Everett Track & Field Opens Season with Strong Performances and Multiple Personal Bests

Tacoma, WA - The Everett Community College track & field team turned in an impressive set of performances on the opening weekend of the 2026 season at the Ed Boitano Invite, hosted by the University of Puget Sound. The meet was highlighted by numerous personal bests (PBs) across sprint, distance, jumps, and throwing events. Competing against a deep field of athletes from NCAA and NWAC programs, the Trojans showed strong early-season form with several top finishes and breakthrough performances.

Sprint Events

Freshman Alexander Rabena led the Trojan sprinters with strong performances in multiple events. Rabena posted a personal best 22.45 in the 200 meters to finish 17th overall, then returned in the 400 meters to run 50.44, another personal best, placing 8th in a competitive field.

In the 100 meters, freshman Alexander Rabena clocked 11.10, also a personal best, finishing 14th overall. Teammate Darrich Sitthivong followed with an 11.76 PB to place 36th, while sophomore Rieal Villamena ran 11.98, a season best.

On the women's side, freshman Sophia Michalopoulos had a strong showing, running 12.95 (PB) in the 100 meters to place 11th before returning in the 200 meters to post another personal best of 27.20, finishing 18th overall.

Several Everett women also posted personal bests in the 100 meters including:

• Haddyjatou Ceesay – 13.40 (PB)

• Kassandra Simms – 13.59 (PB)

• Kamarrie Spencer – 13.86 (PB)

Ceesay continued her strong day in the 200 meters with another PB of 28.71, while Spencer ran 28.60 (PB) and Simms posted 29.29 (PB). Sophomore Madeline Dang placed 11th in the 100m hurdles and 10th in the 400m hurdles.

Middle Distance & Distance

Freshman Luke Taylor delivered a solid run in the 800 meters, finishing 19th with a personal best time of 2:03.10.

In the 1500 meters, sophomore Hector Mendoza ran 4:25.66, recording a personal best and finishing 13th overall.

Everett also saw a breakthrough performance in the 10,000 meters from freshman Charlie Roberts, who finished 34th with a personal best time of 34:37.42.

On the women's side, sophomore Teagan Pentz represented Everett in the 800 meters, placing 20th with a season best time of 2:39.76, and also placed 19th in the 1500.  Lily Rock placed 21st with a time of 5:24.39. Amelia Koon was the lone 10,000m runner for EvCC and she placed 20th with a time of 46:00.05 and a new personal best. 

Relays

The Trojan men combined for a strong performance in the 4x400 relay, where the team of Justice Funston, Alexander Rabena, Luke Taylor, and Rieal Villamena finished 10th overall with a time of 3:33.34. The women's relay team also had a strong performance with Madeline Dang, Kamarrie Spencer, Haddyjatou Ceesay, and Kassandra Simms.  The placed 7th with a time of 4:54.76.

Jumps

Sophomore Justice Funston turned in Everett's top finish in the horizontal jumps, placing 24th in the long jump with a season-best mark of 5.83 meters. Freshman Darrich Sitthivong also recorded a personal best leap of 5.16 meters, finishing 32nd. Sophia Michalopoulos hit a PB of 4.71m and placed 12th. 

Throws

The Trojan throwers delivered several strong performances highlighted by multiple personal bests.

Freshman Cody Luangrath led Everett in the shot put, finishing 14th with a personal best throw of 12.31 meters. Teammate Ilya Grabovsky added another PB of 11.85 meters for 17th place, while Cyrus Broers threw 11.76 meters (PB).

In the discus, Grabovsky returned to place 8th overall with a personal best throw of 40.23 meters, while freshman Avery Brennan recorded a PB of 38.20 meters to finish 11th. Jacob Huntley added another Everett PB with a throw of 34.58 meters.

In the javelin, freshman Nathen Nippert led the Trojans with a personal best throw of 42.24 meters, finishing 17th overall, while Gus Hanson recorded a PB of 33.49 meters.

Strong Start to the Outdoor Season

With numerous personal bests across nearly every event group, the Trojans showed promising early-season progress. The combination of experienced returners and a strong freshman class continues to produce steady improvement as Everett builds momentum heading deeper into the outdoor track & field season.