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The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

On track to make national field

Published 2004-04-28T00:00:00Z”/>

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Cord Nowell<br>Staff Writer

Breaking school records, qualifying for nationals and charging into league championships, the Chico State track and field athletes have been dedicated to pushing their bodies to the limits.

The Wildcats are in full form. Several athletes are having exceptional seasons, breaking records, and a few have the chance of earning All-American honors.

Fifth-year senior and All-American cross country runner Tyler Graff is having a great year of long-distance running on the track. Graff recorded Chico State’s first sub-30-minute time for the 10,000 meters at the Mt. Sac Invitational. Graff finished the 25-lap race in 29:55.85.

Graff’s time is ninth best in Division II this year and qualifies him for nationals. Graff also has the top time in the 5k for Chico, with a time of 14:32.3, No. 2 in the record book and 10th in the nation this year.

“Running a sub-30-minute 10k was a goal I set for myself eight years ago. I thought I was naive thinking I could attain it,” Graff said. “I am surrounded by great athletes and our team is well-rounded.”

As far as Tyler’s teammates, Ryan Fitzpatrick has been the men’s top sprinter this year. He has the top times in the 100, 200 and 400 meters and has qualified for nationals. Peter Paplanus’ top event is the 1,500 meters. His best mark this season is 1:50.08, which is the fifth best ever at Chico.

The Wildcat women have been dominant distance runners this year. Katie Lee, Missy Lendl, Jennifer James and Margaret Pridgen have all qualified for nationals in the 3,000 meters. Lee also has the top 10,000-meter mark for the ‘Cats this season.

Lee is No. 1 in the Wildcat record book with the best times in the 3,000- 5,000- and 10,000-meter races as a sophomore.

“It has been an awesome season, particularly for women’s distance. I have seen everyone improve and progressively run faster,” Lee said.

Other events the ‘Cats have shown strength in are the shot put, discus and hammer-throw. For the men, Brendan Page has been dominant. His 57-3/4 shot put throw is the No. 4 throw in the nation, which qualified him for nationals. He also has top throws in the discus and hammer for the ‘Cats, which are No. 7 and No. 12 respectively in the nation.

Pole-vaulter Rachelle Sabo raised the bar last week in the Woody Wilson Invitational with the highest vault of the year at 11-5 3/4. This is the second highest ever for a woman at Chico. Aaron Weiss has the highest men’s vault.

With hops “like Mike,” Justin May is the Wildcat’s top high and long jumper. His 6-10 jump is No. 12 in the nation. Also jumping well is Peter Francis. His 48-4 3/4 long jump is No. 12 in the nation.

“I am pleased how the year has gone so far. Everyone is gearing up for championships; this is the part of the season we have been working hard towards,” assistant coach Garry Towne said. “We have several athletes with the potential of earning All-American honors.”

You can catch the ‘Cats in action in the Chico Twilight Open this Saturday.

Cord Nowell can be reached at <a href= “mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]</a>

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