The Chico State Track and Field program describes its values with the Hawaiian word "Ohana," which means family. And a little time spent with the team makes it clear that it is not just lip service. But last Wednesday and Thursday, Lane Andrews found himself in a rare place: on an island.
While his three fellow decathletes competed in the Mt. SAC Relays Combined Event, Andrews competed in the California Invitational. The competitions took place in the same facility, but at different times.Andrews could see his teammates, but he was competing by himself against a field of Division I and post-collegiate athletes.
He may have been lonely, but the latest Wildcat of the Week was locked in.
Andrews added 170 points to his previous career best to blow past the vaunted 7,000-point mark with a new personal record of 7,040, which is the sixth best score in the nation this season. He finished eighth overall.
That total–an NCAA Championships provisional qualifying mark–will almost assuredly be enough to get Andrews to the starting line at the NCAA Championships May 25-27 in Bradenton, Florida.
Andrews was solid through the first four events but then ran a spectacular 400, crossing the line in under 50 seconds for the first time (49.09). He also PR'd in the 100 meters (11.40) and pole vault (4.70 meters).
