Smith earns opportunity to represent Team USA at upcoming international competitions

SAN DIEGO - San Diego Mesa College track star Lamar Smith continues to excel after being named to the Team USA 4x100 meter relay team. 

Smith, 19, recently competed at the United States Track and Field U20 Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, finishing seventh in the 100 meter dash (10.51) and placed fifth in the 200 semifinal dash (21.49). 

The event, which is organized by the USA Track and Field (USATF) serves as the national championship for American athletes under 20 years old. The competition is also used for national team selection for the U23 North America, Central America, and Caribbean Athletics Association Championships (NACAC) and the U20 Pan American Athletics Championships. 

Smith’s placement in the 100-meter dash earned him a spot and will depart today for the NACAC in Costa Rica. After Costa Rica, Smith will then compete at the U20 Pan American Athletics Championships in Puerto Rico. 

The freshman from San Marcos, California has performed well throughout the year. Smith ran a 10.49 personal record in the 100-meter dash at the UCSD Triton Invitational (5th Mesa all-time).  At the state championships, Smith placed third in the 200 meters (21.47) and fifth place in the 100 meters (10.59). On the 4x400 team, along with Jake Beckwith, Harrison Hansen, and Luke Yruretagoyena, they finished in second place with a 3:14.86, which ranks ninth best in the SD Mesa record books.

“We are proud of Lamar’s accomplishments and his opportunity to represent Team USA,” states SD Mesa College head track and field coach Sean Ricketts. “Having the ability to gain experience at the international level will not only propel his development but also help with his recruiting to transfer to a four-year university.”