Agoura track and field athletes compete in Down Under Games

MEDALS OF HONOR—Team California, featuring several members of the Agoura High track and field squad, won 21 medals at the Down Under Games in Australia. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Louis Bartuzik, Cebriana Avina, LaSasha Aldredge, Brooke Rumley, Kimberly Sharp, Alexandra Smith, Sophia Ferrone and Nami Taghavi. Middle row: Coach Jon Willingham, Christopher Williams, Andrew Powell, Daniel Taniguchi, Aaron Feliciano and coach Tracy Spencer. Back row: Nathaniel Puckett, Roman Kennedy, Patrick Rohn, James Short and Brendan Poutier. Former Agoura High track and field coach Tracy Spencer traveled with a group of 17 high school athletes, including several from Agoura, to take part in the Down Under Games in Brisbane, Australia, earlier this month.

Competing as Team California, the group won nine gold medals and 12 bronze.

"A lot of the kids' track seasons ended in May, and I wasn't sure they'd be ready for this," Spencer said.

"But I think we performed above expectations and came back like champs. We left a message with the Australians, and I think they'll be even more ready for us next year."

According to Spencer, 32 states as well as other nations were represented at the Games.

Each participant raised $3,700 for travel expenses. The trip also included a three-day stay in Hawaii.

For more information or to inquire about making the trip next year, contact Spencer at tazics1979@aol.com.