On March 27, the Portola Track and Field team visited University High School for a highly anticipated meet. Excitement ran high among the Trojans, who knew that the Bulldogs were a force to be reckoned with. Going into the meet, the Trojan athletes were talking amongst themselves, sharing their nerves and expectations for the upcoming races.
“Portola are really hard people to win against, especially for sprints,” senior captain Matthew Sheu said. “They are really fast, for sure, but we are just looking to get out there and do the best we can.”
The Trojans’ concerns were proven right, as they won just three of 15 events in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions. On the boys’ side, the Trojans earned victories in the 1600- and 3200-meter runs as well as the high jump. The girls’ team secured wins in the 800- and 1600-meter sprints, along with the high jump.
“This meet against Portola went well,” senior captain Tobias Forster said. “Although we lost most of the events, a lot of our kids put up fast times.”
Despite the result, Forster emphasized the team’s effort and development. Though the Bulldogs had many talented runners, many Trojans also put up good times. One standout for UHS was sophomore Lara Blanco, who got two of the girls’ three wins. She placed first in both the 800- and 1600-meter runs.
“I feel very honored to be a part of the team and have people depend on me,” Blanco said. “It is something I enjoy, and they give me the space to push myself.”
Following the meet, the Trojans hope to take the lessons learned from competing against one of the toughest teams in the league and carry that momentum through the rest of the season.
The Trojans will compete in their next meet at home on April 17 against Woodbridge High School.
