Girls’ track: Lady Falcons take changes in stride

April 6, 2010 — by

This season, things have been a bit different for members of the girls' track team. The most significant change is the institution of Archie Ljepava, previously the jumping coach, as head coach. Ljepava replaced former head coach and throwing coach Andy Arness, who is now coaching at Homestead. Coaches and athletes alike are embracing these changes and their efforts are paying off.

This season, things have been a bit different for members of the girls’ track team. The most significant change is the institution of Archie Ljepava, previously the jumping coach, as head coach. Ljepava replaced former head coach and throwing coach Andy Arness, who is now coaching at Homestead. Coaches and athletes alike are embracing these changes and their efforts are paying off.

“We spent the preseason trying to get to know the coaches better and adjusting to their different styles,” said sophomore sprinter and jumper Ailene Nguyen. “But I think [the season has] changed for the better.”

Ljepava has been pleasantly surprised by the performance of the new athletes.

“They’ve actually exceeded my expectations,” said Ljepava. “Everyone’s on pace, running good times.”

Under Ljepava’s coaching, the team fared well at its meet against Monta Vista on March 18, capturing a 94-30 victory.

Freshman sprinter and jumper Melodie Bellegarda has started the season off strong, placing first in the 400 meter on March 18 at home against Monta Vista.

“I’ve done pretty well; right now my personal record is 59 seconds,” said Bellegarda.

Nguyen captured first place in all her events, the triple jump, long jump, four by one hundred, and hundred meter, against Monta Vista.

Previously, the Lady Falcons faced off against the Wilcox Chargers on March 11, one of the toughest competitors in the league, but fell short, eventually losing 76-51.

“At Wilcox, they were a little bit better than we were at that time,” said Ljepava.

Nguyen placed first in the long jump and triple jump and second in the four by one hundred and the hundred meter. Although she feels that there are some things she can improve on as an individual, but she believes that as a whole the team is “stepping up.”

“I think we did alright,” said Ljepava. “We hung in there so we’re gonna give them a run for their money in leagues.”

The athletes also won first place in the meet against Fremont and Homestead.

The future looks bright for the Falcons, who will face Santa Clara at home on Apr. 8.

“I’m just looking forward to having a great season, improve my times, heights that I’m jumping,” said Bellegarda.

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