Aztecs Outshine Barons for the Last Time

By Camille Reed, Staff Writer

On Wednesday, April 22, the Esperanza Aztecs outran the Fountain Valley Barons Track Team.

Varsity members Carmille Garcia (‘11) and Lauren Erickson (‘09) battled Esperanza\’s infamous Teeny Adams, one of Sunset League\’s fastest runners, in some of the longest races. Garcia placed fourth, running a 5:34 mile, with the first three places taken by the Aztecs.

However, Marissa Nickels (‘12) won first place in her level, setting a personal record of 5:47 in the mile, and Madyson Ward (‘11) won by a landslide, with a 2:35 half mile.

Collin Niselman (‘10) and Joel Gilbert (‘10) also surprised their team in their half mile races, achieving times of 2:10 and 2:03 respectively claiming first and third place wins in each level.

The girls\’ distance coach Jenny Sears demonstrated her support and belief in her runners when she said, “They competed really hard and showed a lot of heart. We also set many personal records.”

Unfortunately, the sprinters didn\’t fare quite as well. For them, the meet began with a disqualification due to a dropped baton in the 4×100 boy\’s JV race. The boy\’s Varsity 4×100, which usually dominates, ended with defeat.

Fortunately, the girl\’s lower level 4×100 races claimed victories for FVHS. Krissy Knowles (‘09) won the 100-meter dash in a quick 13 seconds and also came in first in the 100-meter hurdles race. Paige Grigus (‘11) also stood out with a lower level 100-meter hurdles win.

The jumpers were some of the biggest contributors to the Barons\’ points with a dominating 9-0 pole vaulting score. Jeff Tran (‘09) and Josh Alvaro(‘10) displayed their pole-vaulting skills with impressive 11-foot vaults.

Runner Stefanie Delgado (‘11) expressed her high spirits and determination, saying, “We are a much better team than what was displayed today. We will surely beat Esperanza in Sunset League Prelims!”