Men’s Track & Field’s Two Top State Marks Highlight RCC Early Bird Second Place Finish

It was the first time in nearly two years that the Riverside City College men's track and field team participated in an official meet. After hosting two scrimmage meets during the Spring II season and facing extreme COVID-19 protocols, the Tigers hosted the RCC Early Bird and welcomed a number of teams that ranged from Division I, II, III and the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA).

"It felt wonder to be back, absolutely wonderful," said Head Coach Jim McCarron. "It was wonderful to watch them compete at home with smiles on their faces. So much bigger than the mark. Now we are starting to come back strong and it's special."

The Tigers placed second overall after earning 210 total points from five top finishes and 15 top three finishes. The Mt. San Antonio College Mounties placed first overall (269), while the Chapman University Panthers placed third (88).

The Tigers earned a good amount of points from Donal Aluesi who lead the charge for the Tigers' throwing unit. He placed first in the Hammer (137' 8"), backed by two third place finishes in the Shot Put (47' .075") and the Discus (139' 3").

Darius Hill was a monster in the field event as he notched a personal record in the Long Jump (24' 4") to earn first place. He followed with a second place finish in the High Jump (6' 6.75"). His Long Jump mark currently stands as the strongest leap in among CCCAA competitors.

Novye James earned a state-best mark in the Triple Jump (50' 7.25") which was well strong enough to win first place.

Leading the charge on the track was Lovewyn Don-Willies who placed in two events highlighted by a first-place finish in the 60 M (7.05). He followed with a bronze medal finish in the in the 300 M (35.98) to finish off his day.

Matthew Siggins performed well by reaching the podium in two events highlighted by two third place finishes coming in the 60 M Hurdles (8.67) and the 400 M Hurdles (57.37). His teammate, Joshua Hornsby, placed just before him in the 60 M hurdles (8.14) to earn him second place.

The relay squads impressed as a quartet featuring Mario Tavares, Raen Reyes, Abel Ramos and Kyle Reden snapped the tape in the 4 x 800 M relay (8:04.39). The 400 M Medley Relay (11:00.97) followed by taking home second place. The relay featured runners Ramos, Reyes, David Rush and Gavyn Condit.

Mario Tavares placed third in the one mile (4:24.76), while Kyle Reden placed third overall in the 600 M (1:24.54) to cap the top finishes.

Riverside will continue action at home on Friday, February 25 to host the OEC Invitational.