Morcelli Aiming for Record at Northridge

Innocent Egbunike of Nigeria and Janeene Vickers of UCLA will be the most recognizable competitors in today’s Northridge Invitational at Cal State Northridge. But Nourredine Morcelli of Algeria and Riverside City College is the one to watch.

Morcelli, who was timed in 3 minutes 55.83 seconds in the mile during the indoor season, will attempt to lower the national junior college record in the 5,000 meters.

Julius Kariuki of Kenya, the 1988 Olympic champion in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, set the record of 13:41.4 for Riverside in 1988.

“We’re looking to run 8:48 for the first two miles, then run the last mile under 4:24,” Riverside Coach Ted Banks said.

Darcy Arreola, who is redshirting at Northridge, will make her season debut (800 and 1,500 meters) for the Nike Coast track club.

The meet will start at 9:45 a.m.