Vickers Faces a Grueling Task in Northridge Invitational

As a high school senior in 1987, Janeene Vickers single-handedly led Pomona to the girls’ team title in the state track and field championships at Hughes Stadium in Sacramento, winning the 100 meters, the 100-meter low hurdles and the 300-meter low hurdles.

Her three victories totaled 30 points, two better than runner-up Long Beach Poly.

However, the UCLA sophomore’s propensity for excelling in numerous events might push her endurance to the limit in the Northridge Invitational at Cal State Northridge today.

Vickers has entered six events--the 100, 200, 400, 400-meter low hurdles, 400- and 1,600-meter relays--in the two-day meet, which begins this morning at 10.

“I’m wouldn’t be surprised if she runs all those events,” Northridge Coach Don Strametz said. “She’s been doing that in recent weeks. A lot will probably depend on the weather.”

While Vickers may be the most noteworthy entrant, there will be plenty of local talent on display, including Darcy Arreola of Cal State Northridge and former CSUN standout Vaughan Kastor.

Arreola, the defending NCAA Division II champion in the 1,500 and 3,000, will run in the 800 and 1,500 during the women’s meet today while Kastor has entered the same events in the men’s meet Sunday. Kastor, who set the Northridge school record of 1 minute, 49.21 seconds in the 800 meters last year, will compete for Running Experience Track Club.