Personal bests keep track in stride

By Jackson Morgus

Both the men's and women's track teams saw action this past weekend that resulted in strong performances as they head into the final stretch of their respective seasons.

The women traveled to UC Davis and were led by Erin McCarthy's time of 4:42.93 in the 1500m, and Megan McNamara, who was not far behind with a time of 5:03.90.

Haley Ney contributed to the Bronco's success by turning in a 2:25.42 in the 800m and winning her heat.

For the men this weekend, the best showing came from freshman Guadalupe Gonzalez. Gonzalez set a personal best in the 800m, shedding 2.4 seconds from his previous lowest time. The personal best set a new Santa Clara record, setting the mark for the fastest 800m by a freshman at 1:54.51.

"Guadalupe has had the biggest breakthrough for us this season," said Associate Head Coach Felipe Montoro.

However, Gonzalez was not the only strong performer at Davis' Woody Wilson Invitational. Santa Clara had seven of 19 runners set personal records.

With the strong showing, the team is looking forward to a key group of races coming up this weekend at Cal at the Brutus Hamilton Invite.

Junior Robert Reid has been the most consistent performer for the Broncos this year, also holding a number of school records. According to his coaches, he has a good shot to make the regional playoffs if he can drop his time in the 800m or 1500m races.

"I think that this is the weekend," said Reid. "I definitely want to break out in the 1500 again and I feel like this is the weekend to do it."

Reid said that a stiff level of competition in Berkeley should push him to run his best.

"A faster field definitely helps, because I can sort of key off of them and let them carry me to a better time," said Reid.

Montoro believes that the squad is poised to peak at the right time.

"Pretty much all of the work has been done already," said Montoro in regard to the team's training program. "At this point we are pretty much just trying to stay sharp, stay focused and rested."

Both he and Reid commented that a lightened work load has been helpful, keeping the team rested and healthy.

Practice sessions have been cut so that the weekly mileage is approximately 40 to 50 miles as the season nears its end, falling from the 70 to 80 miles logged during the peak of training.

"It has been a great year health-wise. We are definitely fitter than we have ever been," added Montoro.

The Broncos are well prepared as the team strives to continue the streak of personal bests.

Following the invitational at Cal, there will be a race including the New York Road Runners Distance Carnival, which features eight Olympians.

"We will stick around to watch, but we won't be in those races...yet," commented Montoro.

Contact Jackson Morgus at jmorgus@scu.edu or (408) 551-1918.