Evan Morter
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The Cal Poly men’s track and field team finished second at the Big West Conference Championships, while the women followed up with a sixth-place finish at Woody Wilson Track in Davis, Calif. this past weekend.
The Long Beach State men won their second consecutive conference title Saturday with a score of 218.5 points, while the Mustangs finished with a score of 144.5. In the women’s meet, UC Davis came out on top with a total score of 194 points, and Cal Poly finished with 69.33.
It was the men’s first second-place finish since 2006, and head coach Mark Conover believes the team is one of the best in recent years.
“We had very successful results,” he said. “We got a lot of people on the podium. Probably the most we’ve ever had.”
The men’s team was led by seniors Chris Frias, Sean Davidson and Jamison Jordan.
Frias finished third in the 10,000 meters on Friday, then took the title in the 5,000 meters on Saturday.
“Chris is a team player,” Conover said. “He loves to help his teammates.”
The Ventura, Calif. native was also a member of the Cal Poly cross-country team, where he was a two-time Big West Conference champion. He has had a record season in track and field, as well.
“He just got better every single year,” Conover said. “He is totally committed to the lifestyle needed for success.”
However, it is unfair to address Frias’ accolades without mentioning his fellow senior teammate Sean Davidson, Conover said.
Davidson made headlines Friday for smashing the previous meet record in the 10,000 meters by approximately 43 seconds with a 29:08 finish.
Jordan finished first in the men’s 200 meters and second in the 100-meter dash with a personal record 10.41 finish to earn second place in the event.
Jordan came into the most important part of the year in the best condition of his Cal Poly career, Conover said.
“He’s been really steady,” he said. “He’s looking the best I’ve seen since he’s been at Cal Poly.”
The seniors said they have nothing to lose, and are seeking to take advantage of the upcoming NCAA West Preliminary Round because their days at Cal Poly are numbered.
“It’s always a big motivator because it’s their last one,” Conover said. “The senior does not want to leave anything on the track. With the way those guys are running, they have a shot.”
On the women’s side, sophomore Rachel Bush earned all-conference accolades as she finished third in the 5,000 meters. The Mustangs also had three runners, sophomore Ashley Windsor, junior Elaina Cromer and sophomore Kristen Narum, score in the women’s 800.
In the women’s triple jump, sophomore Kendal Nielsen finished fifth with a leap of 39 feet, 7 inches.
“I’m enthusiastic because we have a lot of young people and they’re winning now,” Conover said. “We’ve done a lot of work and continue to get rewarded.”
The Preliminary Round will be held in Fayetteville, Ark. May 29-31.