by Steven Fernandez
Daily Lobo
Jarrin Solomon earned his first victory of the season Saturday, cruising to first place in the 400-meter dash at the UCSD Triton Invitational.
Solomon stopped the clock in 47.57 for the win.
The UNM sophomore said he would have liked to have run a faster time, but he was happy to get the victory.
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"You can't be too disappointed with winning," Solomon said. "It just wasn't that fast of a race. It's hard to run a lot faster when you don't have guys pushing you. Overall, it was a good race."
The Lobos had four wins at the UCSD Triton Invitational. Sophomore Ariel Burr continued her strong season by winning the 200-meter dash in 24.11. It was Burr's first victory in the 200 after she set the school record in the 400 at the Mount Sac Relays.
UNM head coach Matt Henry said it was important for Burr to have success in another event this weekend.
"That helps her 400, to be able to run a good 200 like that," Henry said. "We're excited about her running that. That shows a little versatility, and it's nice to have."
In the men's javelin throw, freshman Anthony Fairbanks finished first with a throw of 205-8. It was Fairbanks' second victory and fourth top-three finish of the season.
Henry said Fairbanks is showing a lot of potential early in his career.
"That's a good deal," Henry said. "We're very excited about Anthony having the season he's having."
In the women's 5,000-meter race, freshman Leslie Luna picked up a victory in her first race of the 2006 outdoor season. Luna had been struggling with injuries, but came on strong in her first outdoor race.
Henry said he's excited to see Luna have success in her first race, and expects her to get healthier as the season goes along.
"That was nice," Henry said. "She's still not in real good shape, but we still have a few weeks until conference. I hope we can get her there and see what happens."
In the same race senior Jacquelyne Gallegos and sophomore Melanie Velarde placed fourth and fifth, respectively. Gallegos won the 3,000-meter run earlier this season at the Cardinal and Gold Invitational, but has also struggled with injuries.
Henry said Gallegos is training hard and should be able to come around at the end of the season.
"It just wasn't clicking for her last night," Henry said. "She's starting to feel better and better all the time. Jackie is a wild woman when it comes to the conference meet. I hope that she can be healthy on the conference day, and she'll run well."
Henry said he was happy to see his team earn four wins on Saturday, and hopes it can give the Lobos some momentum for the rest of the season.
"I think we really had some success in this meet," Henry said. "That's good for the whole team. This was a nice meet for us."
