SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — The Cal Poly track and field team delivered a dominant performance at the Conover Classic this weekend, securing a total of 17 event wins and witnessing a school record fall in the women’s 4×100 meter relay. The Mustangs showcased strength across the board, with standout performances from both veteran athletes and rising stars, signaling a promising season ahead. The team’s success at the Conover Classic underscores their dedication and sets a high bar as they prepare for upcoming competitions, including the West Coast Relays later this month.
Travis Martin, a 2025 Second Team All-American, led the charge on the men’s side, making a splash in his season debut. Martin launched an impressive hammer throw of 239 feet, 10 inches – a personal best and the second-best mark in Cal Poly history. According to TFRRS, the throw currently ranks as the second-longest in the nation this outdoor season, besting the second-place competitor by over 20 feet. The performance is a strong indicator of Martin’s potential for continued success throughout the season.
The Mustangs weren’t limited to just one standout performance. Aiden Pastorian, a transfer student from Long Beach State, also made an immediate impact, winning the men’s shot put with a lifetime best of 60 feet, 8 inches. This mark is the second-best in Cal Poly history and makes Pastorian only the fifth Mustang athlete to ever surpass the 60-foot barrier in the event. Vincent Atilano continued the winning streak with a personal record of 51.34 seconds in the men’s 400-meter hurdles, a time that hasn’t been seen from a Mustang in 40 years.
Record-Breaking Performance in the Women’s 4×100
The highlight of the women’s competition was undoubtedly the record-breaking performance in the 4×100 meter relay. The team of Desie Armstrong, Madison Easter, Jordan Jackson, and Ava Simos combined for a time of 44.89 seconds, shattering the previous school record. This victory demonstrates the team’s speed and coordination, and positions them as strong contenders in the Large West Conference.
Beyond the relay, Cal Poly women excelled in several individual events. Grace Proudfoot took first place in the high jump, clearing 5 feet, 8 inches, while Tayhlore Hoagland dominated the long jump with a leap of 19 feet, 6 inches. Isabella Rigby also had a strong showing, winning both the shot put (49-4.25) and the discus (168-11).
Men’s Team Continues to Shine
The men’s team continued to build on their success, with Ben Feyrer winning the pole vault with a mark of 17 feet, 9 inches, tying for eighth in school history. Nathan Fifer secured the top spot in the high jump with a personal best of 6 feet, 8.75 inches, and Taj Clark ran a personal best time of 1:51.90 to win the invite 800-meter race. The men’s 4×400 relay team, comprised of Wil Brennan, Jeffrey Overgaard, Alexander Franco, and Vincent Atilano, also claimed victory with a time of 3:14.48. Conrad Bernstein, recently named the Big West Men’s Field Athlete of the Week, added another win to his resume in the javelin throw, reaching a distance of 207 feet, 4 inches.
Looking Ahead to the West Coast Relays
Cal Poly will now set its sights on the West Coast Relays, hosted by Fresno State on March 27-28. This competition will provide another opportunity for the Mustangs to test their skills against a wider range of opponents and continue to refine their performances as the season progresses. The team’s strong showing at the Conover Classic has undoubtedly boosted their confidence and momentum heading into the next challenge.
The full results from the Conover Classic can be found on the Cal Poly Athletics website.
The Mustangs’ performance this weekend demonstrates a clear commitment to excellence and a promising outlook for the remainder of the track and field season. Fans can follow the team’s progress and stay updated on upcoming events through the Cal Poly Athletics website.
Share your thoughts on the Mustangs’ impressive performance and cheer them on as they head to Fresno!
