2026 XC South SJS Distance PreSeason Discussion by League

I get antsy around the begining of August for XC to get going. I start compiling the overall schedule for the South SJS Distance teams. I contact coaches with questions. I order shirts for the Screamin Scott Showdown, and the Runners of the Week. I update the blog all-time lists with the marks from the previous track season...yes there is a lot more for me to do than simply show up to meet and take pics...but of course I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

So what is it about the start of a new season? For me it is the anticipation of the unknown. Who really worked hard over the summer and is ready to step up and make that leap to the next level. Who are the new runners who have the potential to be the next big thing....well I just don't know...yet. An that is what is so exciting about this time of the year.

 

Now let me state the obvious that everyone would appreciate it if the temperatures dropped 10-15 degrees!

 

This is my first year covering XC for the whole South SJS. It is a HUGE area with lot of teams and thus a lot of runners. That means I am more likely to miss something. Please contact me and let me know. And I'll just say that commenting on the blog is NOT the best way for me to see something. I am not notified when someone leaves a comment. So email me or text me if you want me to know about a mistake or overlooked piece of info.

 

On to the Preview portion. I am going to preview each league. My next post will rank some individuals. Much of what I am going off of is the results from last spring's track season.

 

CCAL (Downey, Enochs, Gregori, Modesto, Pitman, and Turlock)

Petty and Martin

On the BOYS side Turlock looks to repeat as the team champion with returning performers Zayn Hamilton (2:01), Gavin Martin (9:52), and super soph Porter Petty (4:35). The Bulldogs lost A LOT from last year's very experienced squad that walked through the CCAL and eventually placed 4th in SJS. MoHi returns Ivan Rodriguez (4:26/9:36) who on paper is the top male returner in the CCAL. He will be joined by Joe Travao and Charles Griffith. Pitman is led by the two senior Elis. Eli Scott (1:59/4:32) and Eli Pimentel (4:35/10:04) both have huge talent, but I have yet to see either one really step up and take charge of a race.  Enochs has some young talent led by soph Vince Wu (10:04 and 2nd in D1 SJS). Downey has some youth also that could ultimately develop and cause a stir.

PREDICTION: Turlock, Pitman, Modesto, Enochs, Downey, Gregori 

 

Dominguez

For the GIRLS Turlock won the varsity race and Gregori swept the F/S race last season. Even with Elle Williams moving to Sac, I think Turlock easily wins CCAL led by Gisela Hernandez (2:25/5:19) and Mylie Olson (2:18/5:20). They will be supported by Gretchen Nass, Claire Johnson and Adeline Walsh. Gregori has a host of descent girls, but most have shown a real reluctance to step up to the varsity distance and they didn't do much in track. If they had a quality summer they could challenge Turlock. Pitman was second in the league last year but lost their top three runners. Downey's top girl will be Edie Leach who placed 10th last season as a soph. The top returner and clear individual favorite is Modesto's soph Roselynn Dominguez (5:08/11:21).

PREDICTION: Turlock, Gregori, Pitman, Modesto, Enochs, Downey

 

 CCC (Atwater, Buhach Colony, El Capitan, Golden Valley, Los Banos, Merced)

Barragan-Reyes (left) with Gonzalez and Barron (right)

For the BOYS eleven of the top 14 are returning so I don't see a lot changing from last year's results. Atwater should dominate with both depth and up-front talent. Yair Gonzalez (1:59, 4:24, 9:27) and Ricky Barron should lead the way for the Falcons. They will be supported by Michael Garcia, Isain Vargas (4:36/9:56), Troy Manzo, Xavier Glenn, and Lucah Sherman. Last year's squad just missed qualifying for State, and I know that Coach Rhoades has high aspirations for this year's team. Golden Valley has some strong up front competitors. Dominic Urteaga (1:59, 4:23, 9:25) and James Barajas (4:29/9:40) which will keep them in the mix in every race. Isaac Barragan-Reyes (2nd place in CCC last year) and Aiden Deniz (10:00) will keep the Bears competitive. Unfortunately neither GV or Merced seem to have the depth that Atwater has. Los Banos has some youth and will be led by Luis Salvatier. El Cap's top returner is Mariano Ibarra who was 13th in the CCC. Buhach Colony has essentially nothing returning on the varsity level, but their F/S team had huge potential. This group is led by Giancarlo Gutierrez and Steven Kozman.

PREDICTION: Atwater, Golden Valley, Merced, Buhach Colony, Los Banos, El Capitan

Hampton

The CCC GIRLS should be dominated by Golden Valley who placed 5th in SJS last year. They return 5 of their top six from that squad. The Cougars will be led by Fernanda Cortes (10:50), Gabriela Hicks (11:40), and Aubri Villa (11:56). Atwater has limited up front running but will bring a solid team to the line led by soph Haily Hurtado. Buhach Colony could make some noise if some of their girls had a good summer. The Thunder will be anchored by Genevieve Trosen (2:32/5:43) along with Mariah Yanez and Camila Aguayo. Eleanor Hampton (10:49) will lead the Merced Bears and likely will be the individual to catch with her go from the gun mentality. 

PREDICTION: Golden Valley, Atwater, Buhach Colony, Merced, Los Banos, El Capitan

 

VOL (Central Catholic, East Union, Manteca, Mountain House, Oakdale, Patterson, Sierra

McGhee

The VOL BOYS have been dominated by Oakdale since COVID. Although the gap is narrowing I think the Mustangs likely will still prevail. They''l be led by Weston McGhee (1:59, 4:28, 9:26), Quinn Baca (4:35/9:34), and super soph Aiden Cavanaugh (9:59). Roman Moreno and Trevor Powell will likely round out the top five on what might be the shallowest Oakdale team in many years.  At Oakdale's heels is a hungry Patterson squad led by Jorge Hernandez-Alcala (4:39). The Tigers nosed out the Mustangs in the F/S VOL Champ last season and will be rounded out by Sergio Renteria, Aaron Zuniga, Ramon Ramirez, and Xavier Rios. Mountain House will piece together a team based on youth but led by senior Thiago Carneiro. Sierra's Max Perex (4:33) will certainly be in the mix at the front. Emmanuel Jauregui of Central Catholic had some encouraging races last season but will need to be more consistently strong if he hopes to be a factor.

PREDICTION: Oakdale, Patterson, Mountain House, Sierra, Central Catholic, East Union, Manteca

Dittman and A Wylie

For the GIRLS there are some strong individuals in the VOL but Oakdale still boasts the best team. The mustangs will be headed by Addison Wylie (5:13/11:22) and rounded out with sister Tenley Wylie (11:55), Kylie Fast (2:25/5:23), and Taylor Reams (12:10). Of course that means they still need a 5th runner but they are way ahead of the rest of the league as it relates to depth. Patterson will be led by Jaylyn Carrillo (10:50), and she could likely win the league title. Sierra's Anna Dittman (2:25, 5:08, 11:19) might have something to say about that though. For CC Emma-Lynn Hogan (2:20, 5:27, 11:48) will be completing her career. Manteca's Paisley Coenberg (5:32/12:25) and EU's Alysia Sinclair will likely crack the top ten.

PREDICTION: Oakdale, Sierra, Mountain House, Central Catholic, East Union, Manteca 

 

WAC (Beyer, Ceres, Central Valley, Grace Davis, Johansen, Lathrop, Livingston, Pacheco)

Mejia-Hidalgo

For the WAC BOYS they lost 13 of the top 20 boys from last season. That is a huge talent drain. Beyer emerges still as the strongest squad. They might even go 1-2-3 with the strength of Alex Mejia Hidalgo (1:53, 4:10), Ethan Samulski (4:33/9:50), and Gerald Gervacio (4:39). Livingston will battle for second with Claude Matos, Jesus Pulido, and Marcos Martinez. Central Valley's top returner is Enoc Reyes who'll be joined by an otherwise young group. 

PREDICTION: Beyer, Livingston, Central Valley, Lathrop, Johansen, Pacheco, Grace Davis, Ceres

 

Badea with Ruiz-Velasco over her shoulder

For the GIRLS it will be Beyer going away; this is a team vying for a spot in the State meet. This group is led by Anahi Ruiz Velasco (2:26, 5:09, 10:48), Tyleah Badea (2:12, 5:03, 12:00), Annie Servin (2:22, 5:20, 11:46), Maddie Viodes (12:05), ZoiAnn Moraitis (5:35/12:19), and Riley McCabe (5:45). The amount of talent there is almost embarrassing.  Lathrop led by Mackenzie Collins (5:50/12:30) and Morgan Emery (2:20, 5:14, 12:31) will battle Livingston led by Daisy Rojas (5:38/1226) and Alexa Gutierrez (2:29/5:40) for second place. Other notable individuals are Pacheco's Terra Campos (5:42/12:18) and Johansen's Carmen Gonzalez (5:35/12:20). 

PREDICTION: Beyer, Lathrop, Livingston, Pacheco, Central Valley, Ceres, Johansen, Grace Davis

 

TVL (Escalon, Hilmar, Hughson, Orestimba, Ripon, Ripon Christian, Sonora)

Wilson

For the TVL BOYS, Landon Wilson (4:29/9:18) of Sonora in the a class by himself. He will be joined by soph Asher Berg (10:09). They could go one-two in league competition but the team race will likely go to Hughson. The Huskies return a core of boys from last year's team that won the D4 section title. I know Coach Bernard has his sights on repeating that fete again this season. Mason Hoyle (10:07) and Manny Ruiz (1:59) will lead the Huskies charge. Ripon will be in the hunt with soph Carmelo Rodriguez and twins Lucas and Matteo de Vera. Orestimba returns Joseph Garcia (10:47). He will be supported by soph Benjamin Cerna (4:43) and junior Emmanuel Garabito (4:50/10:43).Carson Matos is Hilmar's top returner. Escalon returns their whole squad.

PREDICTION: Hughson, Sonora, Ripon, Orestimba, Escalon, Ripon Christian, Hilmar

 

Beccetti with Jung lurking

On the GIRL'S side the top four from last year graduated. Hughson lost three but return a strong core and a few are back from injuries. They should take the TVL and challenge for a State berth. They'll be led by Maggie Becchetti (5:37/11:46), Grace Benitez (2:24, 5:26, 11:59), and Jaelyne Anguiano (2:27/5:48). Sonora's Sadie Thompson (11:51) may challenge the Hughson trio for the overall title. Hilmar returns most of their team and should be led by Carson and Harper Dickey. Sopia Jung of Ripon (5:39/12:30) will be in the mix at the front.  Orestimba could be led by soph Jade Camora who has big talent but didn't run XC last season. RC should be headed by Elizabeth Rich who made the All South SJS Frosh team last season.

PREDICTION: Hughson, Hilmar, Ripon, Orestimba, Ripon Christion, Escalon 

  

MLL (Big Valley Christian, Bret Harte, Calaveras, Linden, Riverbank, Summerville)

Garcia

For the MLL BOYS there are some unknowns. Summerville went to State last year and would have returned most of that crew, but right now they have no coach and no schedule...are they even going to field a team?  The top returner is Riverbanks's Armando Garcia (1:58/4:34). He will be supported by soph Giancarlo Reyes. If Summerville has a team and they all return then Esai Vasquez would lead their charge. Malachi Arnold is BVC's fastest returner and likely will finish near the top. Bret Hart will be led by Matthew Nord and Calaveras by Iann Wendt. 

PREDICTION: Riverbank, Summerville, Bret Harte, Big Valley, Calaveras, Linden

 

Lee

On the GIRLS' side about half of the top twenty runners graduated.  Riverbank returns a young fairly inexperienced team. Emily Ramirez is the top returning runner for the Bruins. But I think it will be two incoming frosh for the RBK group that will lead them: Hailey Ramirez (5:43) and Zuri Golding. Calaveras returns their top three girls: Lisa Lee, Kendra McGee, and Lillan Faul. They could finish in the top 5 and make Calaveras very formitable indeed. Abigail Meza is Linden's top returner and Jocelyn Lloyd is Summerville's.

PREDICTION: Calaveras, Riverbank, Bret Harte, Linden, Summerville  

  

SAL (Delhi, Denair, Gustine, LeGrand, Mariposa, Modesto Christian, Stone Ridge Christian, and Waterford) 

 

Unfortunately the SAL is evaporating like a puddle after a storm. It wasn't that long ago when Waterford and Orestimba dominated the league and produced some high powered runners and teams. The Ripon Christian girls challenged in D5 to qualify for State. Orestimba and RC have been bumped up to the TVL. Mariposa, Gustine, Stone Ridge, and Modesto Christian regularly have no team and no runners. That effectively creates a league of only four teams. To make matters even worse Delhi was the only program last season that fielded a girls squad...

 

For the SAL BOYS it should be fairly close between Delhi, Denair, and Waterford. Omar Alberto will lead Delhi, Abraham Felix will lead Waterford, and Zane Simbalenko and Jose Ponce should head up Denair.

PREDICTION: Delhi, Denair, Waterford, LeGrand

 

Machado

For the GIRLS the top runner is without question Delhi's Adriana Machado (5:44). Additionally Delhi likely will be the only school to field a full team and thus will win the league.  

 

 

 

 

 

2025-26 Year in Review

 

All of the schools have held their graduations and everyone's track season has ended. Like in years past I like to sum up the key events and some of the numbers for this year. I think some perspective is needed. I retired from teaching exactly one year ago. With that event I slowly began adding to the 23 StanCo schools. By the start of track I was fully up to 53ish schools accounting for over five counties of territory. Again perspective...lets say you were a teacher with 30 students and you suddenly decided to increase your class size to 60 students. Or a mechanic who repairs ten cars a week, now will work until he has completed 20 cars each week...I more than doubled my responsibilities and work load. More teams meant more meets, more photos, more connections that need to be made with coaches, more miles of driving, more t-shirts, more results to write up, more money and more time ...I am not trying to complain. I choose to do what I do for my own reasons BUT I want the followers of this blog to fully grasp that those pics they get for free do have a cost (more on that later).

 

CROSS COUNTRY IN NUMBERS

33--the number of XC meets I went to

30--(15 boys and 15 girls) were voted onto the first ever All South SJS XC team. 

17--different coaches voted for that All South SJS XC team. 

17:20--the new StanCo and South SJS Woodward Park girls' mark recorded by Riverbank's Giselle Fernandez

18:06--the new StanCo and South SJS Willow Hills girls' mark recorded by Turlock's Elle Williams

11/10--eleven frosh boys and ten frosh girls were named to the first ever All South SJS  Frosh Team

73--South SJS runners qualified for the State XC meet.

44--the number of Runner of the Week shirts given out

24--the number of pink Screamin Scott Showdown shirts given out

50--the number of patches and collages given to the All StanCo (20) and All South SJS (30) runners 

21--the number of schools currently signed up for next Fall's Screamin Scott Showdown...my goal would be to have all 53 schools from my coverage area attend 

 

TRACK IN NUMBERS

43--the number of track meets I attended

54--athletes hit at least one of the all South SJS track marks. 8 hit all three to make the first team, 28 hit two of the marks to make the 2nd team. 

5--South SJS runner qualified for State in distance events (Tyleah Badea, Riley Gier, Alex Mejia Hidalgo, Giselle Fernandez, and Natalie Arriaza).

3--the number of State medals earned in distance events by South SJS (Riley, Giselle, and Natalie) 

1-frosh boy (Aden Cavanaugh) broke 10 in the 3200...only 2 other StanCo boys have acheived that fete in the past 20 years.

3--crazy fast frosh girls that are already making a huge historic footprint on the all time lists (Jaylyn Carrillo, Roselynn Dominguez, Anahi Ruiz Velasco)

34--the number of purple 800/1600 shirts given out

29--the number of orange 3200 shirts given out

6--the number of StanCo Meet distance event champion shirts given out

6--the number of County Clash Meet distance event champion shirts given out

2--"Record Breaker" shirts given out

#1--Natalie Arriaza (Patterson) broke the all time South SJS mark in the 3200 at 10:20.34

#4 Alex Mejia Hidalgo (Beyer) 4:10.34 in the 1600

#4 Riley Gier (Lathrop) 1:52.02 in the 800

#5 Tyleah Badea (Sierra) 2:12.67 in the 800

#5 Elle Williams (Turlock) 10:41.22 in the 3200

 

SOME GENERAL NUMBERS

76--(33 XC and 43 track) meets 

152,000--the approximate number of pics that I took at meets. That is I take about 2000 pics per meet. 76 x 2000 = 152,000. I delete about 1/2 at the meet = 76,000 come home with me. I delete about 1/2 of those once I am home. 

38,000--That leaves me posting about 38,000 pics this year

58--the number of blog posts for the 25-26 seasons 

26--different South SJS schools I went to to give out a shirt, and collage, or attend a meet.

7--scholarships awarded...there were 20 applicants 

5-- Carlos Campos (Pacheco), Jesus Deniz (Merced), Tim MacCabe (Pitman), Scott Mitchell (friend and MoHi photography teacher), and myself all collaborated on a new logo for South SJS Distance.

1--legend (starter Chuck Buettner) died. I will miss seeing him and hearing his stories. He was one of the largest financial supporters of my scholarships.

 

SOME MORE REALITY NUMBERS  

456--the approximate number of hours spent at meets. 76 x about 6 hours/meet 

76,000-38,000--paring down the 76,000 pics I bring home down to the 38,000 pics that I post takes A LOT of time. On a good day (nothing good on TV) I can edit about 150 pics in an hour. The calculator says that comes out to be over 253 hours...rounding off a bit more turns that into 100 full days of sitting in front of my computer editing

127--the total number of shirts that I gave out this year. At about $15 per shirt it comes out to $1905. 

$3563--the amount donated to me this past year for scholarship. With that I was able to give seven $500 scholarships

 

SUMMARY

First I want to say that I believe that between 45 and 50 years ago being involved in distance running saved my life. I do what I do to give back to the sport in an effort to repay a debt that can never be repaid. I operate under the philosophy that I can always give more, do more.   

 

BUT the region I cover is huge. It spans from LeGrand to Mountain House to San Andreas to Mariposa. I travel to meets between Roseville and Fresno. Covering meets, editing photos, typing up results, connecting with coaches and athletes takes time. Having cameras repaired, driving to meets, giving out shirts, patches, and collages all takes money. That is all on me. I will bare the burden of that time and cost.

 

However, I need your monetary help with funding the scholarships. I will fund one $500 scholarship each year. In order to recognize more than one South SJS graduate I need your support. 100% of money donated to me is put toward scholarships (not gas, or cameras, or shirts).

 

If you have read this far you are to be commended--

So have you appreciated the pics I get of your athlete? Maybe you couldn't be at that meet, but I was. Maybe you had questions about something, and I answered them for you. Maybe your athlete earned a shirt or got a personal message from me when they hit a new PR. Maybe you just appreciate the mission of supporting these deserving athletes...help me if you can. Thank you.

 

 

2026 Goodbye Legends, Thank You for Allowing Me to Watch

 Why do I do what I do...well there will be more on that with my next post...but what fuels the long days is when someone produces an extraordinary effort. It is when the runner PRs, makes one of the all-time lists, breaks a school or County record. That is to say, being the best, doing what no one has done before. For me, being able to observe or witness these event energizes me. Some wonder why am I called "Screamin Scott" when I might be pretty quiet at most meets. But during those meets when I am watching the extraordinary, I become quite loud and animated. 

 

This post is to review and thank some of the graduates for showing all of us the greatness produced by hard work.

 

I am reviewing some of the highlights of eleven of the best distance runners to ever hit the trails and ovals of the South SJS region:

 

CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ (Sierra)--earned 1st team all SJS in XC and 2nd team in track in the first year of my expanded coverage. In XC Christian came on when it mattered at the end of the season. His final Woodward Park time of 15:50 ranks #37 for the South SJS. In track I have no doubt that Christian could have hit the track trifecta by breaking 10 in the 3200 if given the real opportunity; but as it was, he ran 1:58.25 in the 800 and an impressive 4:18.89 in the 1600. That 1600m time ranks as #30 all time for the South SJS. 

 

JACE CAMPOS (Pacheco)--after being injured for part of XC and almost all of track, it would be easy to dismiss Jace when compiling this list. That would be a mistake. One must remember that Jace was the South SJS XC Runner of the Year. That means that according to the coaches who voted, Jace had a better XC season than all of the other boys on this list (and in the South SJS). He ranks #9 all time South SJS for Willow Hills and #11 South SJS (15:30) for the historic Woodward park Course. His best track times are rather modest, 4:34 and 9:39, but remember those are his junior marks since he missed his whole senior season.

 

GIO MEJIA (Pacheco)--Gio was Jace's running partner for four years. Gio was no one's shadow though. He was voted to the 1st team South SJS for XC and earned a spot on the second team for track. In XC he ran 16:10 at Willow Hills which is #15 for South SJS and #42 all time at Woodward Park (15:53). In track he hit admirable times of 4:28 and 9:25.

 

 RILEY GIER (Lathrop)--Riley exploded at the end of his senior track season riding the wave of success all the way to a medal in the 800m at State. His best time of 4:18.49 in the 1600m ranks #26 for South SJS. It is his 800m that cemented him in SJS history. His best time of 1:52.02 ranks him #4 all time for South SJS. He earned 1st team South SJS in track this season. 

 

LARSON WEJMAR (Turlock)--Larson was a work-horse at Turlock. He was All StanCo XC in 2024 and 25. He was 2nd team South SJS for the 2025 XC season. He ranks #32 for South SJS at Willow Hills. On the oval Larson was all StanCo in 24, 25, and 26. He was second team South SJS in 2026. Larson produced a quick 9:14.01 for 3200m which lands him at #12 all time for StanCo and #16 for South SJS.   

HAYES TERRY (Beyer)--Hayes is a warrior. His form looks less like a sports car and more like a tractor...but it worked for him. In XC he was all StanCo in 24 and 25. In 25 he was voted 1st team South SJS. He ranks #18 at Willow Hills (16:15) and #23 at Woodward (15:40). In track he was all StanCo in 24, 25, and 26. He made 2nd team South SJS for track in 26. His best times are startling: 4:16.58 (#19) and 9:12.38 (#11).

 

 

The boys were good, but these five girls were just on a whole different level. 

 

LENA LLAMAS (Buhach Colony)--in XC Lena was 1st team South SJS as voted by the coaches. She ranks #12 at Willow Hills and #29 for South SJS at Woodward (18:41). At the track she was 1st team South SJS with time of 2:15.07 (#13), 5:11.54, and 10:58.38 (#21).

 

JYMENA NGUYEN MARQUEZ (Grace Davis)--Jymena had a great senior year. In XC she was all StanCo in 24 and 25. She was voted 2nd team South SJS XC in 2025. Her best time at Willow Hills ranks #16 and at Woodward she ranks #20 (18:32). In track she was all StanCo in 23, 24, 25, and 26. She made 2nd team South SJS track in 2026. In the 1600 she is #32 South SJS at 5:04.10 and in the 3200 she is #16 at 10:55.70

  

AVERY CARLSON (Pitman)--Avery's senior year was disappointing by her junior performances...but those junior performances solidified Avery forever in the annals of local distance running. She was all StanCo XC in both 24 and 25. In 2025 she was also 2nd team South SJS in XC. Her best times of 19:03 at Willow Hills (#14) and her 18:24 at Woodward ranks as #10 for South SJS. On the track she ranks as #13 in the 1600 at 4:59.41 and in the 3200 her 10:41.36 ranks as # 6 in the South SJS.

 

GISELLE FERNANDEZ (Riverbank)--50 years from now Giselle might still hold the South SJS 1600m record...yep 10 seconds...she ran 10 seconds faster in the 1600m than anyone else from this area ever has. If that was all she did that would be enough to leave me awe struck, but there is so much more to celebrate. Let's begin with XC. She was all StanCo XC in 23, 24, and 25. She was also voted as South SJS Runner of the Year in XC. Her 18:28 at Willow Hills ranks as #3. Her 17:20 at Woodward tops the South SJS list (#1). In track she is #11 (2:14.60) in the 800, as I said #1 (4:43.80) in the 1600, and #7 (10:45.13) in the 3200.

 

 NATALIE ARRIAZA (Patterson)--Historically the only person that may overshadow what Natalie was able to produce may be Giselle...or is that the other way around? In XC Natalie was All StanCo in 23, 24, and 25. She was 1st team South SJS in XC. At Willow Hills her best time of 18:32 ranks as #5 and at Woodward her 17:37 is second only to Giselle. On the track she holds the South SJS record in the 3200 at 10:20.34. Her other marks of 4:58.96 in the 1600 (#12) and 2:18.34 in the 800 (#40) are also admirable.  

 

 

 

 

2026 STATE MEET

The State meet can be that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, if an athlete performs successfully. Obviously not all athlete produce a max performance, and the State meet and perhaps their athletic career might end in disappointment.Each athlete has their own story and their own measure of success. As always I am only covering the races of the South SJS runners in the distance events. 

 

 

DAY ONE 

 

G 1600 Prelims

10. Giselle Fernandez (Riverbank) 4:49.23 Q 

 

B 1600 Prelims

17. Alex Mejia Hidalgo (Beyer) 4:10.68 

 

G 800 Prelims 

28. Tyleah Badea (Sierra) 2:13.95

 

B 800 Prelims

5. Riley Gier (Lathrop) 1:52.48 Q 

 

 

DAY TWO

 

G 1600 Finals

9 Giselle Fernandez (Riverbank) 4:50.28 

 

B 800 Finals

7. Riley Gier (Lathrop) 1:52.90 

 

G 3200 Finals

 

Arriaza with a big PR

 

8. Natalie Arriaza (Patterson) 10:20.34 (#1 StanCo, #1 South SJS) 

   

RESULTS

PHOTOS day 1

PHOTOS day 2 

  

2026 South SJS Track MASTERS

With the new format the Masters meet is only one day with truly only the best of the best qualifying to get here and having the opportunity to qualify to State. I am not sure yet how I feel about the changes in the qualifying format. BUT in track the person who throws the furthest, jumps the highest, runs the fastest has always won regardless of school size...so it is difficult to argue against taking the fastest 12 (800) or 24 (1600 and 3200). The best athletes qualify end of story. No auto-qualifiers for any division. If D1 qualifies more and D5 qualifies less (it was already that way in the old system). School size is only a factor for a team comparison...athlete to athlete the size of the school should not be an advantage/disadvantage. Well that is my 2 cents. The top three in every event qualify for State unless the athlete meets the at-large qualifying mark.

 

VG 1600

Fernandez is returning to State in the 1600

2. Giselle Fernandez (Riverbank) 4:52.65 ** STATE

5. Jymena Nguyen Marquez (Grace Davis) 5:04.10 (#18 StanCo; #32 South SJS)

8. Fernanda Cortes (Golden Valley) 5:07.52

18 Morgan Emery (Lathrop) 5:38.84

  

VB 1600

 

Mejia Hidalgo hits the at-large time to qualify for State

6. Alex Mejia Hidalgo (Beyer) 4:10.39 (# 3 StanCo; #4 South SJS)** STATE

15. Christian Gonzalez (Sierra) 4:24.62

16. Yair Gonzalez (Atwater) 4:25.36

  

VG 800

Badea with the big kick to take 2nd in the 800

2. Tyleah Badea (Sierra) 2:12.62 (#5 South SJS)  ** STATE

  

VB 800

Gier with a PR and a berth into State

3. Riley Gier (Lathrop) 1:52.02 (#4 South SJS) ** STATE

  

VG 3200

Arriaza with a slight PR and new StanCo record

2. Natalie Arriaza (Patterson) 10:29.12 (#1 StanCo; #1 South SJS)

4. Anahi Ruiz Velasco (Beyer)  10:48.67 (#7 StanCo; #9 South SJS)

5. Elle Williams (Turlock) 10:49.07

10. Fernanda Cortes (Beyer) 10:59.41

12. Jymena Nguyen Marquez (Grace Davis) 10:59.99

15. Jaylyn Carrillo (Patterson) 11:08.04

18. Eleanor Hampton (Merced) 11:10.30

   

VB 3200 

 

Terry and Wilson

9. Hayes Terry (Beyer) 9:22.97

10. Landon Wilson (Sonora) 9:24.11

11. Dominic Urteaga (Golden Valley) 9:26.25

13. Gio Mejia (Pacheco) 9:26.47

14. Yair Gonzalez (Atwater) 9:27.36 (Atwater School Record)

19. Weston McGhee (Oakdale) 9:37.36

24. Sean Muturi (Oakdale) 9:54.52

 

RESULTS

PHOTOS pt 1 (field and 4x8)

PHOTOS pt 2 (4x1, 1600, 400, 100, 800)

PHOTOS pt 3 (300h, 200, 3200, 4x4) 

  

2026 All South SJS Distance Team

This is my first year using the expanded South SJS Distance area to name a track team. Unlike the All South SJS XC Team which was voted on and decided by the coaches, The track team is based on reaching certain set times. For the boys the set marks are sub 2:00 (800), sub 4:30 (1600), and sub 10:00 (3200). On the girls' side the times are 2:20 (800), 5:25 (1600), and 12:00 (3200). To make the first team the runner had to hit all three of the times. For the second team you needed two of them. There were 54 athlete who hit al least one. Eight made the first team, and 28 made the second team. Just as a point of comparison there were 35 from StanCo who hit at least one of the times, which is slightly below last year's total of 42.

 

(If you are on this collage and want a copy, message me by 6/1 with your name and address and I send you one)

 

FIRST TEAM ALL SOUTH SJS DISTANCE TRACK TEAM

 

NATALIE ARRIAZA (Patterson) 12-- Natalie's best times this season of 2:18.34 and 4:59.20 would be landmark performances for most athletes. But it is her 10:29.67 3200m time ranks as #1 in South SJS and the StanCo record which cements Natalie forever in the history books. Some of her highlights this season were 1st in the 800 at Black and Blue, 2nd in the 1600 at StanCo, 1st in the 3200 at Dublin, 1st in the 3200 at VOL, and 1st in the 3200 at SJS D3. She qualified for Masters in the 3200.

 

GISELLE FERNANDEZ (Riverbank) 12--Giselle's marks this year accounted for the South SJS best of 2:14.60 and 4:51.60. She added a 11:49.73 to complete the trio of All South SJS  qualifying times. Giselle's notable races this year included placing 1st in the StanCo 800 and 1600. She swept the distance events at the MLL and placed 1st at the SJS D5 1600m and qualified for Masters.

 

RILEY GIER (Lathrop) 12--Riley's big day came at SJS D4 Championship where he won the 800m in an extraordinary 1:52.59 (#6 South SJS). Incredible! Additionally he produced times this season of 4:18.49 (#26 South SJS) and 9:44.59. He was 1st at Dave Soeth in the 800, 1600, and 3200. He was also 1st at Timberwolf in the 1600 and MJC in the 3200. He won SJS D4 in the 800. He qualified for Masters in the 800 and the 3200.

 

 

YAIR GONZALEZ (Atwater) 10--As a soph Yair was finding his stride this season. He produced admirable times of 1:59.79, 4:24.70, and 9:32.34. He was 1st at Bob Pryor in the 800 and 2nd at CCC in the 3200. He qualified for Masters in the 1600 and 3200.

 

 LENA LLAMAS (Buhach Colony) 12--Lena has spent much of her HS years on the injured list. This season she strung together some very strong races producing marks of 2:16.31, 5:16.27, and 10:58.38 (which is #20 all time South SJS). Lena placed 1st in the CCC 800m.

 

WESTON MCGHEE (Oakdale) 11--Weston was 1st at County Clash in the 1600 and 2nd in the VOL in the 1600 and 3200. He produced impressive times of 1:59.99, 4:28.97, and 9:26.83. He qualified for Masters in the 3200.

 

 

ALEX MEJIA HIDALGO (Beyer) 11--Alex had a big day at SMOC producing times of 1:53.32 (#11 South SJS) ) and 4:11.87 (#7 South SJS). To complete the season trifecta he ran 9:32.89 for the 3200. He was 1st in the 800 at StanCo, WAC, and SMOC. He qualified for Masters in the 1600.

 

DOMINIC URTEAGA (Golden Valley) 10--Dom was a workhorse for Golden Valley and remarkably versatile across the three distance events. He placed first in the 800 and both MerCo and County Clash.He was the CCC Champ in both the 1600 and 3200. He qualified for Masters in those same two events. His best times were 1:59.73, 4:23.22, and 9:25.62.

  

SECOND TEAM ALL SOUTH SJS DISTANCE TRACK TEAM

 

TYLEAH BADEA (Sierra) 11--Tyleah had to sit out 1/2 of the season. However her marks of 2:17.40 and 5:03.67 shows she was working hard during that break. She placed 1st at VOL in the 800 and 1600. She was 2nd in the 800 and 3rd in the 1600 at SJS D3. She qualified for Masters in both the 800 and 1600. 

 

JAMES BARAJAS (Golden Valley) 11--James, like his teammate Dom was a workhorse often tripling throughout the season. He won the 1600 at Dean Andreessen and was second at the MerCo and Rust Buster 800. His top times were 4:29.62 and 9:40.95.

 

HAVYN BARTELL (Beyer) 12--Havyn's best times were 4:26.87 and 9:39.23. He placed 2nd in the StanCo 1600 and 2nd in the WAC 3200.

 

AVERY CARLSON (Pitman) 12-- Avery was injured all season and still managed some enviable times of 5:08.90 and 11:18.67. She placed 1st at StanCo in the 3200 and at County Clash in the 1600. 

 

JAYLYN CARRILLO (Patterson) 9--Jaylyn was 1st at Rust Buster, 2nd at VOL, and 3rd at SMOC all in the 3200. She ran 5:14.53 in the 1600. But it is the 10:50.25 in the 3200 that ranks #11 South SJS that is truly remarkable. She qualified for Masters in the 3200. 

 

LIZ CHRISTOPHER (Turlock) 12--Liz produced times of 5:24.32 and 11:42. She was 2nd at Dean Andreessen in the 1600 and Hughson Vintage in the 2mile. She was 3rd in the CCAL 3200. 

 

FERNANDA CORTES (Golden Valley) 11--Fernanda  placed 2nd at SMOC in the 3200, 1st in the CCC 1600 and 2nd in the 3200. In the SJS D3 3200 she placed 4th. Her best times were 5:01.77 (#23 South SJS) and 10:50.25 (#11 South SJS). She qualified for Masters in the 3200.  

 

DEMIREE DEAN (Sonora) 12--Demiree's best performances were 5:20.97 and 11:35.28. She placed. At TVL she was 1st in the 3200, 2nd in the 1600, and 3rd in the 800. She placed 4th in the SJS D5 3200.

ANNA DITTMAN (Sierra) 10--Anna started the season on a tear and then some nagging injury issues slowed that progress. She ran 5:08.49 and 11:19.36. She was 1st in the 800 at Dave Soeth, Timber wolf 1600 and 800, and Car Chandler in the 3200. She qualified for Masters in the 3200 but chose to tend to her injuries rather than compete. 

ROSELYNN DOMINGUEZ (Modesto) 9-- Roselynn was 2nd at the StanCo 3200 and 4th in the 1600. She won the MJC 3200 and placed 2nd in both the 3200 and 1600 at CCAL. Her best marks were 5:08.62 and 11:21.0

CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ (Sierra) 12--focused mostly on the 800 this season but his best performances came in the 1600. He was He was 1st at Timber wolf, Carl Chandler, and VOL in the 800. He won the 1600 at VOL. He ran 1:58.23 and 4:19.89 (#30 South SJS). He qualified for Masters in the 1600

ELEANOR HAMPTON (Merced) 10--Eleanor place 2nd at Dean Andreessen in both the 1600 and 3200. She won the 3200 and placed 2nd in the 1600 at CCC. Her best times were 5:10.94 and 10:49.0 in the 3200 which is the new MerCo record and ranks #9 for South SJS. She qualified for Masters in the 3200. 

GABRIELA HICKS (Golden Valley) 11--Gabi had a very bust season. She was 1st at Black and Blue in the 1600 and 2nd at Rust Buster in the 3200 and Bob Pryor in the 1600. She produced times of 5:20.67 and 11:40.70

SIDNEY LOGSDON (Hilmar) 12--Sidney was 1st at MerCo and TVL in the 1600. She placed 4th at the SJS D5 1600 and 3rd in the 3200. Her best performances were 5:18.45 and 11:25.29.

 

NAYELI MATTISON (Pitman) 12--Nayeli is a remarkably versatile athlete, sprinting, hurdling, and running the 800 and 1600. Actually her only open 800 of the season produced a time of 2:18.08. Her best 1600 was nothing to sneeze at--5:23.26.  

 

GIO MEJIA (Pacheco) 12--Gio's best times were 4:28.25 and 9:25.14. He was 1st in the 1600 at Distance Wars and 3rd in the WAC 3200.

 

SEAN MUTURI (Oakdale) 12--Sean placed 1st in the VOL, StanCo and County Clash 3200. His best marks were 4:27.93 and 9:33.16. He qualified for Masters in the 3200.

 

 JYMENA NGUYEN MARQUEZ (Grace Davis) 12--Jymena produced serious times of 5:08.11 and 10:55.70 (#15 South SJS). She dominated the WAC winning the 1600 and 3200 and placing 2nd in the 800. At SJS D4 she was 1st in both the 1600 and 3200. She qualified for Masters in both the 1600 and 3200. 

 

MYLIE OLSON (Turlock) 11--Mylie's top times were 2:18.23 and 5:20.53. She placed 1st at Delta Mustang and CCAL in the 800. 

 

IVAN RODRIGUEZ (Modesto) 11--Ivan won Rust Buster in the 1600 and was 2nd at CCAL in the 1600 and 3200. His times of 4:26.41 and 9:36.44 qualify him for this spot.

 

ANAHI RUIZ VELASCO (Beyer) 9--Anahi was 1st at Dist Wars in the 3200 and at County Clash. She was also 2nd at WAC in both the 1600 and 3200. She placed 2nd in the SJS D4 3200. Her best performances were 5:09.09 and 10:59.43 (#21 South SJS). She qualified for Masters in the 3200.

 

ANNIE SERVIN (Beyer) 9--Annie was 1st at the Carl Bryant 800 and 2nd in the 1600.She was also 2nd in the 800 at StanCo and 3rd at WAC. Her best marks were 5:20.80 and 11:46.92.  

 

HAYES TERRY (Beyer) 12--Had Hayes run the 800 more often he might have made the 1st team. He did produce admirable times of 4:16.58 (#19 South SJS) and 9:12.38 (#11 South SJS). He placed 1st in the StanCo 1600 and 1st at the WAC and SJS D4 3200. He qualified for Masters in both the 1600 and 3200.

 AUBRI VILLA (Golden Valley) 11--Aubri ran 5:20.62 and 11:56.64. She placed 1st at MerCo in the 800 and at Bob Pryor in the 3200. 

 

LARSON WEJMAR (Turlock) 12--Larson won Dist Wars in the 3200 and CCAL in the 1600 and 3200. He ran 4:22.31 in the 1600. His best mark was a 9:14.01 3200m that is #16 South SJS.

 

ELLE WILLIAMS (Turlock) 10--Elle missed half the season but over the final meets worked to rectify the absence. She won the CCAL in both the 1600 and 3200. She  placed 2nd in the 3200 and 3rd in the 1600 at the SJS D2. Her best times were 5:06.16 and 10:41.22 (#5 South SJS) She qualified for Masters in both the 1600 and 3200.

 

LANDON WILSON (Sonora) 10--Landon placed 1st in the TVL 1600 and 3200. He won the SJS D5 3200 to qualify for Masters. His best times were 4:29.71 and 9:18.62 (#24 South SJS).

 

ADDISON WYLIE (Oakdale) 10--Addison's best times were 5:13.59 and 11:22.61. She was 2nd at County Clash in the 1600 and 3200. She placed 3rd at VOL in the 3200. 

 

 

HONORABLE MENTION ALL SOUTH SJS DISTANCE TRACK TEAM 

Runners who met only one of the three standards were honorable mention.

 

MORGAN EMERY (Lathrop) 10--1600-5:14.97

EMMA LYNN HOGAN (Central Catholic) 11--3200-11:46.01

GRACE BENITEZ (Hughson) 11--3200-11:58.09

TENLEY WYLIE (Oakdale) 9--3200-11:55.33

KYLIE FAST (Oakdale) 11--1600-5:23.02

SOPHIE BENHAM (Hughson) 12--1600-5:23.26

MAGGIE BECCHETTI (Hughson) 10--3200-11:46.21

JERRY MADRIGAL (El Capitan) 12--800-1:57.36

ELI SCOTT (Pitman) 11--800-1:59.89

MANNY RUIZ (Hughson) 11-- 800-1:59.79

ETHAN SAMULSKI (Beyer) 10--3200-9:50.26

QUINN BACA (Oakdale) 11-- 3200-9:44.25

GAVIN MARTIN (Turlock) 11--3200-9:52.53

ADEN CAVANAUGH (Oakdale) 9--3200-9:59.45

GABE AVALOS (Turlock) 12--3200-9:51.56

JACE CAMPOS (Pacheco) 12--3200-9:51.21

ARMANDO GARCIA (Riverbank) 11--800-1:58.70

GISELA HERNANDEZ (Turlock) 9--5:19.66