Powell breaking records for GWC

Jacquelene Powell, known as "Jaci," has been an asset to the Rustlers women's track and field team since she arrived. Case in point: Powell is the 2011 Southern California Heptathlon champion defeating 17 other competitors during the SoCal Multi-Event Championships held at Antelope Valley College on April 13.

Earlier this season, Powell broke a 10-year Golden West school record in the women's triple jump during the team's first track meet against Orange Coast College. Her mark of 38′-7.75″ is currently the best mark in the state. The previous record of 37′-8.50″ was held by Amber Price set in 2001.

Powell, a 19-year-old freshman from Oakdale High School in Oakdale, Calif., played an integral role on the girl's volleyball and track teams leading the volleyball team to a championship appearance her sophomore year in 2008.

During her senior year at Oakdale High, she won the San Joaquin Section, Division III Championship in the triple jump, 100-meter hurdles and long jump.

The Powell family seems to breed track stars; Powell's twin sister Juliana also competes on the Golden West team and their younger sister Dominique also runs at Oakdale High.

Beautiful Huntington Beach drew Powell and her sister here from Oakdale, and the desire to be a part of a school with a winning tradition. "I wanted to be a part of a winning track team and I hope to do well enough to transfer to a university that has a division one track team."

The track season is almost over with the Orange County Conference Finals April 30, the SoCal Regional Championships on May 14, and finally the State Championships on May 20-21 remaining. Powell has already come so far with all she's done this season is certain to do well in the upcoming meets.

Powell is still undecided as to her major and is currently focusing on her general education requirements is enjoying her time competing for Golden West. "I love the competition from track and field events and I hope to continue to do well.