The men’s and women’s track teams headed east on March 16 to compete at the University of Redlands Invitational, their fifth meet of the season.

Leading the men’s team was the performance of Carlos De La Torre. The freshman from Patriot High School in Rubidoux, ran a personal best of 4:03.93 to finish fifth in the 1500 meters. This time now ranks him ninth in Southern California. De La Torre came back to win heat two of the 800 in 1:59.19 with a furious finish to edge out second place. This also was a personal best for De La Torre who finished eighth in cross country at the state meet this past fall.

Also running well was freshman Michael Ramirez, from Grand Terrace, who took third in the 3,000 meters in 9:16.62 and freshman Eduardo Toris (Hemet) who clocked 2:05.70 in the 800 and than came back to run 15.57.68 in the 5K for fifth.

Sophomore John Hernandez (Canyon Springs) ran a PR of 16:11.17 to nab sixth in the 5K.

For the women Alyssa Benavides, a freshman from Redlands, led the Wolverines by running another PR in the women’s 3K to take third in 11:07.47. This time ranks her 13th in Southern California. Benavides came back to win her heat of the 800 following in the footsteps of De La Torre by uncorking a furious kick to make up over 10 meters in the last 50 meters of the race.

Also running well for San Bernardino were Darilyn Hernandez (Rim of the World) in the 3K (12:12.16) and Vanessa Arlt who clocked 2:46.76 in the 800. The Wolverines distance team travels to San Diego State on March 23 to compete in the Aztec Invitational looking to continue with more seasonal bests.