Walnut, Calif. – The Mt. SAC Men's Track and Field Team is gearing up for the 2025 season and preparing to defend their 3C2A State Championship title. Under the leadership of Head Coach Giovanni Lanaro, the Mounties are aiming for their fourth consecutive state championship, continuing the program's legacy of excellence.

Lanaro, who oversees the entire team while coaching pole vault and multi-events, believes this year's group is well-rounded across nearly all event areas. "I think we have a strong team, but it's still early," he said. "We trained in the fall and had an idea of our potential, but now that we've brought our cross country athletes into the mix - who makes up the core of our distance team - we have a better idea of where we stand."

With over 110 athletes on the roster, around 100 are expected to compete. The Mounties' success has been built on their depth across all event areas. "To win a state title, it takes a collective effort," Lanaro emphasized. "You can have a strong sprint program and do well, but when you're facing tough competition, you need a complete team."

Mt. SAC will face tough competition throughout the season, particularly from rivals Riverside and Cerritos, who consistently have strong men's track and field teams. Long Beach City College, a former powerhouse, is also resurging under new coaching leadership. "Riverside is always our biggest rival," Lanaro noted. "They have a strong throws program and solid sprinters, making them a tough opponent year after year. So, I'm interested to see how we do against them."

With the goal of bringing home another state championship trophy, Lanaro and his team remain focused on continued development and peak performance in May. "Conference and SoCal are great, but we always set our sights on the state title. I'm excited to see how this team will come together," he said.

When asked if his athletes were feeling the pressure of chasing a fourth consecutive title, Lanaro acknowledged the expectations that are tied to the history of the school's success. "Just being at Mt. SAC and participating in our athletics programs, there is always pressure to perform at a high level," Lanaro explained. "We have beautiful facilities and a great reputation, making it easier for us to recruit quality athletes - but with that comes the expectation that they'll put in the work to maintain the program's legacy."

The season kicks off on February 8, with the South Coast Conference Opener at Long Beach City College, a preview meet that will provide early insights into the team's strengths and areas that need improvement.

With a strong group of returning sophomores and a talented group of freshmen, the team is motivated and excited to compete. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Mt. SAC to see if they can achieve their goal of securing a fourth consecutive state title. Good luck, Mounties!

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.