Track sends off a dozen seniors

By Shanna Shernaman |Staff Writer|

“I learned that teamwork makes the dream work,” said captain Patricia “Patty” Cortez.

“But really I learned that everyone is a piece for the of the puzzle, in order to get to the final goal it requires everyone’s dedication and efforts,” continued Cortez. 

There are a total of 12 seniors on the CSUSB women’s track and field team, all of which have helped mold each other into more than just a normal team.

“I will miss being on a team and getting to be a part of something bigger than me,” said Cara Bonafede.

These women have become a family of hard-working athletes who strive for a common goal.

“It’s been a roller coaster,” said Cindy Balderas.

“Being a part of the team was hard too because the training was different and things didn’t turn out as planned, but I’m glad I didn’t give up,” continued Balderas.

The women’s track and field team has only been around for two years, but with the strong bond they portray, one would think they have been together a lot longer.

“It is one of the most memorable experiences in my life,” said Elizabeth “Lizard” Hernandez.

“Having the opportunity to be part of a college sport and meet new people, with all different backgrounds and stories,” continued Hernandez.

The team came together barely knowing each other and in just two years’ time they developed into a fast and fierce unit of competitors.

“The people at CSUSB are amazing, it’s like one big community,” said Cortez.

The team as a whole had an eventful season and the seniors are going out with a bang.

“My biggest accomplishment is getting a PR [personal record] in my final 10k [10,000 meters] of the season,” said Bonafede.

The team was strong both on the track and in the classroom.

For Cortez, her biggest accomplishment of the season was maintaining her spot on the dean’s list.

For the women of the track and field team, competing together was a moment in time none of them would forget.

“My experience was definitely the best college experience I could ask for,” said Cortez.

The women spent their time here learning from each other, their coaches, in the classroom and from their jobs.

“At CSUSB my experience has been very interesting and entertaining,” said Sierra Marrero.

According to Bonafede, her time at CSUSB and with the team has helped her grow and create a lifetime of good memories.

“The funniest moment was every time someone showed up to practice and didn’t realize they had a piece of clothing backwards or inside out; usually me,” said Bonafede.

According to Cortez she will miss waking up early every morning to go run with her teammates.

Through the fun memories and hard work the CSUSB seniors will all take valuable lessons learned from their time here.

“I know the moment I leave CSUSB I’m going to walk away with tears in my eyes, but I’m going to take all these great memories with me,” said Balderas.