Mateski, McAllister win WSC titles at Conference Prelims

Aaron Mateski and Luke McAllister captured WSC titles in the javelin and high jump, respectively, on Friday in the WSC Men's Track & Field Prelims at Ventura College.

Mateski produced a 55.07-meter throw (180-8) and Marvin Magg was second at 53.56m. McAllister was first in the high jump at 1.95m.

Tyler Higby was fifth in the long jump and qualified in the 100 and 200. He took second in the 200 at 21.78. Bradley Apodaca was fifth in the 10,000 in 33:05 while Magg took sixth in the hammer and Phillip Skopnik was seventh.

Santa Barbara took the early lead in the team competition with 42 points. Glendale and Antelope Valley are tied for second at 28. The top eight in the finals scored points and the top six finishers advanced to the WSC Championships, which will be held at SBCC's La Playa Stadium on Friday, starting at noon.

Bas van Leersum was first in the 400 hurdle qualifying in 53.47, the third-fastest time in school history. He set the school record earlier this year at 53.21. He also qualified in the 400 meters, taking second in 49.11.

"It was a very good first day, nearly all of our athletes qualified for the finals," noted coach Scott Fickerson.