TRK: Rucker starts strong for SBCC track

Kathryn Rucker captured the women’s high jump on Saturday as Santa Barbara City College opened its women’s track season at the Pomona-Pitzer All-Comers meet.

Rucker, a sophomore from Sacramento who was seventh in the state last year, cleared 1.68 meters (5 feet, 6 inches) for the second-best mark in school history. She improved her previous best by two inches and is just a half-inch shy of the all-time record set by Kelli Johnson in 2011.

Christina Khalil was second in the 400 hurdles (1:12.21) and fifth in the long jump (4.72 meters). Alyssa Garrett was third in the hurdles (1:13.23). Kodie Hebert took fifth in the javelin (31.46m) and Hailey Brundy was seventh (27.46).

“We wanted to get out and establish some early season marks to see how well the hard work has paid off,” said Santa Barbara coach Scott Fickerson. “We had many very solid marks, complete with personal bests or very close. The hard work is paying off and we are excited for a great season ahead.”

The Vaqueros will compete in the WSC Relays on Friday at Ventura College. Field events start at 11 a.m. and running events at noon.