BUTTE VALLEY — Talynn Schroeder and Julia Norman helped lead the Butte College track and field team to a Golden Valley Conference championship and tie for fourth place in the California Community College Athletic Association Northern California Championships. Now, Norman and Schroeder have committed to compete at the next level.

In a ceremony held Thursday at Butte College, Schroeder signed her letter of intent to compete at Division II San Francisco State University, and Norman signed with D-I Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Schroeder will compete in the pentathlon during the indoor season and heptathlon during the outdoor season, and may see individual races in the hurdles races as well. For Norman, who  set the new school record at Butte College in javelin, she’ll continue throwing javelin for the Mustangs.

“Both of these athletes were some of the hardest workers on our team, and their success is a byproduct of that,” said head track coach Jon Hayes. “They are two of my kids’ favorite athletes on campus and we’re always a joy to be around.”

When Hayes was asked about how the two athletes’ success at Butte College will translate to the next level, he stated, “Julia is a state champion in javelin with a strong arm that will continue to get better as she cleans up some things with her technique. Talynn has a great work ethic and will continue to get better, hoping that she can stay healthy next year and expect to see big things out of her.”

The 5-foot-7 Norman is leaving after her sophomore season, after coming to the Roadrunners from Trinity High School in Weaverville. She won the CCCAA state championship in javelin with a throw of 135 feet, 4.8 inches. She was an All American in javelin, as well as a GVC champion in long jump, triple jump, javelin, high jump, as well as being part of the 400 and 1,600 relay teams.

“Cal Poly has one of the best throws programs in the nation and I’m beyond excited to be apart of their athletic program,” Norman said when asked about her decision to sign with the Mustangs. “It’s a great school academically, located in a beautiful town.”

Norman said her biggest area of growth since arriving at Butte College has been her mental toughness, amidst battling injuries.

“Battling through injuries and having to watch my teammates from the stands really challenged me and made me stronger,” Norman said. “I’ve also made a ton of physical progress which has been really cool to see. Coach Hays does a really great job of pushing us and holding us accountable during our training.”

For Schroeder, she was All State in the heptathlon (consisting of 100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200 meter, long jump, javelin and 800 meter). She was the GVC champion in the 100-meter hurdles, and a member of the GVC champion 400 relay team.

When Schroeder was asked about her decision to sign with the Gators, where she will soon compete against near-by Chico State in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, she said despite having other offers, it was a good option financially and will provide her with a great education.

“Going there will open many doors and bring me many opportunities in my future,” Schroeder said. “They have a great track program and I already love both the athletes and the coaches.”

Before arriving at Butte College, Schroeder had only competed in track and field for one season at Yuba City High School, and had not done many of the events in the heptathlon.

“However, throughout each season I saw constant progress in each of my events,” Schroeder said. “I have also seen a lot of growth in my mental and physical resilience from competing at Butte.”

When Norman and Schroeder were asked about their favorite memories, both mentioned the team bonding experiences.

Norman noted, “silly moments around practice” and getting frozen yogurt with Schroeder after the NorCal heptathlon championship, but also mentioned the special feeling of breaking the Butte College record in the 400 relay, as well as becoming an All American with the furthest javelin throw in the state.

Schroeder echoed Norman when talking about breaking the 400 relay record and competing at the state championships, but said first and foremost it was the memories with her team.

“But overall, competing at every meet with the friends I made on the team are my favorite memories,” Schroeder said. “The bus rides were chaotic and fun, and the track meets even more so.”