Freshman Cruz Wins Conference Title in Javelin

Freshman Vicente Cruz first picked up the javelin last summer after completing his first track season at Salinas High School. With ah background in baseball and a drive to learn to best develop his track & field talents, Cruz continued his first year journey in the sport into the summer training and competing for Central Coast Track Club. There, he was able to practice and compete for the first time in the javelin. Cruz immediately fell in love with the event and advanced to the junior nationals in Texas. Fast forward eight months, Cruz is now the Coast Conference champion in the event with the opportunity to repeat in 2026. Cruz was the winner with a mark of 40.60m and helped Hartnell College pull in a 1,2, 3, 5, and 6 fiinsh for an outstanding 31 point haul that would prove pivotal on day two. Also placing were Mauro Rodriguez-Medina in second, Luis Hector Ortega Rosales in third, Julian Guajardo in fifth, and Adrian Manriquez in sixth. 

Sophomore Jesse Blanco helped the team by nearly winning the conference 10,000 meter title. Blanco did yeoman's work leading 23 of 25 laps before James Estrella spurted away over the final 800 meters. Blanco did receive consolation in finally secruing a State "A" mark with his 31:53.11 personal best and runner-up finish. Jesus Martinez was fourth in 33:18.30. Ivan Martinez-Galindo was fifth in 34:12.42. Alvaro Ruelas sixth in 34:29.12, and Juan Gonzalez picked up eighth in 34:48.93. Armando Amaro Moreno went from fifth in the hammer as a freshman to conference runner-up in 46.79m. He threw nearly six meters further this year. Carl Andy Sabado contributed in fifth (42.86m), freshman Solo Kalemani was seventh (36.14m) and Melquaides Garibay was eighth (35.70m). Corbin Osborn in seventh (12.98m) and Gianni Ponce (12.92m) both picked up points in the triple jump. Adrian Manriquez and Jacob Cain split fourth place in the pole vault (2.90m) and Logan Bayhonan and Adam Gonzalez both placed sixth in the pole vault (2.75m).

Hartnell men will carry a 40 point advantage into day two of the 2025 Coast Conference Championship to be held at Monterey Peninsula College on Saturday. Field events will begin at 10:00am with running following at 12:00pm.