Cougars Test Talents at Ben Brown Invitational

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director  

FULLERTON — College of the Canyons tested its talents vs. student-athletes from the four-year level by competing at the two-day Ben Brown Invitational hosted by California State University, Fullerton. 

The field included a combined 25 schools and three club teams. Canyons was one of seven community colleges invited to compete at the annual meet. 

The COC men's team turned in a number of remarkable results. Nathaniel Wilkinson's seventh-place result in the 3K steeplechase (10:19.76) was the top individual finish.

Elsewhere, Travis Royal finished 10th in the javelin with throw of 40.13m/131' 8". Delamonte Barnes was close behind in 13th with his mark of 33.45m/109' 9".

JT Saenz had a strong day of competition, taking 25th in the long jump (6.24m/20' 5.75") and 13th in the triple jump (13.51m/44' 4"). Damon Barkus posted a triple jump of 12.03m/39' 5.75") to finish 21st. 

Sam Regez placed 16th in the 1500m at a pace of 4:01.15. Meanwhile, Jerome Hughes was 27th in the 400m (50.63) and 19th in the 800m (1:57.41). 

The 4x100 relay team of Da'Marrie Smith, Andre Bray, Alex Megas and Royal clocked a time of 43.99 to finish 11th.

On the women's side top results included Zeniah Ellsworth at 1:00.42 in the 400m to take 27th.

Katelyn Catu placed 42nd in the 800m at 2:30.59. And in the 1500m it was Kaiya Cortinas in 40th (5:15.95) and Emily Cruz in 44th (5:43.07).

Canyons will continue to be tested against four-year athletes at the upcoming University of Redlands Invitational on Friday, March 15.

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 X, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.