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On the campus of California Baptist University, new sweat- shirts that say "CBU Track" might be seen here and there. Men's and women's distance track is the latest addition to CBU's athletic program.

The CBU track team now competes during the indoor (winter) and outdoor (spring) seasons.Cross country athletes are now able to compete year- round due to the recent opening of the winter and spring track seasons.

The men's track and field program won an NAIA indoor track and field national cham- pionship back in 1999.The CBU track program was later dropped from CBU athletics in 2002. Men's and women's cross country was dropped in 2003 and then brought back to the school in 2008.With the addition of the track program, runners are able to compete year-round in indoor and outdoor events.

Junior, Kody Peterson, who competes in the 400/800/1500 meters said that, "our strongest events ware Men's Distance Medley Relay.Other than that the other events are improving with every meet and we are again looking stronger than ever following our cross country season."

Under the direction of head coach Wade Watkins, the Lancers competed in their first track meet since 2002 at the Concordia Qualifier on Sat. Jan. 30. The team started strong with several athletes placing in the top five in their events. So far this season, the CBU men's team has picked up two first place finishes in the 1,000-meters and distance medley races. The women's team grabbed first place in the 800-meters and the mile.

Peterson said that Coach Watkins' goal is, "to see us as athletes succeed to our fullest potential and would like to see as many athletes qualify for nationals as well as improvement in times and records. We also want to continue to grow closer together as a team in preparation for next season of cross country."

Watkins, who came to CBU following an eight season assistant coaching job at Cal Poly Pomona, is in charge of both track and field as well as cross country.

"During the indoor season, the Lancers will participate in the 600 meters, 800 meters, 1,000 meters, mile, 3,000 meters, 5,000 meters, 3,000-meter race walk, 4×800-meter relay and distance medley relay events. During the outdoor season, the Lancers will participate in the 400 meters, 800 meters, 1,500 meters, 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters, 5,000-meter race walk, 3,000-meter steeplechase, 4×800-meter relay, half marathon and marathon," https://www.cbulancers.com

The next meet is set for Sat. March 27 at Eagle Rock, Calif.