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OCC Track Teams Shine at 2025 Orange Empire Conference Championships

OCC track and field athletes excel during the 2025 Orange Empire Conference Championships.

News Summary

On April 26, 2025, the OCC men’s and women’s track and field teams achieved remarkable second-place finishes at the Orange Empire Conference Championships. The event saw the emergence of nine individual champions, including standout performances in events like the Heptathlon and various throwing disciplines. Abigail Gavrilovic earned the prestigious title of Women’s Track Athlete of the Year, highlighting the team’s overall strength with significant contributions across multiple events. As they prepare for upcoming state competitions, the OCC Pirates are poised to build on this success.

Orange, California – OCC Track Teams Excel at 2025 Orange Empire Conference Championships

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Orange Coast College (OCC), both the men’s and women’s track and field teams secured impressive second-place finishes at the highly competitive Orange Empire Conference Championships. The strong performances from the OCC Pirates showcased their athletic skill, with a total of nine individual conference champions emerging from the event.

Outstanding individual performances characterized the championships, where OCC’s Nikki Witan claimed the title in the Heptathlon, while Abigail Gavrilovic dominated the throwing events, winning both the Discus and Hammer Throw. Additionally, Sara Chupinski captured the title in the Triple Jump, and Jasmin Trujillo excelled in the 400 meters, crossing the finish line first. The women’s team continued to impress with Liberty Miller winning the 1500 meters and Kiarah Palacio taking first place in Javelin. On the men’s side, Brendan Clark also won in the 400 meters, while Deuce Fierson secured the Javelin title.

Alongside these championship titles, the OCC teams showcased remarkable depth, as 17 athletes finished as conference runners-up, and an additional 11 secured third-place finishes. This level of achievement highlighted the team’s strong overall performance throughout the event.

In addition to individual accolades, Abigail Gavrilovic earned the prestigious title of Orange Empire Conference Women’s Track Athlete of the Year due to her exceptional results in the throwing disciplines. Her efforts have underscored her prominence in the sport and the exceptional quality of training at OCC.

The relay events also highlighted the teamwork and skill of the athletes. Tala Dawood participated in the women’s 4×400-meter relay, successfully passing the baton to Chloe Guerena, while Deuce Fierson set the stage in the opening leg of the men’s 4×400-meter relay. Sean Artist contributed to the efforts in the men’s Discus event, finishing strong in sixth place overall.

Championship Highlights

Nikki Witan: Heptathlon Champion
Abigail Gavrilovic: Discus and Hammer Throw Champion; Women’s Track Athlete of the Year
Sara Chupinski: Triple Jump Champion
Jasmin Trujillo: 400 Meters Champion with a time of 56.15 seconds
Liberty Miller: 1500 Meters Champion
Kiarah Palacio: Javelin Champion
Brendan Clark: 400 Meters Champion
Deuce Fierson: Javelin Champion and Anchor of Men’s 4×400 Relay

Future Outlook

The performances at the conference championships were not only a celebration of individual talent but also reflected the collective strength and competitive spirit of the OCC track teams. As the championship concluded, the focus now shifts towards upcoming state competitions for the Pirates. With the momentum gained from their successful showing, the teams are poised to continue their impressive performances and aim for further success in the state arena.

The OCC track teams’ determination and resilience promise an exciting season ahead, as they carry forward the momentum from their strong conference showing. Athletes, coaches, and supporters are eagerly anticipating what lies ahead as they prepare for the challenges of state-level competitions.