Reno Vasquez Wins OEC Multis Championship

After placing second in the 2022 Orange Empire Conference (OEC) Multi Championships, sophomore Reno Vasquez landed atop the podium in this year's championships by placing first overall with a point total of 5,824.

Vasquez was by far the most dominant performer through the two-day event by landing on the podium in eight events. He top home six top finishes highlighted by a clean sweep in the running events.

"Last year, this event was new to me," said Vasquez. "I was trying to learn everything and stay dedicated. When this championship event came around again, I told myself I really want to be the conference champion and make it to State."

Last season, he placed second overall with a point total of 4,991. He improved his showing dramatically by adding an additional 833 points.  

It is a unique event that happens at an early time in the season. With only two meets under his belt, Vasquez was still able to display uncanny athletic ability in order to take home the gold for the Tigers.

"You have to be dedicate towards it. I have been told I am a good athletes, but it is a lot about understanding form and the little technical stuff is what you have to master."

He began with a top mark in the 100 M (11.42), backed by a field-pacing mark in the 110 M Hurdles (16.93). He finished day two with a gold medal showing in the 400 M (51.56) and the 1500 M (4:42.45).

A jumper by trade, he excelled with two top marks in the Long Jump (21' 4") and the High Jump (6' 1 ½").

Two out of three throwing marks landed him with a bronze medal as seen in the Shot Put (30' 2") and the Javelin (145' 9"). He capped his championship showing with fourth place finishes in the Discus (79' and the Pole Vault (9' 6 ¼").

Riverside will continue action this Friday at the Ben Brown Invitational. It is the next step on the road to competing for another State Championship; something the Tigers have not accomplished since 2019.

"We have a great team our motto which is get one percent better each day," explained Vasquez.  "I like our chances. We just need to continue to be dedicated and get better every day."

Release by Nicho DellaValle, Riverside SID