Several Freshman Get First Look at Outdoor Collegiate Competition

Everett, WA - The Trojans opened up the 2025 outdoor track and field season at the Ed Boitano Invitational hosted by the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA.  Over ten colleges and universities competed in the event representing NCAA DII, DIII, and NWAC programs.  Among the NWAC schools were Spokane CC, Green River, Olympic and Everett.  The Trojans in total had 13 freshman participants with one lone sophomore. 

The meet started on Friday, February 28th with 10,000 meter race of which EvCC had four competitors, three women and one male.  Charlie Roberts ran 36:19.05 in the men's race, placing 31st overall and beat out two four-year competitors.  On the women's side, Lily Rock had the top 10,000m time for EvCC at 44:30.44 and finished 14th overall.  Closely behind her was Taya Kilgore at 44:47.93 and Amelia Koon finished at 47:59.25. 

The rest of the events were held on Saturday, March 1st. Two other EvCC women competed, freshman Madeline Dang in four events.  She placed 17th in the 100m with a time of 13.79, 7th in the 100 hurdles (16.97), 11th in the 400 hurdles (1:18.99) and ran a leg in the 4x400m relay with Teagan Pentz, Taya Kilgore and Lily Rock. The team finished 10th overall and ran 4:43.68.  Dang is currently just two seconds off the top time in the NWAC in the 400 hurdles.  Outside of the relay, Teagan Pentz did one other event, the 1500m.  She placed 16th overall with a time of 5:21.35 and was the top NWAC finisher.

Eight EvCC men participated.  Harry McHugh led EvCC sprinters in the 100m with a time of 11.61. He also had the top EvCC time in the 200m at 23.48.  Both of his sprint times currently rank inside the top 7 in the NWAC performance standings. Anthoney Ray-Kirk did three events, the 100, 200 and 400.  His best event was the 400, finishing 18th overall with a time of 54.27.  Another Trojan to do three events was multi athlete Justice Funston.  He did the 100, shot put and pole vault.  His pole vault mark of 12' 6.25" was good enough for 11th place and was the only NWAC competitor.  He beat out 5 four year athletes and tied with three others.  

Other EvCC competitors were Riel Villamena (100, 200, 400), Jacob Doughty (800), Hector Mendoza (1500), and lone sophomore Brandon Bruss (shot put, discus).

Everett will build from this first outing and prepare over the week to compete next weekend at the PLU Open in Tacoma, WA.