Jasveen Brar experienced just about every emotion during her final season with the Modesto Junior College women's track and field team.
Sidelined with the flu for two weeks, the 2010 Central Valley High School graduate lost seven pounds.
Brar had reason to smile after willing herself to a seventh-place finish in the 400 hurdles at the 2012 California Community College Track & Field Championships on May 19.
"After I got sick midway through the season, my mentality got weaker," she said. "I really thought I'd have no chance at going to state. I was really devastated. I stayed motivated. I started practicing a lot harder. It was my last year. I really wanted to do well."
Jasveen posted a time of 64.55 seconds in the 400 hurdles at Cerritos College.
She passed two girls during the final 100 meters and avoided finishing in last place.
"I don't know where I got the energy from," said Brar, who competed in lane nine. "I just ran as fast as I could."
Jasveen will continue her track and field career at San Francisco, along with cousin/Modesto JC teammate Dani Brar.
Jasveen placed sixth in the 400 hurdles at state in 2011.
She earned All-American status for the second year in a row.
"It's always a great feeling when you reach your goals," Brar said. "I enjoy practicing and working hard for something. Success never gets old."
Adriana Mendez, a 2011 Central Valley grad and Modesto JC freshman, placed seventh in the 1,500.
Mendez completed the race in a personal-record time of 4:49.89. She improved by four seconds.
"It was my first time competing at state," Mendez said. "I didn't know what to expect. Once I was there, I focused on my race and tried my best. I didn't expect to medal. I just didn't want to come in last place."
Adriana's boyfriend, Modesto JC star/2010 Ceres High grad Alejandro Garcia, finished sixth in the 10,000 meters (31:56.28).
Alejandro placed 10th in the 5,000 meters (15:38.12).
Garcia, a two-time All-American, took fifth in the 10,000 last year.
"I got injured and that messed up my season a little bit," said Alejandro, who was slowed by left calf stiffness. "I had the stamina. I just didn't have the speed."
Garcia still managed to claim another state medal.
"That's a great achievement," he said. "I'm satisfied."
Brar and Mendez, and Garcia competed at rival high schools.
Jasveen, Adriana and Alejandro root for each other now.
"I've known them for such a long time," Brar said. "I'm really proud of them."
"It's pretty cool," said Garcia, who will run for Modesto JC's cross country team this fall. "We're representing Ceres, a small town."
Sidelined with the flu for two weeks, the 2010 Central Valley High School graduate lost seven pounds.
Brar had reason to smile after willing herself to a seventh-place finish in the 400 hurdles at the 2012 California Community College Track & Field Championships on May 19.
"After I got sick midway through the season, my mentality got weaker," she said. "I really thought I'd have no chance at going to state. I was really devastated. I stayed motivated. I started practicing a lot harder. It was my last year. I really wanted to do well."
Jasveen posted a time of 64.55 seconds in the 400 hurdles at Cerritos College.
She passed two girls during the final 100 meters and avoided finishing in last place.
"I don't know where I got the energy from," said Brar, who competed in lane nine. "I just ran as fast as I could."
Jasveen will continue her track and field career at San Francisco, along with cousin/Modesto JC teammate Dani Brar.
Jasveen placed sixth in the 400 hurdles at state in 2011.
She earned All-American status for the second year in a row.
"It's always a great feeling when you reach your goals," Brar said. "I enjoy practicing and working hard for something. Success never gets old."
Adriana Mendez, a 2011 Central Valley grad and Modesto JC freshman, placed seventh in the 1,500.
Mendez completed the race in a personal-record time of 4:49.89. She improved by four seconds.
"It was my first time competing at state," Mendez said. "I didn't know what to expect. Once I was there, I focused on my race and tried my best. I didn't expect to medal. I just didn't want to come in last place."
Adriana's boyfriend, Modesto JC star/2010 Ceres High grad Alejandro Garcia, finished sixth in the 10,000 meters (31:56.28).
Alejandro placed 10th in the 5,000 meters (15:38.12).
Garcia, a two-time All-American, took fifth in the 10,000 last year.
"I got injured and that messed up my season a little bit," said Alejandro, who was slowed by left calf stiffness. "I had the stamina. I just didn't have the speed."
Garcia still managed to claim another state medal.
"That's a great achievement," he said. "I'm satisfied."
Brar and Mendez, and Garcia competed at rival high schools.
Jasveen, Adriana and Alejandro root for each other now.
"I've known them for such a long time," Brar said. "I'm really proud of them."
"It's pretty cool," said Garcia, who will run for Modesto JC's cross country team this fall. "We're representing Ceres, a small town."
