Track and Field Optimistic After First Outdoor Competition

RIVERSIDE, Calif.—The UC Riverside Track and Field teams started their outdoor season on a high note at the RCC Invitational on Friday with both teams finishing in third place. The men's team scored 89.5 points, while the women scored 112 points.

With the Invitational taking place just down the road at Riverside City College, the Highlanders faced local opponents such as Cal State Fullerton, Cal Baptist, Azusa Pacific, Cal State San Bernardino and Cal State San Marcos.

With the Invitational being so close, it allowed the student-athletes to get experience under their belt in a less pressure packed environment.

UCR finished first and second in the women's long jump. Didi Amarasekara won with a jump of 5.94m and Kelechi Ikejiofor came in second with a leap of 5.40m.

UCR also finished first and second in the men's long jump. Ondrej Rapp won with a jump of 7.27m, while Ricky Wright Jr. had a leap of 7.24m.

The triple jump was no different. Hana Johnson won with a 12.07m jump, while Anthony Reyes leapt 14.64m on his fourth attempt to win the event.

Freshman John Ober finished second in the javelin, with his best throw of 52.81m coming on his third attempt.

"I was very pleased with the overall competitiveness of the group and the folks that opened their season," track and field director Nate Browne said. "They will look to make improvements next week as they gain confidence from another competition."

The teams will next compete in a tri-meet with Cal Poly and UCSB in Santa Barbara next Saturday.

For video highlights of the Invitational, click here.

Players Mentioned

Ondrej Rapp: Jumps/Sprints; Junior

Anthony Reyes: Jumps/Sprints; Sophomore

Kelechi Ikejiofor: Jumps; Sophomore

Hana Johnson: Jumps; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Ondrej Rapp
: Junior
: Jumps/Sprints

Anthony Reyes
: Sophomore
: Jumps/Sprints

Kelechi Ikejiofor
: Sophomore
: Jumps

Hana Johnson
: Sophomore
: Jumps