Ydens sets new mark in winning SoCal hammer

The Saddleback men's track & field team was in San Diego on Saturday to participate in the Southern California Regional Prelims at San Diego Mesa College.  The Gauchos walked away with one title as Christian Ydens won the hammer throw.

Ydens edged out fellow teammate Eric McArthur, who finished in third on Saturday.  He had a personal-best throw of 54.69 meters on his third toss of the day, which ranks as the third longest throw in the state this season. 

McArthur had the longest throw in the state this season when he had a throw of 55.12 at the Prairie War Invitational in late March.  He had a toss of 50.90 on his final throw of the day on Saturday to finish third.

Ydens and McArthur both rank in the top-10 in Saddleback history in the hammer throw, with Ydens moving up to No. 9 with his throw on Saturday.  McArthur ranks No. 7 all-time in Saddleback track & field history following his throw at the Prairie War Invitational.  Both are now considered among the favorites to capture the state title in Bakersfield later this month. 

Saddleback earned one more point on Saturday with Nathaniel Bustamante finishing in eighth place in the decathlon.  Bustamante set a new personal mark with a total score of 5,430.  His performance on Saturday ranks No. 8 all-time in Saddleback history. 

Saddleback track & field will be back in action next Saturday at the SoCal Finals at San Diego Mesa College.  The Gauchos are currently tied for third place after the prelims with 17 total points.