The San Diego Mesa College track and field team concluded the 2024 season, with the men’s team securing a third-place finish and the women’s team placing fifth. Despite the women’s team not achieving a podium finish this season, head coach Sean Ricketts emphasized the team's performance by scoring more points than the previous season.
“It was a great year for both programs,” said Ricketts. “It’s undeniably successful when student-athletes become state champions, earn All-American honors, and set school records.”
The men’s 4x400 team of Marcel Acosta, Luke Yruretagoyena, Jaden Dasher, and Lamar Smith made history by securing first place with a time of 3:12.48, ranking #6 all-time. This victory holds significance as the last time Mesa claimed this title was in 1968, coinciding with the tenure of sprints and hurdles coach Wes Williams, who is set to retire after this season.
Earning a state title is a significant achievement for any athlete. This year, the team will bring back five titles to Mt. Olympus. Sidney Garcia clinched the 800-meter title and set a school record of 2:11.53. Kais Kimuli also left her mark in the record books with her shot put toss of 45’10.5. Ian Rosen, an 800-meter specialist, secured a state title with a time of 1:52.95, ranking #7 all-time. Additionally, Kyle Wood, a javelin throw specialist, set a new school record with a throw of 203’9.
The following athletes All-American honors:
Cemara Collins Shot Put 2nd Place 12.86m 42’2.25
Kaylee Tan Pole Vault 2nd Place 3.70
Chris Jackson long Jump 2nd Place 7.56 24’9 #7
Lamar Smith 4th Place 100m 10.42 and 200m 21.10
Ashley Nash 4th Place Long Jump 5.64m 18’6 #8 All Time
Jaden Dasher 4th Place 400m Hurdles 53.39 #10 All Time
Luke Yruretagoyena 4th Place 400m 47.59
Kais Kimuli 4th Place Discus 42.52m 139’6
Victor Rosas 4th Place 5k 14:40
Additional Accomplisments:
Lucas Scott 5th Place Javelin 55.87m
Alexis Noble 6th Place 5k 17:49.91 #2 All Time
Joseph DePascale 6th Place Steeplechase 9:42.44
Women’s 4x400m Relay (Shayla Harris, Amorianna Leviett, Sidney Garcia) 6th Place 3:58.40 #8 All Time
Alex Leroy 7th Place Steeplechase 9:43.09