OCC Distance Runners Pose a Threat at State Track Meet

Three Orange Coast College distance runners will be among the favorites at the State Community College Track and Field Championships today and Saturday at Bakersfield College.

Zolia Gomez, a sophomore, is favored in the 3,000, 5,000 and 10,000 meters after posting the top times in the state in all three events during the regular season.

She ran 10:13.32 in the 3,000 April 14 and on the same day ran 17:39.87 in the 5,000. She posted a Southern California-record 36:27.06 in the 10,000 May 6 at the Southern California finals.

Bernice Carbajal, a sophomore, will compete in the 5,000 and 10,000. She has run 18:08.31 in the 5,000 and 37:53.14 in the 10,000, both third-best in the state this year. Heather Shurtleff is competing in the 1,500 and 3,000. Her 3,000 time of 10:36 ranks third in the state this season and her 4:47.91 in the 1,500 ranks fourth.

High jumpers Matt Primous and Robert Fuentes of Santa Ana have the best shots among county competitors for a men’s championship. Primous, a freshman, jumped 7-0 Saturday in the Southern California finals, the best in the state this year. Fuentes, a sophomore, had a best of 6-10, tied for second in the state.

Competition runs from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. today and Saturday.