Memorable season ends for track team

By Aurora Mora, On-line Forty-Niner

June 18,1998

When it was all said and done, the Long Beach State track and field team was ranked 17th in the nation. This is the first top 20 ranking in as many years.

"This has been a great season for the track team, we still have much to accomplish, but the future is very bright for us," head coach Andy Sythe said. "We had many successes, we made good improvements and we've grown closer as a team."

The season came to an end in Buffalo, N.Y., at the NCAA Track and Field Championships. Borya Celantano, a junior, won second place in the pole vault competition with a 18-2 1/2 jump. Jason Hinkin took fourth place with a 17-10 1/2 jump.

Hinkin, a senior, ended his collegiate career as a five-time All-American. This feat has been unprecedented in the history of Long Beach State.

Freshman Jon O'Neil, a discus thrower, also made remarkable contributions to the team. He is ranked No. 2 among junior athletes in the country.

The track team has made remarkable and notable improvements from previous seasons. This season, 12 members of the team qualified for NCAA tournaments, this is inclusive of indoor and outdoor meets. This is significant because over the last 10 years Long Beach State has not had more than seven qualifiers in one season.

Fortunately for the 49ers, most of the team members will return next season. Recruiting efforts to sign local talent will continue through Aug. 1.