Cuesta Track and Field Thrower Corban Payne has accepted a scholarship to continue his academic and athletic career at nearby California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo.  Payne enjoyed a brilliant start to his collegiate career in 2020, but the pandemic shuttered his initial season after just four meets.  Payne's 2020 performance stood by itself and allowed him to sit out this spring, so he should have several years of eligibility with the Mustangs.   

Payne burst onto the collegiate scene finishing 3rd in the Shot Put at Westmont College's "On Your Marks Meet" behind a former Olympian and a Westmont senior.  He appeared to be on pace for an historic season for the Cougars, when the season came to an end a month later.  In his final three meets, Payne was undefeated in the Shot Put and his only loss in the Discus was, by mere inches, to teammate Micah Katz.  When the 2020 season ended abruptly on March 13, Payne ranked #1 in the Region in the Shot Put (51-4.25), 3rd in the Discus (144-7) and 5th in the Hammer (157-8).  During his brief time in the shadow of Cerro Romauldo Peak, he was also able to etch his name onto Cuesta's All Time Top 10.  He ranks 2nd all time at Cuesta in the Shot Put, 3rd in the Hammer and 5th in the Discus.  California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo competes in the Big West Conference and at the NCAA Division I level.