Despite lack of amenities, Chapman track and field has success in first meet

Chapman’s track and field team hasn’t had access to an adequate track or field for its practices, but performed well during its first meet of the season April 17. Above, sophomore Maddie Mirro competes in the 800-meter race. Photo courtesy of Larry Newman

It might seem like a bit of an anomaly: a track and field team that doesn’t use a full track or a field to train. But such is life in the pandemic for Chapman’s squad.

In previous seasons, the track and field program would practice at other facilities with eight-lane tracks and more comprehensive field equipment. However, COVID-19 restrictions have left them solely able to practice at Chapman’s two-lane track. 

It certainly isn’t an ideal situation — but the Panthers have nonetheless capitalized. In their first meet April 17, the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Multi-Dual against California Lutheran University and the University of Redlands, Chapman earned six first-place finishes.

“It’s really exciting to see how well they’re doing with not being able to have a track or field right now,” said head coach Barron Maizland. “The goal was just to get them out there competing and they did really well.”

Senior Gabi Siguenza won first place in the 400-meter hurdles, recording a time over one second faster than the second-place finisher. Despite having little access to hurdles during practice, Siguenza focused on aerobic exercises to prepare physically.

“I’m trying to have a completely different mentality towards track, since I feel like I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself in the past to achieve certain times,” Siguenza said. “Since it's my last year, I’m just trying to focus on having fun and enjoying competing.” 

For field events, practicing without proper equipment is even more of a challenge. That lack of resources, like a large enough practice area, left junior Maija Girardi worried entering the javelin-throwing event.

“I did not feel very confident going into the meet because of the lack of facility that we have,” Girardi said. “But I did feel confident in my throwing, because I have so many years of experience.” 

Girardi’s throw went over 33 meters, the best of the meet’s javelin event. 

With upperclassmen having more amenity experience, Siguenza and Girardi have tried to use that wisdom to keep their teammates motivated during an odd season. 

“We have a very young throwing squad and I definitely let them know that this year is not normal,” Girardi said. “I try to keep them optimistic, because this year is just a learning year and they have so many more seasons to find that success and to get after it.”

The meet offered a surreal experience for many players given their lack of resources. With two more meets and SCIAC championships — and possibly nationals — to come, things are beginning to look clearer for the Panthers with a competition under their belt.

“It’s been so long now that you don’t really think it’s real until you actually compete,” Maizland said. “Now I think they see that it’s actually real, it's happening, and they’re back competing.”