Palmer Throws For Top Mark, As Track & Field Shines in AVC

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director

The Cougars put together another strong all-around showing at last Friday's Antelope Valley College Invitational.

Included among the highlights of the day was the performance by freshman dual-sport athlete Jordan Palmer who won the shot put event after recording a mark of 14.98m (49' 1.75"). 

Palmer, who also starred on the COC offensive line last fall, continues to compete for the Cougars while also balancing off-season football activities. His throw at the AVC Invite was the top mark recorded by a CCCAA Southern California region student-athlete this season and is the No. 2 mark in the entire state. Elijah Folau of San Mateo is the current state leader at 15.06m (49' 5").

The six-foot-two-inch freshman also placed second in the discus at a distance of 39.53m (129' 8").

"Jordan is having a great season in the throws, especially in the shot put," commented COC track & field head coach Lindie Kane. "He has adjusted well to the heavier college implements and is a very talented student-athlete."

COC sophomore Delon Buncio continues to find success in an array of different events. Buncio, who redshirted a season ago, won the javelin by topping the field with a throw of 40.60m (13' 2"). He also finished third in the long jump at 6.35m (20' 10"), took fourth in the 400m (10.90) and ran the first leg for the 4 x 400 relay team which won the event with a time of 3:25.51.

A week ago at the Bakersfield College Relays he won the 400h (57.24), placed third in the triple jump (12.77m / 41' 10.75") and ran on two relay teams that both finished runner-up.

"Delon has come back and worked really hard after sitting out for a redshirt year," said Kane. "He has a great work ethic, is a team leader and an exceptional teammate."

COC's men's team combined to win six events in all. Andrew Mercado won the long jump at 6.47m (21' 2.75"), Jacore Johnson finished first in the 400m (49.31) and Hunter Covarrubias won the 1500m (4:20.98).

The Lady Cougars were led by freshman sprinter Tatiana Smith who recorded a time of 26.44 to win the 200m. Smith also placed second in the 400m at 1:08.46, and ran third on the 4x100 relay team which placed second at 55.97.

"Tatiana continues to improve weekly with hopes of qualifying to compete at the Southern California Finals and then off to the state championships," said Kane. "With that continued improvement and hard work she may break our women's 100m school record."

Canyons returns to AVC on Friday for the WSC Inland Meet with events scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.