Pipion earns scholarship to Fresno State

Ceonna Pipion has her future set. The Vista del Lago senior track star accepted a full-ride scholarship to attend and run track and field at Fresno State University. Before family and friends on Monday, Pipion signed her letter accepting the scholarship. She choose Fresno State over Sacramento State and Cal. "After visiting Fresno State, it was the best spot for me," Pipion said. "I want to study graphic art and design they have that major there. I visited the track team and watched them practice and I enjoyed meeting the coach and I liked his philosophy. I really liked the environment at Fresno State." Pipion is coming off a strong junior track and field season last spring in which she won the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters 400-meter dash championship and placed second in the 200 meters. At the CIF State Track and Field Championships, Pipion placed third in the 400 meters, and also reached the finals in the 200 meters, making the finals in both events for the second straight year. One of Pipion's track coaches, Curtis Taylor, attended the signing. He's coached Pipion since 2015. "She's excellent to train," Taylor said. "She's got a bright future. Our goal is to have her earn a berth to the 2024 Olympic Track and Field Trials." Pipion's fastest time in the 400 meters is 54.46 seconds. Taylor had told Pipion, speaking of college recruiters, "Run 54, and they'll knock on your door." Taylor was correct, as Pipion had upwards of 30 scholarship offers from schools around the country. Pipion's goals for track season this spring are to break 12 seconds in the 100 meters, 24 seconds in the 200 meters, and 54 seconds in the 400.