Keeping Track of Stars at Track Meet

     I photographed the Chico State Twilight Invitational Track meet this Saturday. Track is generally an exciting sport that is also very challenging. Most of the competitors don't have numbers they wear to identify themselves with a roster. I have to be quick to keep track of who I take pictures of and their accomplishments. I was able to snap a couple shots off real quick. I would have liked to devote more time to the event, but am unable to give it that time commitment due to earlier assignments. I keep my eyes out for some excitement. 

Chico State's Michelle Burley (left) races against Humboldt State's Olivia Juarez (right) in the women's 400m race during their track meet at the CSUC University Stadium Saturday, April 10, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico State's Nick Lonnegren (left) takes the anchor from Matt Sloggy (right) in the men's 4x100m relay in their track meet at the CSUC University Stadium Saturday, April 10, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico State's Ryan Bertucci clears the high jump in their track meet at the CSUC University Stadium Saturday, April 10, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico State's Shannon Jordan (left) and Nichole Brieno (right) race in the women's hurdles during their track meet at the CSUC University Stadium Saturday, April 10, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico State's Aimee Rodgers (center) races against Southern Oregon Chenin Young (left) and Oregon Tech's Nikki Smith (right) in the women's hurdles during their track meet at the CSUC University Stadium Saturday, April 10, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

     While looking around the track for some events I noticed one of the officials. It was Emily Azevedo, who was a Chico High grad, that went on to compete in the 2010 Olympic Winter games in the bobsled. She was at the track meet helping out with officiating. Since her rise to Olympic fame, she has become a local hero in Chico. The track event was a small event that allowed me to have a casual conversation with Azevedo. She was a very sweet and humble person. It will be exciting to see her career take off as she continues to compete. I was not planning on seeing her at the track meet. 

Winter Olympic bobsledder Emily Azevedo keeps an eye on the men's 1500m race as she was seen helping out with the starts at the Chico State track meet at the CSUC University Stadium Saturday, April 10, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

     It allowed me to capture a couple frames that we will probably be using for a future feature. It goes to show that you must always keep your eyes open. I came to the track meet to photograph the sport, but ended up finding another story while there.