TRACK COMES TO U.S. NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO

San Diego, CA. — Even as the world celebrates the pinnacle of the art form in Beijing at the 15^th IAAF World Track & Field Championships, we are reminded that each and every one of the athletes representing their nation’s colors in China began their journey on an anonymous oval where the top prize arrived upon the smile of Mom or a “Well done” from Dad, and where personal goals created podiums of pride long before the world at large ever took notice.

Last night those smiles, “well dones” and personal satisfactions returned to the old U.S. Navy Base San Diego track for the first time in more than a generation as USATF San Diego long distance chairman Paul Greer and his merry band of tracksters organized the first competitive track and field meeting in 35 years at the home port of the Pacific Fleet.

**Paul Greer interviews Two Mile champ Ethan Corrigan as Southwest Community College Coach Adam Henderson looks on.**

Greer is the tireless Pied Piper of San Diego running. Head coach at both San Diego City College and the San Diego Track Club, through his efforts and others America’s Finest City has one of the most robust calendars of racing opportunities, including the Summer Nights and Winter Nights Track Series and Dirt Dog Cross Country series.

“The idea for the meet first came up last October at our Summer Nights annual meeting,” said the one-time sub-4:00 miler out of San Diego State. “We were looking at potential groups to get involved to expand our track community. And I thought we didn’t see many military people at our meets. So I called Kota (Henmi) the specialist at the Naval Base rec department and set up a meeting.”

“Everybody said, let’s do it,” Kota explained. “Morale, welfare and recreation is the fun side of the military, and we want to provide as many free opportunities for our sailors, their families and retirees as we can.”

USATF San Diego provided starter Gary McDonald, the official timing and scoring, and a host of volunteers to help conduct the meet.

Kota Henmin stamped out 200 commemorative coins to mark what many hope will become an annual late summer meet as an intrepid gathering of military personnel, staff, retirees and family met on an unusually steamy San Diego evening.

Though the first year turnout was modest, the participants were enthusiastic, covering a wide range of athletic experience and talent. Plus, due to elevated security concerns, the brass decided not to publicize the meet outside the base ahead of time.

The schedule provided an array of opportunities, including the standing broad jump, shot put, 220 yards, 440, 880, 1 Mile, and Two Mile as the track at the naval base is old enough to have been laid out in yards not meters.

Here, then some highlights and pics of the evening.

Nathaniel McBride loads up for the standing broad jump as University High School XC coach Gimi McCarthy prepares to measure the mark. — The first event up was the standing broad jump, and everyone had their cell phones out Googgling Byron Jones world record 12′ 3″ jump at this year’s NFL combine. Here we see **Nathaniel McBride** as he loads up for his third round attempt as University High School XC coach Gimi McCarthy prepares to take his mark.

9'10 — 9’10” in round three, good for 3rd place.

Macon, Ga. native Quint — Macon, Ga. native **Quint “Q” Nelson** lifts off in round 4

Engineer Q was a 6.90m long jumper at Savannah State

Q takes second place at 10' 1 — Touchdown takes Q to second place at 10′ 1″

Q with wife Brittany, 7 year-old Jamaya & 3 year-old Q, Jr. — Afterwards with wife Brittany; 7 year-old Jamaya & 3 year-old Q, Jr.

Former Liberty University standout Oronde Vassell prepares for his final round jump — Now former Liberty University long jump standout **Oronde Vassell** prepares for his fourth round jump. He already leads at 10′ 5″ in round two.

Oronde has a career best long jump of 24' 5 1/2 — Oronde has a career best long jump of 24′ 5 1/2″ (7.45m)

Stationed in El Centro, Oronde Vassell is training for the Military World Games this October in Seoul, South Korea. — The Brooklyn, N.Y. native is stationed in El Centro, California where he is training for the Military World Games this October in Seoul, South Korea.

His winning leap, 10' 5 — Another 10′ 5″ takes the win.

Oronde 22.98 in 220 yard dash. — Later, Oronde flashed his speed with a 22.98 in 220 yard dash. World Military Games, he’s on his way.

Had to show 4th place finisher Christopher Siewart who jumped 9' 8 — Had to show 4th place finisher **Christopher Siewart’s** attacking form as he jumped 9′ 8″.

2007 Florida State grad Charlene OIiver took the women's win in the standing broad jump. She was a 20-foot long jumper for the Seminoles. — 2007 Florida State grad **Charlene OIiver** took the women’s win in the standing broad jump at 8′ 1″ – she never did get off the kind of jump that made her a 20-foot long jumper for the Seminoles. Hope she’s back in 2016.

Charlene in the 220 (the track was in yards, not meters) — Charlene took second in the 220 in 28.28

Charlene saw a flyer for the meet at the base gym where she now is a body builder. — Charlene saw a flyer for the meet at the base gym where she now trains as a body builder. “I was looking for a new competitive outlet,” she said. “I put the flyer up on the fridge, and it gave me something to key on.”

Coach Adam Henderson consults with base rec manager Kota Henmin — Coach **Adam Henderson** consults with base rec manager **Kota Henmin**.

Jacksonvill, North Carolina's Jaylen Williams going through the 440 in 60.5 in the 880 yard run. He was runner up last year in the N.C. state 800 for Northside High School. running 1:56. — The elegant form of Jacksonville, North Carolina’s **Jaylen Williams** carries him through a 60.5 440 split during the 880 yard run. He was runner up last year in the N.C. state 800 meters for Northside High School, running 1:56.

Sonar tech Williams wasn't pressed, and hit the line in 2:06.30, an easy winner. — Sonar tech Williams (a native of the Bahamas) wasn’t pressed, and hit the line in 2:06.00, an easy winner. “I know I’m not in top shape. But I did pretty good.” Not surprisingly, he also took top honors later on in the 440.

The women's mile takes off — The female mile takes off. Three runners, and two race walkers.

6 year-old Sayetzi Campos hits her walking stride like a pro. — 6 year-old **Sayetzi Campos** hits her walking stride like a pro.

Winner Miki Scarlett in 6:04;76. — Winner Miki Scarlett in 6:04.76.

Aviation ordnance Petty Officer 1st class Natasha Swartley takes second in the women's mile in PR 6:52.16. — Aviation ordnance Petty Officer 1st class **Natasha Swartley** takes second in the women’s mile in PR 6:52.16.

Congratulations from Natasha to Sayetzi who also PR’d by 1 second in 12:45. Sister Fernanda missed her race walk mile PR by 2 seconds at 11:35.

Paul Greer welcomes 84 year-pld Charles Kachadoorian, retired Air Force Master Sargeant as the men's mile is called. — **Paul Greer** touts 84 year-old **Charles Kachadoorian**, retired Air Force Master Sargeant.

Charles powers home in the 220 in 56 seconds. Originally from Dearborn, Michigan, Charles has lived in San Diego for 30 years. “I do any race, I swim any event. I also do the Seniors Games, but I didn’t make nationals this year. It pissed me off.” And why wouldn’t it?

Men's mile champ Jonathan Schiefen, a Buffalo, New Yorker, now a corpsman at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. — Men’s mile champ **Jonathan Schiefen** freezes the watch at 5:19.22. A Buffalo, New Yorker, Jonathan is now a corpsman at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. “I haven’t run a mile since high school, but I just finished the San Diego Half Marathon Triple Crown: Carlsbad, La Jolla & America’s Finest City.” **Jonathan**‘s older brother is teaching global economics at a high school in Beijing, probably taking in the World Championships at the Bird’s Nest.

The Gray family: 13 year-old Tashi runs for the San Diego Cheetas, 12 year-old Ramisi won the women's shot put at 23' 5 — Thumbs up from the Gray family: 13 year-old Tashi runs for the San Diego Cheetahs, 12 year-old Ramisi won the women’s shot put, 3 year-old Diamond blazed the 220, while Mom CC clapped all evening long.

Diamond glitters in the 220 in 1:16. — Diamond glitters in the 220.

The Corrigan Crew: Mom Tiffany, 13 year-old Ethan, who took 4th in the mile 5:35.37, then won the 2-mile in 12:11.07); 10 year-old Jenna won the girl's 220; and dad Lt. William Corrigan. — The Corrigan Crew: Mom Tiffany; 13 year-old Ethan, who took 4th in the mile in 5:35.37, then came back to win the 2-mile in 12:11.07; 10 year-old Jenna won the girl’s 220; and dad Lt. William Corrigan.

Jenna competing in the 220. — Barefootin”: Jenna competing in the 220 against a determined Kimaya Jones.

Jenna just edges Kimaya Jones, 39:07 to 40:00. Tough battle. — Jenna just edges Kimaya, 39:07 to 40:00. Tough battle.

As the sun set over the Pacific blue, retreat sounded throughout the 32nd Street Naval Station, the bugler’s call a reminder of service rendered, duty performed and bonds held. Then as a fat, sweaty moon began its tour overhead gear was loaded up and families reformed for the drive home.

Tomorrow the base will hum and stories will be told. Hopefully, a new tradition will have begun on the old base track, as 35 years was far too long a spell for the starter’s pistol to have remained silent.

As Coach Greer reflected, the meet was a small thanks from the San Diego running community to the Navy and its extended family. For all they do, this meet was for you.

RESULTS

2015 San Diego Navy Base Track and Field Meet

Admiral Prout Field House

August 27, 2015

880 Yard

Athlete Name	Place	Time
Jaylen Williams	1	02:06.0
Christian Yoo	2	02:23.1
Jeff DeGuide	3	02:30.0
Rommel Hare	4	02:42.0
Miki Scarlett	5	02:44.4
Everette Ervin	6	02:51.9
Kenneth Pinckney	7	03:05.0
Anna Bramstedt	8	03:06.5
Isaiah Moseley	9	03:18.9
Aiden Moseley	10	03:41.0
Ethan Moseley	11	03:52.0
Leo Littledale	12	04:31.9
Charles Kachadoorian	13	05:00.6

	Standing Broad Jump Men	1	2	3	4

1	Oronde Vassell	10ft 1in	10ft 5in.	scratch	10ft 5in
2	Nathaniel McBride	9ft 3in	9ft 3in	9ft 10in	8ft 7in
3	Christopher Sievert	9ft 2in	9ft 7in	9ft 6in	9ft 8in
4	Krashawn Knight	scratch	8ft 5in	8ft 7in	8ft 11in
5	Alexander Koger	6ft 11in	7ft 2in	7ft 2in	7ft 7in
6	Romero Luis Jr.	5ft 2in	5ft 5in	5ft 7in	5ft 11in

	Standing Broad Jump Women	1	2	3	4
1	Charlene Oliver	7ft 8in	7ft 6in	scratch	8ft 1in
2	Keelan McGuire	6ft 1 in	0ft 0in	0ft 0in	0ft 0in
3	Olivia Henrich	5ft 6in	5ft 5in	5ft 7in	6ft 0in

	Shot Put Men 16	1	2	3	4	5
1	Ikey Poumele	39ft 8in	40ft 11in	39ft 7in	42ft 10in	42ft 10in
2	Ralph Lufkin	38ft 2.5in	41ft 1in			41ft 1in
3	Jay Mensie	37ft 11in	27ft 5in	34ft 10.5in	35ft 5in	37ft 11in
4	Luis Romero	29ft 6in	29ft 3.5in	28ft 6in	27ft 1.5in	29ft 6in
5	Alexander Koger		25ft 11.2in	26ft 2.5in	26ft 8.5in	26ft 8.5in

	Shot Put Men 3K
Sr.	Joe Cordova		30ft 4.5in	29ft 10.5in	29ft 2in	30ft 4.5in
Youth	Romero Luis Jr.	15ft 8in	15ft 0in	14ft 9.5in		15ft 8in

	440

1	Jaylen Williams	54.84
2	Quint Nelson	55.99
3	David Schmeck	01:04.2
4	Eric Maier	01:10.9
5	Miki Scarlett	01:12.7
6	John Holland	01:56.2
7	Kimaya Jones	01:30.8
8	Charles Kachadooran	02:12.7

	3200 Men
1	Ethan Corrigan	12:11.0
2	Jeff DeGuide	12:11.3
3	Jonathan Sahrefen	12:40.1
4	Jason Hays	13:17.3
5	Rommel Hare	13:21.3
6	John Holland	13:51.2

	220 Men – Heat 1
1	Oronde Vassel	22.98
2	Quintavious Nelson	24.13
3	Kevin Jones	25.34
4	Krashawn Knight	25.62
5	Robert Morgan	27.74
6	Alex Koger	30.99

	220 Men – Heat 2
1	Christopher Sievert	24.05
2	Upton Fisher	24.42
3	Fredrick Middlebrooks	25.18
4	Luis Romero	31.90
5	Luis Romero Jr.	22.00
6	Charles Kachadoorian	56.67
7	Quintavius Nelson Jr.	21.23

	220 Women
1	Dionne Middlebrooks	25.52
2	Charlene Oliver	28.28
3	Tashianna Gray	29.71
4	Tasha Seymour	31.83
5	Lindsey Pasqueriello	37.52
6	Marcelina Marquez	47.28

	220 Girls
2	Kimaya Jones	40.00
4	Ja’mya Jackson	45.07
7	Sol Romero	1:29
5	Isabella Romero	1:07
1	Jenna Corrigan	39.07
6	Dymond Mingo	1:22
3	Aryah Palms	43.00

	Mens Mile
1	Jonathan Schiefen	5:19.22
2	Ralph Lufkin	5:25.57
3	Steven Vitug	5:31.36
4	Jeff DeGuide	5:33.45
5	Ethan Corrigan	5:35.37
6	Erin Maier	5:51.41
7	Curtis McLaunn	5:59.98
8	James Strother	6:01.04
9	Rommel Hare	6:07.07
10	John Holland	6:25.72
11	Don Shields	6:36.61
12	Everette Ervin	6:39.92
13	Luis G Romero	6:53.57

	Womens Mile
1	Miki Scarlett	6:04.76
2	Natasha Swartley	6:52.16
3	Chrissy Littledale	9:46.15
4	Fernanda Compos	11:40.67
5	Sayetzi Campos	12:46.95

END

3 thoughts on “TRACK COMES TO U.S. NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO”

Greg L. says:

August 28, 2015 at 6:07 pm

Thank you Toni for sharing. This truly captures what makes the sport of (athletics) track and field so appealing and inspiring!
-greg

Tiffany says:

August 28, 2015 at 4:52 pm

This was a terrific event and it a pleasure meeting you all! Thank you all for the support, warm welcome and encouragement you gave Ethan.

Paul Greer (USATF San Diego Long Distance Chair) says:

August 28, 2015 at 4:14 pm

Thank you Toni and it was indeed a wonderful honor and privilege to witness wonderful track and field performances from all our Military Men and Women & kids last night. The hope is a new tradition has begun!