The majority of the track team wrapped up the season in the past week, while preparing for cross-country for next year. For the others eligible to compete in individual events, the season just ended yesterday at the Los Angeles City Section Finals held at Birmingham High School.

The two qualifiers ran against top contestants from more than 65 Los Angeles schools for a place in next week’s track State Finals. This competition was even larger than other state finals. Still, only three Varsity Finalists from all of Los Angeles go on to race at State Finals.

Junior Barbara Nwaba was the only qualifying Varsity member on the Wildcat squad. Running the 400-meter race would have been a wipeout for Nwaba because of its proximity to her other events. Instead, Nwaba ran the 100 and the 200-meter dashes and placed first in the high jump.

Irshad Fardan trailed close behind her at Finals. Improving his speed and stamina since his last City Finals, Fardan raised his chances of finishing the fastest in the 400- and 800-meter races.

“I think City Finals is a great experience,” the sophomore said before Finals. “Last year, I earned second in both of my events, so this year I’ll try getting first in both of them.”

After it was all over, the Finalists and their teammates returned home to prepare for the University Jog-A-Thon, a kick-off event for cross-country conditioning. Every year, and more so this year due to the expulsion of the sports budget, students call around in hopes of acquiring sponsors for the two hour jog around the lower field. Participants usually make about 20 cents per lap, averaging $600 for the total team effort. Last year, Varsity track star Bryan Osorio ran 45 laps for the Jog-A-Thon, a record high. All proceeds go to next year’s team necessities, such as uniforms.

To expand the team’s development, Coach Kelly Aguda has been working on getting a rubber track for the school. For now, though, the dirt must do.

“I’m so proud of the way my team ran this year,” said Nwaba. “I was really excited to have made it to City, and I hope to make it to the state competition. For sure, next year, I know many more people from the team will move on further since we have such a young and determined team.”