(San Diego, CA) It might have been April Fools Day, but it was no joke for Mountie Sprinter Ilias Garcia who ran an incredible 9.88 seconds, in the 100 meters, at the Arnie Robinson Invitational (San Diego Mesa College | San Diego, CA).  His wind legal (-0.1 wind) time is the fastest 100M time in the world this season and shatters the previous college record of 10.09, set by Gerald Williams in 1999.  The freshman, out of Bonanza High School in Las Vegas, becomes the 35th fastest 100M runner in history (wind legal).  

"This was the first race he was ever pushed," replied Mt. SAC Sprint Coach John Bolton.  "He executed his race perfectly!"

In that race, Garcia was pushed by three S.H.A.R.K. team sprinters who ran 10.11, 10.13 and 10.30, respectively and are also coached by Bolton.

With the new personal record, Garcia will have hundreds of thousands of eyes on him when he competes in the USATF Golden Games portion of the Mt. SAC Relays (Hilmer Lodge Stadium) on Saturday, April 16th.  The men's 100 meters is one of the 21 featured "Golden Games" races that will be televised live nationally on CNBC and NBC Peacock, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (PST). 

Earlier in the season, Garcia ran a blazing 6.45 seconds (0.2 wind) outdoors at Mt. SAC, which at that time, was the fastest time in the world indoors.  He has also clocked 10.16 and 10.20 in the 100 meters this season, and has been part of the dominant Mt. SAC 4X100M Relay Team.

The Mounties will next return home  to host the Community College Division of the Mt. SAC Relays on Saturday, April 9th.

For more information on the Mt. SAC Relays, please visit runmtsac.com/relays 

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