San Diego State Track and Field kicked off the winter season by hosting its annual Red-Black All-Comers Meet on Saturday. The gathering combined competition and community outreach on the Aztec Sports Deck. Athletes of every background, from youth competitors experiencing their first meet to seasoned collegiate standouts, high-school stars, recreational runners, and community members all challenged themselves on the track.
One of the best parts of the meet was its inclusive, light-hearted atmosphere. While SDSU track and field team members arrived ready to compete, they also embraced the event’s playful spirit by stepping outside their usual specialties.
Pole vaulters tried their hand at the high jump, sprinters ventured into the throws, and athletes from every discipline tested new events purely for the fun of it. The Red-Black format, pitting SDSU athletes against one another, added to the friendly rivalry and showcased the program’s depth of talent in an unconventional way.
The meet featured a large slate of events, highlighted by the “Arnie Robinson” long jump and “Willi Banks” triple jump, honoring two iconic San Diego figures in the sport. Field events also included the high jump, javelin, discus, and other throwing competitions, creating a fun day for both athletes and spectators. On the track, competitors lined up for distance challenges that included the 60-meter, 150-meter, and 300-meter races.
But the true draw of the day was the community engagement. The meet opened its lanes and runways to participants of all ages and experience levels, giving them the chance to compete in front of a lively crowd and alongside SDSU athletes. Families, local runners, and youth club members all converged on the Sports Deck, transforming the meet into a celebration of track and field’s accessibility and joy.
Community members of all ages and backgrounds took part in the day’s events, showcasing just how inclusive the meet truly was. Even Her Sports San Diego’s own Jourdan Ziff, who stepped up for the 300-meter dash and embraced the challenge of trying something new, joined in on the excitement. Stories like hers captured the essence of the meet. It was all about people coming together to share the joy of track and field sports, regardless of background or experience.
The event once again served as a great reminder of sport’s unique ability to connect people. SDSU has succeeded in creating an environment where athletes of all ages and disciplines could compete and collectively celebrate the sports of track and field in San Diego.