At one of the most competitive track and field meets in the nation, Kaitlyn Arciaga (9) set a school record in the 800-meter race with a time of 2:11, good enough to garner first place in her heat at the Arcadia Invitational, April 8-9. Arciaga said that becoming nationally ranked while only being a freshman means that she will take the time to strive to become faster.

It is considered the most competitive meet in the nation, April 8 and 9.

Representing Westview was the boys 4×800, boys distance medley relay, girls distance medley relay, girls high jump, girls 800 meter, and boys 400 meter. 

Kaitlyn Arciaga (9) placed in first place in her heat for an 800 meter race and set an all-time school record for the 800 with a time of 2:11. 

 “I am hoping that I can maybe set a few more records and win [at Arcadia],” she said. 

Even before knowing she won the race, Arciaga said the first thing she did was run over to her teammates.

“They were really proud of me, which made me really happy,” she said. 

Arciaga said that going to Arcadia for the first time was an eye-opening experience, especially as a relative newcomer to track competitions.

“It was insanely packed,” she said. “You could just look around and you would see your competition and you would feel so intimidated. But then you would go up and talk to them and [realize] this person is so nice.” 

Second-time Arcadia participant Byron Atterton (12) competed in the boys 400-meter race, finishing sixth in his heat at 50.25 seconds. This year was his first time competing in an individual event. 

Atterton said that being at Arcadia helped him push himself to be faster.

 “There were a ton of people and the competition was way, way harder than regular track meets,” he said. “[At regional meets], I’d be dominating our domains. Once I went to Arcadia, all of a sudden everybody else was running at the same time, if not faster.” 

Cheyenne Roberts (12) competed in the girls high jump. 

“I felt really nervous and normally I try and turn my nerves into excitement,” she said. “It was really cool and just being there was the most incredible feeling ever.”

“ It was great to be surrounded with the best of the best competition and crowds. The crowd really gave you adrenaline like no other”. 

After her event Roberts said she was determined to improve her skills.

“I felt motivated to do better at practice and meets so I could accomplish better heights,” she said.

Edmund Sumpena (12) competed as the anchor leg for the boys 4×800. He said that one of the best parts of attending Arcadia was also becoming the “audience” at the events.

“I think watching all the races was like half the experience at Arcadia—not actually being in the race but watching [others compete],” he said. “It was crazy, and listening to the crowd just stand up as everybody races towards the finish line [was exciting],” he said.

Overall, Atterton said that Arcadia was a chance for him to race and learn amongst the fastest people in the nation.

“At the end of the day, it’s just a learning opportunity for the next opportunity,” Atterton said.