Albuquerque, N.M.----- In its first conference indoor track and field championship competition in school history, the San Jose State University men's track and field team finished seventh at the Mountain West Indoor Track and Field Championship.
Junior Aidan Jardon accounted for the Spartans' point total on the final day of the three-day championship meet with his eighth place finish in the 400 meters. Jardon was timed in 50.16 to give San Jose State its third point of the meet.
The Spartans looked like they had a chance to add to their point total in the final event – the 4x400 meter relay. Running at a pace that was approximately seven seconds faster than its previous season best, San Jose State was disqualified in the event due to a lane violation.
"This weekend, we got the most out of ourselves. We left the meet with good momentum and this spring, we plan on being on the podium at the outdoor championships. We are going to get there by working harder and building upon our experiences this weekend," said Kendra Reimer Gonzales, San Jose State University's director of track and field about both the Spartan men's and women's programs.
San Jose State's entries for the day primarily were in the 3,000 meters. Senior Craig Huff was the top finisher for the Spartans crossing the finish line in a time of 8:31.36 for 12th place. Charlie Pope was next in 14th place at 8:34.12.
The Spartan men finished its indoor season with seven personal bests at the Mountain West Championship.
Next, San Jose State turns its attention to the outdoor season. The first meet is the UC Davis Aggie Open, March 8 & 9.
2019 Mountain West Men's Indoor Track & Field Championship
Convention Center, Albuquerque, N.M.
February 23, 2019
Day 3 Results (San Jose State events only)
Team scores (through 17 events) – 1, Colorado State, 151. 2, Air Force, 136. 3, Utah State, 97. 4, New Mexico, 86. 5, Wyoming, 76. 6, Boise State, 55. 7, San Jose State, 3.
Men's triple jump (10 entries) – 1, Aidan Quinn, New Mexico, 15.03m. San Jose State entry – NP, Richard Dang, foul.
Men's 400-meter final – 1, Zach Dicken, Air Force, 47.10. San Jose State finisher – 8, Aidan Jardon, 50.16.
Men's 3,000-meter final (38 entries) – 1, Addison DeHaven, Boise State, 8:12.46. San Jose State finishers – 12, Craig Huff, 8:31.36. 14, Charlie Pope, 8:34.12. 27, Luis Chavez, 8:49.87. NP, Edgar Bonilla, did not finish.
Men's 4x400 meter relay – 1, Air Force, 3:13.04. 2, Wyoming, 3:15.21. 3, New Mexico, 3:15.82. 4, Boise State, 3:17.40. 5, Colorado State, 3:18.14. 6, Utah State, 3:18.87. NP, San Jose State (Dominic Tanner, Aidan Jardon, Michael Harris, III, Peter Handy), DQ – lane violation.
