Last year, the boys’ team became league champions after 35 years, going undefeated. The coaches and athletes were hoping to repeat that feat this year. 

The team came into the season very strong, consisting of returners such as Diego Cardona for shot put, Devin Tapia for the 400m, Bryan Meza for 100m hurdles, and Gustavo Perez for the 400m as well. “There was a lot of hope for a solid season and excitement. I think our kids have a lot of potential in every single field,” Coach Mendez said.

The boy’s team didn’t disappoint, taking the league title.. “Our boys were back to back champions for the first time in school history and recorded their 3rd league championship in school history,” Mendez said.  

For the girls’ team, although they did their best they did not win a league title. “Our girls were competitive and still had a shot at the league title and that is all you can ask for, they finished 3-3”, Mendez said. “I want to stay consistent in order to improve for next year’s season,” hurdler Nikki Lomeli said. 

However, both teams made it to CCS, with 15 individuals who qualified for the CCS semi-finals – 9 boys and 6 girls. It was Gustavo Perez and Harry Ordiano in both  the 1600m and the 3200m, along with Erik Luna. In the 4×400, it was Jose Coronado, Xavier Quintero, Devin Tapia, and Bryan Meza. As for the triple jumps, it was Nicolas Padilla and Rogelio Jacinto. Tapia qualified for the CCS finals by breaking his PR of 49.06 and finishing 5th. “I feel like I accomplished something this season,” Tapia said. “I got further from last season. My hamstring healed, it’s good. My goal for Saturday (CCS finals) is to hopefully break my PR, get under 49 seconds.”

On the girls’ side, one relay team qualified, the 4x400m – Erika Castro, Valerie Tena, Terra Ward, and Luz Mejia. Individually, Mejia and Castro also qualified for the 400m, and Nayeli Gil-Silva made it for the triple jump. Nikki Lomeli qualified for 100m hurdles. “I felt happy and shocked,” Lomeli said. 

The girls season ended at the CCS semi-finals, but they are now aware of what it takes to get to the finals, win their first league championship, or even go to state

Tapia was the only athlete who moved on to the CCS finals. He placed 7th in the 400m with a time of 49.46. 

Mendez feels that the team did well and that most importantly. “They saw the next level of competition and now next year they know what it will take to be successful. make it to the CCS finals next year,” he said. “Next year I expect our teams to continue to be competitive regardless of the league that we are in. The goal will be to once again make history whether it is winning a third straight league championship for the boys or winning the girls’ first ever league title.”