Lions Impress At NorCal Preview

The De Anza College Track & Field teams traveled to Butte College for the 2025 Northern California Preview last Saturday - where they hope to compete for the regional championship in May.

In a field that included four-year university competition and some of the top 3C2A athletes, both the De Anza women (third) and men (sixth) more than held their own.

On the men's side, the Lions were led by freshman Lleyton Houston, who placed third in the 200m (22.51) and fourth in the 400m (50.68).

Sophomore Koyo Kai placed third in the 5000m (16:36.68) and freshman Benjamin Feldstein was sixth in the hammer (45.44m).

Freshman Vincent Nguyen was runner-up in the long jump (6.14m) and fourth in the 100m (11.05).

The Lions 4x100 Relay (fifth) and 4x400 Relay (sixth) also scored team points.

Among the highlights for the women's team included freshman Kaylin Mootz, who won the long jump (5.25m) and set a PR in the 400H (second, 1:05.33, State Marks) - knocking six seconds of her previous best.

"I was happy with the performance," Mootz said.

"We are seeing the hard work in training pay off. I felt a little tired but was able to push through. My goal is to get better each week, stay mentally strong and not give up."

Freshman Sarah Morales also enjoyed the best event of her college career.

Morales placed second in the 200m (26.51, new PR by one second) and finished fourth in the 400m (1:00.71, new PR by two seconds).

"I just wanted to stay close to the front. Regardless of the times, anyone can best anyone," Morales said.

Mootz and Morales teammed with sophomore Felicity Alvarado and freshman Bethany Chan in the 4x400 relay and placed third (4:10.40) - earning State Marks.

"We were able to set a team PR by seven seconds from last week," said Alvarado, who also placed fifth in the 100m and 200m.

"Honestly, it's all mental for us at this point. We get ourselves past that wall - and cheer each other on."

Freshman Genesis Mailangi continued her hot start from the opening weekend.

Mailangi hit State Marks in the shot put (placing third, 11.07m), discus (fourth, 37.73m), javelin (fifth, 31.39m), and hammer (sixth, 40.75m).

For complete results, please visit: https://www.tfrrs.org/results/88886/NorCal_Preview_at_Butte_College/

UP NEXT: De Anza will compete in the Beaver Relays at American River College on Saturday.

MEN'S TEAM SCORES

WOMEN'S TEAM SCORES