GORDIEN AND NWOKOMA COMPETE FOR SUCCESS

The MHCC track and field teams are gearing for their spring season – ready to sprint, leap hurdle and throw.

The Saints’ first meet of the season took place March 7. They will travel to Forest Grove on Saturday, March 14, to participate in the Pacific Preview at Pacific University.

Here’s a look at two Saints who are hoping for great results in 2020:

GOING FOR DISTANCE

Dayne Gordien, 20, is a freshman who hails from California and moved to Oregon when he was a sophomore in high school, 2016. The events that he participates in include the shot-put and discus throw.

At Sandy High School, he enjoyed throwing during all four years of high school, winning the championship at the Oregon state meet for shot put and discus his senior year.

One of his favorite memories about track is going out to dinner with his family after meets over the years, he said.

Gordien has specific goals for the upcoming season: “I want to win the NWACs (league championship) in both events and set records in school events.”

He said he loves how supportive everyone on the Saints team is.

“Everybody’s really encouraging, helpful,” he said. He chose MHCC for many different reasons, including the coaches and the short distance between his home and the school.

“I live in Sandy. It’s really close to me,” said Gordien, who is studying General Education.

Eventually, he hopes to move somewhere warm and keep throwing the discus, continuing his track and field career at a four-year school in California.

On the personal side, Gordien really enjoys spaghetti as his favorite food, and 1960s rock is his favorite type of music to listen and jam to, he said.

Meantime, track has given him something to look forward to each morning, he said.

“It’s given me something to pursue. It’s given me a purpose,” said Gordien.

LOOKING TO LEAP

Competing on the women’s track team this year is 19-year-old sophomore Ujunwa Nwokoma.

This is her second year competing for MHCC; she participates in the long jump and 100 meter sprint. Her goal for this upcoming season is to jump 20 feet in the long jump.

Nwokoma was born and raised in Portland, attending Clackamas High School and participating in track and field all four years there.

One reason she chose MHCC is because her sisters came here, as well. The career she hopes to pursue is dental hygiene, as it offers a solid financial future.

One big track highlight for her is placing at the NWACs last year: She placed fourth in the 100 meter run and won the long jump event for Mt. Hood (hitting18 feet, 5 3/4 inches).

Another favorite memory for Nwokoma took place her senior year at Clackamas, when her relay team won third at the state meet and broke the school record.

Overall, “Track and field has taught me to keep trying and to not give up,” said Nwokoma.

As far as favorites, her favorite foods include rice and beans, and she enjoys listening to pop music.

Advocate Staff