LONG BEACH, Calif. - Santa Ana Track & Field returned to action on Saturday afternoon as the Dons competed in their first meet of the season at the Beach Opener hosted by Long Beach State at Jack Rose Track. 

The Dons are under new direction with Head Coach Johnnie Peeples Jr. taking the reins of the program this Spring. Coach Peeples brings a wealth of experience in strength and conditioning and has experience playing and coaching multiple sports.

SAC kicked off the season with eight of 11 runners on their roster racing against primarily four year schools.

Jesus Retiguin was the lone sophomore to compete for the Dons. The distance runner from Canyon High did not score in the 3K event but finished 53rd in the 1,500M with a time of 4:33.46. 

Freshmen Connor Waimrin (27th - 54.13), Jacob Quinn (28th - 57.18) and Zahid Sadat (29th - 1:02.08) made their debut in the 400M event while Jacob Hallahan (48th - 2:17.21) and Evan Aguilera (DNS) opened with the 800M and 1,500M race. 

Quinn also competed in the 110M hurdle and placed 18th with a time of 19.05. 

The Dons are expected to add a few key members as the season continues. Next up on Santa Ana's schedule is the Orange Empire Conference HEP/DEC event followed by the Long Beach City Viking Invitational.