Patrick Simmons | Staff Writer
simmonspt@imail.losrios.edu
This spring, City College’s men’s track and softball teams will be competing to win another Big 8 Conference title.
The men’s track team has won the conference title for the last three years. The softball team, on the other hand, has won every conference since 1989, with the exception of 2003.
“To be competing for a fourth straight conference title, it feels like you have something more to compete for than just yourself,” says sprinter Raymond Stone.
But like any team worth watching, neither team is satisfied with just another conference title.
“It’s the same goals we walk in with every year,” head softball coach Bob Maglione says. “We expect to win the conference title, we expect to be at home for the regionals, and win the regionals, and we expect to play in the last day of the season and compete for the state title. That’s the expectations of this program, year in and year out.”
Rob Dewar, the head men’s track and field coach, said, “Last year the only thing we didn’t accomplish was winning the state championship”.
This year it’s one of their main goals.
So what does it take to maintain this level of success? The men’s track team practices an average of 15 hours per week, and softball averages about 18. But it takes more than just practice to win a championship.
“Working together as a team. I think having heart and understanding is what it’s all about,” says sophomore first baseman Lindsey Bruno.
“Everyone just competes to their ability and does what they’re supposed to do,” Dewar says. “A lot of times you see athletes talking about what they’re gonna do, and don’t come through. My kids don’t talk at all They do what they’re supposed to do, and if they exceed what they’re supposed to do, that’s even better.”
