The season opener for the Chaparrals track and field team ran into inclement weather Saturday at the Benedictine Invitational that forced its eventual postponement, but coach Robert Cervenka's teams showed they were undaunted.
 
The Chaps earned NJCAA qualifying standards in eight events from nine individuals before the meet was called at 2 p.m.
 
"Today was a gut check in terms of weather, but it's pretty admirable that we had as much success as we did,'' Cervenka said.
 
For the men, Diego Villalobos (11.22 seconds) and Josh Rivers (11.42) earned qualifying times in the 100 meters and Max Szul met the standard in the 110 hurdles (16.75).
 
John Sassan, who qualified in the long jump during the indoor season, qualified in the javelin (147 feet, 4 inches).
 
Sprinter Kiara Carter ran the nation's fastest 100-m time in the division at 13.07 seconds. Qualifying in the high jump was Paulina Stachura at 4 feet, 7 inches.
 
Freshman Akira Lebron met the standard in the triple jump (31 feet, 8 inches) and Alexandra Ochab qualified in the long jump at 15-6 ¼.
 
The Chaps should see better weather next week when they compete Saturday at McKendree University.
 
Benedictine Invitational
Lisle, Ill.
Saturday, April 2, 2022
 
Chaparrals
Men
100 m — Diego Villalobos 11.22 *, Josh Rivers 11.42 *, Alejandro Resendez 13.03
110 hurdles — Max Szul 16.75 *
Long jump — 2. Josh Rivers 22-3 ¾ (6.8) *, Diego Villalobos 17-6 ¾ (5.35)
Javelin — 4. John Sassan 147-4 (44.9) *
 
Women
100 — 4.  Kiara Carter 13.07 *, Alexandra Ochab 13.99
High jump — 7. Paulina Stachura 4-7 (1.39 m)*
Long jump — 5. Alexandra Ochab 15-6 ¼ (4.73 m) *, Akira Lebron 14-8 (4.47), Paulina Stachura 14-6 ½ (4.43)
Triple jump — 7. Akira Lebron 31-8 (9.65) *
Discus — Darnyce Springfield 58-11