Top Bay Area track and field athletes expected to contend at the CIF State meet
Here are 10 Bay Area athletes to keep close tabs on as they move through league and section qualifying meets (all marks and rankings are according to athletic.net):
Kira Gant Hatcher (St. Mary's-Berkeley): The junior jumper should be a contender in both the long jump (19-5½) and the triple jump (39-6 ¾). She currently ranks fifth in the state in both events. As a sophomore she finished 10th at the state meet in the long jump (18-1).
Jaden Jefferson (De La Salle-Concord): The junior sprinter placed fourth last season at state in the 100 and this season has the sixth fastest (all conditions) mark (10.41 seconds). Jefferson, a running back and cornerback, has already committed to North Carolina to play football.
Cameron P. Jones (Bishop O'Dowd-Oakland) and Anthony Dean (De La Salle): Both have legitimate shots at winning the triple jump, a highly technical event that often goes to slight underdogs. Jones has the state's fifth-best mark (48-7) and Dean is just behind him (48-3½). The state leader is Camren Smith (49-11¼) of Quartz Hill (Los Angeles County).
Ellie McCuskey-Hay (St. Ignatius): The junior sprinter and jumper was the state-runnerup in the 100 as a freshman and has a legitimate shot to bring home three state medals. She has the fifth-best 100 mark (11.54), No. 7 in the 200 (23.90) and fourth-best long jump (19-7). It's a demanding triple, but McDuskey-Hay did just that at Saturday's Central Coast Section Top 8 Meet, winning the 100 (11.55), 200 (23.96) and long jump (18-9½), before pulling the Wildcats from well behind to place second in the 4x100 relay to Los Gatos. Both teams finished in 48.39.
Khaliq Muhammad (Pittsburg): The senior pole vaulter is tied for the top mark in California this season at 17-1. He finished second last season at 16-4 after recording a then-best of 16-9 at the 2024 Sacramento Meet of Champions.
Chronicle baseball, softball rankings
BASEBALL
Rk.
School
W-L
Pre.
1.
Granada
15-3
2
2.
De La Salle
12-3
3
3.
Serra
17-4
1
4.
Valley Christian
15-4-1
4
5.
St. Francis
15-4
5
6.
Casa Grande
15-3
8
7.
Petaluma
14-2
12
8.
Clayton Valley
14-3
9
9.
Pittsburg
15-2
10
10.
Foothill
14-4
11
11.
St. Ignatius
10-7-2
6
12.
Los Gatos
13-3
13
13.
Dublin
16-3
NR
14.
Heritage
13-4
14
15.
Cardinal Newman
9-8
7
SOFTBALL
Rk.
School
W-L
Pre.
1.
St. Francis
18-2
1
2.
Mitty
10-5-1
2
3.
Casa Grande
13-5-1
6
4.
Petaluma
12-5
5
5.
Valley Christian
15-4
4
6.
Livermore
12-6
3
7.
Notre Dame-Belmont
13-3-1
7
8.
Capuchino
10-4
NR
9.
Liberty
10-4
9
10.
Mills
12-3-1
NR
11.
California
11-5
10
12.
Castro Valley
12-3
11
13.
Logan
12-2-1
13
14.
Bishop O'Dowd
14-5
14
15.
San Marin
12-5
NR
Landon Pretre (Menlo School-Atherton): The senior was part of a record-breaking 3,000 at the Arcadia Invitational, finishing 12th in 8:18.52. Converted to a 3,200 that would have been 8:49.30, the top mark in the state this season. He was seventh last year at state in the 3,200.
Hannah Rutherford (Mountain View): The versatile senior speedstar has the state's No. 9 200 time (24.00) and seventh-best 400 (54.34). Last season, the Stanford commit was second at state in the 400 (53.70) and seventh in the 200 (24.06).
Aydon Stefanopoulos (Los Gatos): The senior has the state's No. 3 1,600 mark (4:06.62) and No. 6 3,200 (8:57.33).
Hanne Thomsen (Montgomery-Santa Rosa): Another Stanford commit, Thomsen is one of the state's most versatile and accomplished runners, with the state's No. 2 time this season in the 3,200 (9:58.17) — just behind La Jolla junior Chiara Dailey (9:58.02) — and No. 6 in the 800 (2:09.04). She won the state's eight-lap event as a freshman and was the state runner-up last year in 9:59.81, after finishing fourth at state in the 1,600 as a sophomore (4:43.63).
Chad Works-Wright (El Cerrito): Only a sophomore, the sprinter has run 10.44 in the 100 and 21.34 in the 200. He also ran the second leg of the Gauchos' fourth-ranked 4x100 relay team that has gone a smoldering 40.87. Works-Wright, Michael Boyer, Jayln Smallwood and Gavin Thompson also have the state's No. 3 4x200 relay (1:24.88).
Others to watch: Dougherty Valley senior Arrin Sagiraju has the state's seventh-best 1,600 mark (4:08.70). … Fremont-Sunnyvalle senior Juan Gonzalez was also part of that crazy fast 3,000 at Arcadia, which converted to a 8:51.83 3,200, the second fastest in the state. … St. Ignatius senior hurdler Prince Babalola Buchango won the Stanford Invitational 110 hurdles in 14.10 and showed exceptional speed with bests of 10.70 and 21.37 in the sprints. … Serra senior Luke Lewis, a two-time CCS champion and Stanford commit, has the state's No. 2 shot put (60-9). … Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa sophomore Ashlin Mallon is the latest long-distance phenom from the Redwood Empire. She has the state's No. 5 1,500 (4:34.70) and the seventh-best mile (4:53.83). ... Soleil Warner, of tiny Bay School, has the state's No. 7 girls 300 hurdles time (42.29). … Mitty senior discus thrower Maya Ifo Desai is No. 4 at 154-4. … All-Metro girls basketball standout Dulcinea Vail, of Acalanes-Lafayette, could win the always wide-open high jump title. She currently has the state's seventh-best mark of 5-7¼.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
San Francisco Chronicle
6 days ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
What are the top storylines ahead of the 2025 high school football season?
The 2025 high school football season is here. Practices started last week in the Central Coast Section and this week in the North Coast, San Francisco and Oakland sections. The first games will be played Aug. 28-30. Heading into the 20th season of the CIF-sanctioned Bowl Championships, state titles will be defended by St. Vincent de Paul-Petaluma (Division 4-AA), American Canyon (5-A), Moreau Catholic-Hayward (7-AA) and Balboa (7-A). Metro teams who were state runners-up last season are De La Salle-Concord (Open), Pittsburg (1-AA) and Amador Valley-Pleasanton (3-AA). Here are some of the top storylines heading into this season: Will De La Salle finally win another state championship? Northern California's most successful program — with a record 17 state-championship appearances and seven wins — keeps knocking at the door, but hasn't won a crown since 2015. Justin Alumbaugh, in his 13th season, said this is one of his fastest teams, led by state 100-meter record holder Jaden Jefferson, a running back-cornerback, committed to North Carolina. What impact will Frank McManus have at Cardinal Newman? It's rare for a Southern California coach, especially one with the track record of the former Mater Dei-Santa Ana head coach, to make his way to the North Bay. But McManus, who was let go after leading the Monarchs to a state and mythical national title, has a point to prove and the Cardinals — with loads of resources and history — might be a perfect landing point. They also feature one of NorCal's top sophomore QBs in Tino Retamoza. With a sudden pipeline of talent and state championship coach Adhir Ravipati, the Crusaders went a combined 14-9 in 2023-24, their first two winning seasons since 2015. Led by a fleet of college-bound receivers for Vanderbilt-bound QB Mike Mitchell to throw to — as well as the Bay Area's top 2026 recruit, 6-foot-6, 330-pound Oregon-bound lineman Tommy Tofi — Riordan is looking to win its second CCS title (and first since 2007). How many yards will Jhadis Luckey rush for at his new school? After leading NCS with 2,053 rushing yards and 31 TDs last season at California-San Ramon, the Fresno State-bound RB will be piling up yards for his third school in three years at Clayton Valley Charter-Concord. Luckey attended Manteca as a sophomore. Who will replace Pittsburg QB Marley Alcantara? The Pirates were 25-4 the last two seasons and won and lost in the NorCal Division 1-A championship game (both against Folsom). Despite being hit hard by graduation, they have a strong core to step right in, including notable transfers WR/DB King Wade (from Valley Christian) and RB/LB Siotame Finau (from Utah). The one position not yet secured is QB after two-time All-Metro performer Alcantara graduated. What will Lincoln look like post-Phil Ferrigno? One of the most successful coaches in the history of the Academic Athletic Association stepped down in the spring to focus on his health. The three-time state champs have turned to Jovani Serrano as their new leader. Will Balboa secure its spot as a new AAA power? With Lincoln possibly vulnerable, coach Fred Valasquez and his Bucs, coming off their second state title in four years, seemed primed to take over. Especially with the return of RB Joseph Smith, the Metro's top sophomore from 2024. The Wildcats won their second CCS Open Division title in 2024 under second-year coach Lenny Vandermade, who left for Santa Margarita-Rancho Santa Margarita (Orange County). The Wildcats immediately promoted offensive coordinator and former All-Metro quarterback JaJuan Lawson to lead the program. How will other new Metro coaches fare? Beyond McManus, Serrano and Lawson, other new head coaches looking to make big splashes at big programs include American Canyon (Marcellus Holmes), Heritage-Brentwood (Nick Wisley), Monte Vista-Danville (Joe Wingert), Oakland Tech (Bruce Lavlolette), James Logan-Union City (Immanuel Pride) and Skyline-Oakland (Jason Houston-Suell). Is Serra back in mix? After three straight state Open Division berths, the Padres slid to 5-6 in 2024. They'll need to replace 11 offensive starters, but coach Patrick Walsh likes the looks of his talented, but inexperienced squad that includes 6-2, 185-pound safety Malakai Taufoou (16 reported college offers), OL Lemani Fehoko (12 offers),TE Jace Cannon and one of NorCal's top kickers, Saul Marks. Will other Oakland schools gain ground on McClymonds? McClymonds, which hasn't lost an Oakland Athletic League game on the field in 16 seasons, might have a competitor in coach Tee-Hendrix-led Oakland, which features returning QB Lenox Colvin (25 TDs) and Colorado State-bound WR Yasser Jackson. Mack, winner of four state titles under Michael Peters, returns All-Metro players Rahsjon Duncan, Koi Taise and Phillip McElroy. St. Vincent de Paul-Petaluma QB Gabe Casanovas (North Bay co-POY, 3,747 total yards, 47 TDS, two straight state titles), Sonoma Valley coach Max Pond (12-1 in his second season after program went 24-69 in previous 10) and Pittsburg WR-DB Kenny Ward (Metro Freshman of the Year).
Business Wire
25-07-2025
- Business Wire
De La Salle High School Partners with LIGHT Helmets for Player Safety and Performance
CONCORD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LIGHT Helmets, the leading innovator in football helmet technology, is proud to announce a new partnership with De La Salle High School, a powerhouse in high school football. De La Salle, located in Concord, California, is renowned for its remarkable athletic program and legendary football team, including holding the record for the longest winning streak in sports history. As part of this partnership, De La Salle will replace the majority of their existing football helmets with LIGHT Helmets. This move further solidifies De La Salle's commitment to player safety by selecting the #1 rated helmet in safety and performance, as tested by Virginia Tech. 'We're excited to partner with De La Salle to protect the past, present, and future of football. Their storied history and commitment to excellence in both athletics and player safety align perfectly with our mission,' said Nick Esayian, CEO at LIGHT Helmets. 'De La Salle is replacing the majority of their helmets with LIGHT Helmets because they want to ensure their athletes are protected with the most advanced technology available.' LIGHT Helmets uses cutting-edge technology that combines lightweight materials with superior protection to provide athletes with both safety and performance. The Apache helmet, designed with next-gen 3D printed 'pods' optimized for impact absorption and lightweight flexibility, is the helmet of choice for many NFL and NCAA teams, and now, De La Salle will be among the top high school teams to experience the benefits of this groundbreaking technology. 'We're looking forward to seeing the players in these helmets on the field this season,' said Justin Alumbaugh, Head Coach at De La Salle. 'Our athletes deserve the best protection available, and partnering with LIGHT Helmets ensures that they have it. We're confident this move will help us continue to set the standard for excellence in high school football.' The De La Salle Spartans are no strangers to success, with multiple state championships and a legendary winning streak that set the bar for high school football excellence. The team has played in 14 straight state championship games, winning seven, and they continue to demonstrate their commitment to winning both on and off the field. With LIGHT Helmets' state-of-the-art technology, the Spartans will continue to lead the charge in athlete safety while striving for greatness. About LIGHT Helmets LIGHT Helmets manufactures and distributes the lightest and safest protective headgear for professional, amateur and youth athletes. Its products are sold direct to professional, amateur and youth sports teams and leagues and are also available at retailers including Dick's Sporting Goods, Walmart and Scheels. Rated #1 in safety by Virginia Tech and trusted by top NFL, NCAA, and high school teams, LIGHT Helmets is committed to revolutionizing the future of football equipment. In conjunction with its advisory board of noted physicians, LIGHT developed its revolutionary products utilizing advanced materials from the battlefield, military aviation, and auto racing. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, CA. For more information, visit About De La Salle High School De La Salle High School, located in Concord, CA, is a Lasallian Catholic school known for its commitment to academic excellence, strong athletic programs, and community values. Home to one of the most successful football programs in the country, De La Salle has a rich tradition of producing college and NFL players. The school boasts an impressive record of 14 straight state championship appearances and numerous state titles. De La Salle's dedication to developing young athletes both on and off the field, fostering academic achievement, leadership, and moral character, remains at the heart of its mission.
Forbes
17-07-2025
- Forbes
10 High School Track And Field Athletes Who Were Competitive On A World Level In 2025
Arcadia, CA - April 12: Jane Hedengren of Timpview (Utah) wins the women's 2 mile invitational ... More during the 2025 Arcadia Invitational at Arcadia High School in Arcadia on Saturday, April 12, 2025.(Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) MediaNews Group via Getty Images A new age of track and field athletes is growing up before our eyes, and in 2025 we witnessed one of the most talented crops in some time. From a legendary season in Utah from Brigham Young University recruit Jane Hedengren, to a best-in-show sprint campaign from Texan Tate Taylor, here are 10 high school athletes who changed the game in 2025. And when we say changed the game, we mean this : Every single one of these teenagers were competitive on a world level. So what does that mean in the immediate future? With the U.S. Outdoor Championships fast approaching on July 31 in Eugene, Oregon, we could see a few of these athletes step to the line and compete for spots on Team USA ahead of the World Championships in September in Tokyo. Dumas, a high school junior from Voorhees, New Jersey, made a massive impression over her final high school competition of the 2025 season, winning three individual championships in the 400 meters, the 800 meters, and the 400 meter hurdles at New Balance Nationals Outdoor. What's more, Dumas ran times that were respectable on the world stage, clocking efforts of 51.14 (World No. 59), 2:00.11 (World No. 75) and 55.99 (World No. 64). Interestingly enough, Dumas' performance in the 400 meters surpassed a New Jersey state record formerly held by Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. 9. Dana Wilson, Greensboro Day School (NC) By the end of the 2025 high school season, Wilson was the sixth-best performer in prep history over 100 meters, with a personal best time of 11.02 seconds. Coming from a small prep school in Greensboro, North Carolina, Wilson searched for the best competition to run against – which led to outings at the Pepsi Florida Relays and the USATF Under-20 Championships – and that strategy proved fruitful, because she finished the year with the nation's No. 1 and No. 2 performances at 100 and 200 meters. Her time over 100 meters stands as the 36th-best effort in the world. 8. Brayden Williams, Duncanville (TX) No one in high school history has run as fast as Brayden Williams. That is technically true. When it comes to the fastest wind-aided 100 meter time in prep history, the 18-year-old from Duncanville High School achieved that feat, stopping the clock in 9.82 seconds in April during a postseason race in Texas. Williams went on to finish second at the Texas State Championships – only to Tate Taylor (who's No. 3 on this list) – pocketed three sub-10 performances (all wind-aided) over the spring, and won the USATF Under-20 100 meter championship in Eugene. He's off to the University of Georgia in the fall. 7. Owen Powell, Mercer Island (WA) Ever since Alan Webb exploded on the scene and set a new high school national record in the mile in 2001 – clocking a remarkable time of 3:53.43 that still stands today – high school boys have been trying to recreate that magical season. Many have tried since, and many have not quite reached that apex. What Webb did manage to do, however, was re-set the bar for others to go after the sub-4 mile. Powell, the son of University of Washington coaches Andy and Maurica Powell, was the best of the American high schoolers in 2025, hitting a top time of 3:56.66 indoors and 3:58.12 outdoors on his way to the record books – the first accounting for a new national indoor record and the second landing at No. 7 all-time outdoors. He also ran 1:46.63 for 800 meters and 3:36.49 for 1,500 meters, with the latter achieving the No. 2 mark in prep history and reaching No. 161 on the world list (as it currently stands). 6. Jackson Cantwell, Nixa (MO) Not only did Cantwell have one of the greatest high school throwing seasons in history, earning the second-best shot put mark of all-time in 76 feet, 11.25 inches, but the Nixa High School junior was also the No. 1 football recruit in the country – and better yet, he was only 16 years old. The 6-foot-8 and roughly 280 pound offensive lineman is headed off to the University of Miami in December, where he could spend one more season throwing before he commits full-time to football – and if that happens Cantwell would be throwing at the age of a traditional high school senior. Let's hope that happens. Both of Cantwell's parents – Christian and Teri – were track and field Olympians, with Christian earning Olympic silver in 2008 and a World Championship title outdoors in 2009. While Cantwell's football future seems incredibly bright, there's no question his shot put mark mark in May at the Missouri State Outdoor Championships will go down as one of the craziest throws of all-time – it's only roughly four feet shy of Michael Carter's 46-year-old national record of 81 feet and 3.5 inches. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 12: Sadie Engelhardt (USA) places fifth in women's 1,500m heat in ... More 4:08.87 during the Sound Running Sunset Tour at Jack Kemp Stadium at Occidental College on July 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by) Getty Images 5. Sadie Engelhardt, Ventura (CA) The teenager from California made the unique decision to opt out of high school competition in 2025, both to avoid over-racing and create additional opportunities against professional competition. That wasn't necessarily a bad decision. The North Carolina State University recruit competed in professional fields at the Millrose Games, Track Fest, the Music City Distance Carnival and the Sunset Tour, with the final event producing Engelhardt's top time at the 1,500 meter distance this year in 4:08.87. In June, she also clocked an 800 meter time of 2:02.50. Considering Engelhardt competed U.S. Olympic Trials in 2024, we just may see her line up at the U.S. Outdoor Championships. RENTON, WASHINGTON - JUNE 12: Boys 800m winner Cooper Lutkenhaus (C) poses with runner-up Patrick ... More Hilby (L) and third-place finisher Trey Sato during the Brooks PR Invitational at Renton Memorial Stadium on June 12, 2024 in Renton, Washington. (Photo by) Getty Images 4. Cooper Lutkenhaus, Northwest (TX) Not since Michael Granville has a high school athlete taken the 800 meter distance by such a storm. And even grander: Lutkenhaus has done it at the tender age of 16. The Texas teenager, a rising high school junior at Northwest High School near Fort Worth, became the only American high schooler in history to surpass the 1:46 barrier for the distance in June, clocking a new high school record of 1:45.45 at the USATF U20 Championships. Granville's former national record of 1:46.45 had held since 1996. Now Lutkenhaus is entered in the men's 800 meters in the U.S. Outdoor Championships. Maybe it's a stretch to think the Texan can compete for a bid to the World Championships – but hey, crazier things have happened. Lutkenhaus will face up against World Indoor champion Josh Hoey, world qualifier Brandon Miller and former NCAA champion Shane Cohen. 3. Tate Taylor, Harlan (TX) Taylor's season may be over – he's not currently entered in the men's 100 meters at the U.S. Outdoor Championships – though he surely left a mark by season's end. In May, the 17-year-old high school junior from Harlan became the fastest high schooler in history when he ran a wind-legal 9.92 seconds at the Texas State Outdoor Championships – former record-holder, Issam Asinga, is currently holding a 4-year doping hand-out following a failed drug test following his record 9.89 from the South American Championships in 2023. That 100 meter time by Taylor still stands as the ninth-fastest performance in the world and is the fastest under-18 effort in history. Taylor ran just once more after the Texas State Championships, clocking a time of 10.10 for 100 meters. THE 2025 ESPYS PRESENTED BY CAPITAL ONE - Hosted by comedian, actor and writer Shane Gillis who will ... More bring his comedic energy to the stage as he joins a star-studded group to celebrate the most memorable moments in sports. "The ESPYS" will air live from The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 16, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and will stream live on ESPN+. (Disney/Frank Micelotta) ADDISON HALPERN, JANE HEDENGREN, SYDNEY MCLAUGHLIN-LEVRONE (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Disney via Getty Images) Disney via Getty Images 2. Jane Hedengren, Provo Timpiew (UT) Hedengren is not entered in the U.S. Outdoor Championships yet. But that isn't to say she won't be by deadline day. And what a show it will be if she's in the picture. The high school graduate from Provo Timpview High School – a five-star recruit headed for Brigham Young University – may have just concluded the most impressive high school girls campaigns in history, claiming high school national records in the mile, 3,000 meters, two mile and 5,000 meters. She's ranked top 20 in the world in the mile, top 50 in the 3,000 meters and inside the top 60 at 5,000 meters. And that last performance? With a time of 14:57.93, she became the first American high school athlete to break 15 minutes in history – an achievement she probably didn't even have on her bucket list. She's also the fastest woman in the world for two miles with a time of 9:17.75 – though that's a time very few women run over the season. There have been other high school superstars over the last 20 years, including the likes of Mary Cain, Alexa Efraimson and Katelyn Tuohy. But none were as versatile, and as supremely prolific, as Hedengren. WASHINGTON, DC-MARCH 18: Quincy Wilson of Bullis High School is boys track , All Met Player of ... More the Year photographed in Washington, DC on March 18, 2025. (Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images) The Washington Post via Getty Images 1. Quincy Wilson, Bullis School (MD) The only 2024 Olympian on this list, Wilson is in pristine form just a few weeks out from the U.S. Outdoor Championships. On July 12, he re-set his own world under-18 record at 400 meters, unlocking a time of 44.10 seconds at the Ed Murphey Classic in Memphis Tennessee – a performance which now stands fourth in the world. The 17-year-old is also undoubtedly a threat to make the U.S. team at the distance. And even if he ultimately finishes outside the top three finishers at USAs, Wilson will no doubt be in the running for the World Championship relay pool if he reaches the 400 meter final and accounts himself well. Wilson finished fifth at the U.S. Olympic Trials last June and was picked as an Olympian. He eventually ran in the 4x400 first round in Paris and contributed to the American's gold-winning effort. But after a hamstring injury downplayed his involvement, the Bullis School star no doubt is looking to redeem himself. So what can we expect? As a 16-year-old, Wilson clocked times of 44.66, 44.59 and 44.94 over 400 meters to finish fifth at the U.S. Olympic Trials last June. If he's anyone close to that, we're in for a wild show.
