The Track and Field Winter All-Comers Meet took place on Jan. 13 at the Arcadia High School (AHS) Salter Stadium. The meet was one of the 19 Winter Championship qualifiers from Dec. 16 to Jan. 26, in which athletes will have the opportunity to qualify for the California Winter Championships to be held on Feb. 3 at AHS. This meet served as an exciting kick-start to the track season for all new and returning athletes in track and field.
As one of the Winter Championship qualifier meets, athletes competed unattached to their schools. This meant that everyone participated independently, without forming an “All-Star Team.” The event was also an All-Comers Meet, meaning anyone was allowed to participate as long as they paid a required entrance fee of $12. Those who qualify for the California Winter Championships will earn a golden bib, which they will use to prove they are qualified for the championships.
With almost 1,000 competitors present at the event, the stadium was filled with athletes from all around Southern California. Because the meet was unranked, many Arcadia athletes took this as an opportunity to experience their first friendly, no-stakes competition for the start of the season, giving them the confidence to perform well at a relatively fun competition.
The meet formally started at 9 a.m. with the track events, beginning with the 60-m sprints, followed by the 60-m hurdles. As more sprinting events were held, the distances progressively grew further, usually doubling in length of the previous one. The relay races were the last to be held, starting with a 4x200m relay, progressing into sprint medley relays, distance medley relays, and ending with a mixed 4x400m relay.
AHS sophomore Logan Gao, who raced in both the 600m and 1500m events gave his thoughts on his performance, saying that “despite how nerve-wracking they can be, [he] still enjoys participating in [the races].” “I was able to push myself during both events and even though it was painful in the moment, it was extremely satisfying and relieving to finally finish knowing that I tried my best.”
As the track events concluded, the field events began, starting with the long jump event. Shot put followed shortly afterward, and the high jump event was next to be held. The pole vault competition was arguably the most popular event at the meet, with many people gathering around the east side of the track to witness the spectacle. After the pole vault event, the triple jump event was the last to be held and finally concluded the meet at around 2 p.m. in the afternoon.
AHS freshman Casey Chen, who competed in the pole vault event, remarked on her first time competing for Arcadia Track and Field, saying, “My experience was quite amazing. I really enjoy training in track and getting to improve on my athletic skills as well as seeing other events take place and other schools competing with AHS.”
It was incredible to witness the determination and skill of these athletes at the Winter Qualifier meet. Best of luck to Arcadia’s Track and Field Athletes as they progress to the championships on Feb. 3!
Photo by Ryan Parizadeh
