With the season nearing an end, the Oxnard College track and field teams looks to turn around their recent sub-par performances and finish the year strong.
In recent years OC has enjoyed some success sending several players to all-conference teams. This season both the men’s and women’s teams have struggled to compete at their highest level, yet they remain optimistic for an inspiring finish.
“We are having a rebuilding season,” said Aaron Sharp, Oxnard College assistant coach. “We are not as deep as we have been in the past, but we are developing some young athletes into a decent team and that development is going smoothly so far.”
March has not gone as well for Oxnard as they would have liked. On March 7 both the men’s and women’s teams finished last out of four schools competing at the College of the Canyons. On March 15 the men’s team placed 15 out of 17 teams.
It was not all bad, the Men’s team finished third in the distance medley at the Santa Barbra Easter relays Mar. 22 and Sara Lopez recorded a team best 5:41.34 in the women’s 15000m.
“I never judge a team based on if they are winning or not,” said Sharp. “While winning is nice, it’s all about improvement. If I’m able to get my athletes to give me their best and improve, then I call that success.”
Although they are not winning as a team, Oxnard is still putting up impressive individual numbers. Ravon McCowen holds the men’s team season high 11.90 in the 100m and Jose Lopez holds the team high in the 800m with a time of 2:04.50.
“The[team’s] biggest strength is they have good attitudes and are willing to work hard in practice and give it their all on race days,” said Sharp.
Upcoming events for the Condors include the Western State Conference meet at Cuesta on April 4 and the APU invite at Azusa Pacific University on April 11.
“Like all teams we go in cycles,” said Sharp. “No one can be at the top all the time.”