The University of La Verne men’s and women’s track and field teams competed last week in the State Championships in Fresno but fell short with no scoring players.

Unfortunately for the Leopards, the State Championships meet came only a week after their SCIAC victories, leaving little time for recuperation.

Freshman jumper and sprinter Wade Worthy was unable to compete due to injury.

The Leopard athletes had to contend not only with Division I athletes but also with their own muscle soreness.

With the championships being held two days after the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament, the ULV athletes did not fare as well as they could have.

Senior jumper Donte Witherspoon was ranked as the No. 2 long jumper in the nation and competed in the State Championships.

“I was hoping to do well considering how I did in the SCIAC finals,” Witherspoon said. “Unfortunately my body wouldn’t let me.”

Senior Lakia Pearson was recently announced as the Female SCIAC Track and Field Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive season.

With the award Pearson became the first La Verne track and field athlete to accomplish such a feat in multiple seasons.

Along with the honorary award, Pearson also won three consecutive titles in the triple jump (2003, 2004, 2005).

“I’m very excited about winning the award two years in a row,” Pearson said. “That was my goal this year and I achieved it. The only thing that will make me happier is if I win nationals.”

Pearson, however, did not deliver as well in the State Championships, as she did not place in her events.

“I was still in a lot of pain from the SCIAC tournament,” Pearson said.

Several athletes from both the men and the women’s teams have qualified to compete in the National Championships as well.

Head coach Pat Widolff downplayed the importance of the State Championships and stressed the importance of his teams’ next meet.

“I wasn’t too concerned about that meet (State Championships),” Widolff said. “We’re really looking forward to the Oxy invite.”

Both teams will compete tomorrow at the Occidental Invitational in Eagle Rock at 11 a.m.

Adrian Medrano can be reached at amedrano@ulv.edu.