Track and field shines in Salem

Early season success continued for the Portland State track and field squad at the Willamette Invite over the weekend, as nine athletes came through with qualifying times for the Big Sky Conference Championship in Forest Grove next month.

The Vikings took the top two spots in both the 100-meter and 200-meter events, and distance runners Amber Rozcicha and Camelia Mayfield each turned in qualifying times of their own.

“It was a really good showing for Portland State track and field today,” assistant coach Seth Henson said. “This meet solidified our goals for the outdoor season. We were 14 points shy of winning the indoor conference meet, and we feel like we’ve added people in the javelin and the discus, people who are going to score us some points. Today was definitely a step in the right direction.”

The goal for the Vikings is clear: to take home the top prize at the Big Sky meet. If their success thus far in the outdoor season is any indication, the team is on the right track, but Henson and the coaching staff know they still have work to do.

“[The Willamette Invite] was great, but we really feel like we have room for improvement,” Henson said. “But what we did see was confidence—our men and women are starting to look around at each other and realize that they have a chance to be great.”

For the Vikings, especially the seniors on the squad, it would be an especially meaningful win to come through with a championship at home.

“This is the first time in Portland State history we are hosting the Big Sky Conference [Championship],” senior Geronne Black said. “And what better year than my last year. I’m extremely excited to have the home crowd and to get the school support and have other student athletes come see what we do. It will definitely help how I compete.”

Now the Vikings turn their attention to the Mondo Invite, taking place in Sacramento, Calif., April 12–13. The coaching staff will continue to push the athletes to get better.

“We are expecting throws to go a little bit further; we are expecting times to drop a little bit,” Henson said. “We are definitely going to have some better competition. The Willamette Invite was step one toward winning the outdoor conference [championship], and hopefully after the Mondo Invite we will be at step two.”