Fast Is Not Fast Enough for Nilsson

The women’s 5,000-meter run was the first event Sunday at the California/Nevada Track Championships at UC Irvine, but any hopes of a tight race were quickly put to rest by the Anteaters’ Kareen Nilsson.

Nilsson jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, recording a time of 16 minutes 46.45 seconds to easily outdistance second-place Katie Appenrodt of UC Santa Barbara (17:12.99).

Still, the Anteater junior wanted to do better, considering she needs a time closer to 16:35 to qualify for the NCAA finals in the event.

“I would have liked to go at least 10 seconds faster than that,” said Nilsson, who has already qualified for the finals in the 10,000. “It’s tough when you’re not really pushed, but you can never be disappointed with a win.”

Cal State Fullerton’s Richard Adams was the runaway winner in the men’s 400 hurdles with a time of 51.38--almost a second better than second-place Ahman Wright of California (52.21).

The victory was especially sweet for Adams, a sophomore who finished third in this event last year.

“Everything was clicking out there,” Adams said. “I’ve been working since last year for this event. I’ve been able to do all right this year by just running my race.”

Adams’ win offset a disappointing day for the Titans, who had two runners bow out of their scheduled events due to injury.

Nick McCullum strained his right hamstring while running the leadoff leg for the Titans’ 400 relay team. McCullum was able to hand off the baton, but left the track in pain.

The injury forced McCullum to drop out of the 100 and 200--he qualified second and first in those events--and the Titans’ 1,600 relay team.

Genia Daniels, who qualified fifth for the Titans in the 100, injured her back during the 400 relay and was unable to continue.

Cal finished first overall in the men’s team competition. San Diego State won the women’s title.