounds and Wildcats in CWAC meet

Rodney Harwood/Hagadone Newspaper Group - Huskies thrower Isaiah Perez won the CWAC meet at Husky Stadium with a throw of 123-feet.

by Rodney Harwood Hagadone Newspapers Group
| May 9, 2017 1:00 AM

OTHELLO — The Othello youth movement flexed some muscle at the CWAC track and field meet April 27 at Husky Stadium.

The Othello boys and girls teams swept Grandview and Toppenish and enjoyed a little home cookin’ in the process.

The Othello boys took seven events, including both the 4x100 and 4x400 relays, while the Huskies girls won eight events, sweeping all three relays.

Freshman Isaiah Perez, who competed well at the prestigious Pasco Invite earlier in the season, led the Huskies to a one-two-three sweep in the discus with a winning mark of 123 feet. Elijah Roylance (117-0) and Steven Aubrey (96-4) were second and third, respectively.

“I’m making progress. It seems like I was throwing better earlier when I threw 141-6,” Perez said. “To be a good thrower, you have to have everything (the spin, the release, the follow through) together. If you can get the spin perfect, that’s where all the power is. I’m working hard to concentrate on all aspects.”

Freshman David Maldonado won the 3200 meters (11:24.98) and finished second in the 1600 (5:06.24). He’s coming off a strong showing in cross-country and now learning how to race on the track. He and Grandview’s Bryce DeLaRosa had a nice race in the 1600 before DeLaRosa pulled away in the last 200 meters to win in 5:02.16.

“On the track, it requires a lot more form with your running, your arms and your legs,” Maldonado said. “Right now, I think I like the 3200 better because it’s a similar distance to cross-country. I like running longer distances. My goal is to break the five-minute mile and get under 11 minutes in the 3200.”

Freshman Bridger Lawson captured the 110-meter high hurdles (20.79) with a solid race. Senior Ulises Neponuceno led the Huskies one-two-three punch in the 100. Neponuceno (11.83) crossed the finish line first. Francisco Alonzo (11.86) and Brayan Garza (12.0) were second and third respectively.

“(In the 400), It’s real important to break the stagger early,” said Neponuceno, who’s personal best is 51 seconds. “I was working on my start today and it was pretty good. The middle part of my race and the finish are OK, so today I was working on the first 50 meters and felt very good with that.”

Girls

Senior Crystal Arreola is struggling with a groin pull, but still managed a mark of 81-10 to defeat the field in the javelin competition. Brisaiva Vega (3-8) won the high jump and Giselle Barragan (6-0) won the pole vault.

“I wish I would have taken up the javelin earlier, it’s a lot of fun. But there’s so much to learn in terms of technique,” said Arreola, who is in her second season throwing the javelin. “My goal is to make it to the regional meet again and see if I can’t get to state my last year.”

The Othello girls had some strong efforts on the track. Leslie Rodriguez (6:44.35) won the 1600 meters. Lori Gomez (18.14) and Allison Garza (19.26) gave the Huskies a one-two finish in the 100-meter hurdles. Othello also took top honors in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relays.

Undeberg Invite

Neponuceno finished third in the 100 (11.85) and teammate Francisco Alonzo was fourth (11.95) to lead the boys to a ninth place finish in the 23-team meet in Ritzville on Saturday. The Huskies girls were 16th.

For complete results on either meet, log onto athletic.net.