New era begins for track & field

By Sol Ladvienka
The Guardsman

With the 2010 City College track and field season right around the corner, the Rams are looking to continue their path up towards conference superiority. After finishing third in Northern California and among the top ten in the state last season, Head Coach Doug Owyang feels that his young runners have it in them to make some noise in the Coast Conference.

Owyang, now in his 18th season at City College, expressed a lot of confidence in his squad, despite the fact all but two of his runners are first year freshmen.
“Though we have a small team this season, we have a lot of talent,” said Owyang, who cited sophomore runners Trevor Rodgers, Lydia Offord, and freshman Carlos Proctor as his expected top performers.

“As for state, I have high expectations of not finishing third, but to win it all this season,” he said.

Trevor Rodgers, a second year runner, says he feels like a leader of this team. Being the only returning sprinter from last season, he feels his contribution to the team will show through his leadership.

“I feel that being a leader, you need to push the younger guys, to get their speed up, and if they’re up there by me, then maybe they’ll beat me,” said Rodgers.
Last season, all City College sprinters made it to the state finals, while Rodgers placed 6th in the 100-meter and 7th in the long jump. His goal this year is to breeze past both the Coast and NorCal conferences, and focus on winning the state championship. A 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter and a long jump specialist, Rodgers has already received athletic scholarship offers from Cal State Fullerton, UC San Diego and University of Texas, among others.

On the women’s side, sophomore Lydia Offord, a third year runner, is also ready for the upcoming season. After having to red shirt last season, Offord is eager to be back on the track. Though she was not able to compete in 2009, Offord was still able to train off the field, and believes she hasn’t missed a step.
“I feel like I got faster, but I’m still working on my speed and arm action as well as my form,” said Offord.

Offord, who specializes in the 4×100 and 4×400 meter relays, feels that this is her year to shine. Though she has not yet received any Division I scholarship offers, she believes her key to success is making a name on the track, being a leader and beating faster schools.

This season, coach Owyang will be assisted by coaches Marc Dyer, Greg Bianchi, and Sean Laughlin. The team opens their season Feb. 12 at San Jose City College in the Coast Preview.