The members of the San Bernardino Valley College track and field team have been competing at meets across Southern California, working themselves back into form after two years without a competitive event due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Recently, the team was at Occidental College for a meet that featured athletes from two- and four-year schools from across the region.
At the meet, two of the Wolverines' runners put in efforts that distance coach Jim Ratigan said has them on track to be in the state title mix come May.
Oscar Gaspar Chavez posted a personal best in the 5,000 meters, finishing the race in 15 minutes, 13.03 seconds, lopping 17 seconds off his previous best time. That was good for 15th in his heat, which featured mostly four-year school competitors. The time also earned him a CCCAA A standard mark. He is currently ranked 10th in Southern California and 18th in the state.
Teammate Juan Hernandez posted a 15:32.77 in the same race, which was two seconds off his previous personal best, putting him at 18th in Southern California right now.