ELAC All-American runs at NCAA Championships

Where are they now? – Laura Aceves, Track and Field

 BRADENTON, FL — Five-time East Los Angeles College All-American Laura Aceves ended her first track and field season as a member of the California State University, San Bernardino team at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

Aceves placed ninth in her 3,000-meter steeplechase heat today in 10:41.02 minutes. She is the first women’s athlete of the Cal State San Bernardino two-year sport (track and field) to partake in the NCAA Championships.

Aceves is a 2016 recipient of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-West Region squad.

She ran a personal record in the steeplechase in 10:37.54 at the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Track and Field Championships on May 7 at California State University, Los Angeles.

Aceves placed second and as a result, she became the first women’s All-CCAA athlete from Cal State San Bernardino.

Her time was the 15th-fastest in the nation. Her time qualified her to the NCAA Championships, as a provisional time.

It was her first steeplechase personal record since her final two runs as a member of the ELAC women’s track and field team.

Aceves won the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) steeplechase state title on May 15, 2015 at San Mateo College with a time of 10:54.87. Then, it was the fastest time in the nation among community college women.

Aceves won the SoCal steeplechase run on May 2, 2015 at Cerritos College in 10:54.96. It is a SoCal meet record.

“I’m not surprised at her success,” said ELAC Head Coach Louis Ramirez.

According to Ramirez, Aceves did not run in high school. Her drive includes learning how to run better each day, which makes a champion.

“Laura overcame the adversity of adjusting to a four-year university life,” said Ramirez. According to Ramirez, this included a health issue, which was not diagnosed for weeks.

submitted by Tadzio Garcia