Track & Field (2026)
Panthers Bring Home Four State Medals To Cap Spectacular 2026 Season
May 31st, 2026
Clovis, CA - On Friday and Saturday, the Panthers culminated their 2026 season with four athletes competing at the CIF State Championships. The meet is widely regarded as the best, most competitive high school track meet in the country. What makes the State Meet so intensely competitive is not just the size and population of the state, but also because California is unique in that it does not divide it’s track & field championships into divisions based on school size. Instead, athletes from large schools, small schools, rural schools, inner-city schools, private schools, public schools, charter schools, etc.. all come together for one weekend of competition to see who truly is the best of the best.
~ Click Here To See All The Photos From The Meet ~
For the Panthers, this meant that seniors Kira Gant Hatcher and Tucker Presnell along with juniors Corinne Jones and Djali de Chalus would travel to Clovis to test themselves against many athletes who are certain to be future NCAA and national-class stars. 
When it was finally over, Corinne was the top performer for the Panthers - placing third in the long jump with a near lifetime best 19’9½” and seventh in the triple jump at 39’5¾”. Her performance wrapped up a remarkable season for the uber-talented junior who returns in 2027 as one of the favorites to win both horizontal jumping events.
Kira, meanwhile, placed fourth in the triple jump (39’11¾”) and seventh in the long jump (18’11”). She graduates as one of the most decorated female track athletes in school history. Three individual North Coast Section championships, one individual State Championship, three state meet medals, a school record, and one of the fastest 100 meter sprinters in school history. Quite a remarkable career for the future California Golden Bear!
Just one week after winning the North Coast Section 3200 meter crown, junior Djali de Chalus ran a very solid race at the State Meet. After being boxed in for much of the race, the 3200 meter school record holder finally broke out of the pack and contended hard in the last two laps, eventually finishing in 9:06.32. His time was the second fastest time he’s ever run. Djali returns next year as one of the top cross country and track runners in the North Coast Section and in all of Northern California.
Finally, senior Tucker Presnell finished his Panther career by running a lifetime best 9:11.81 in the 3200 meter state final. His time was a PR by nearly 4 seconds and now ranks him as the fifth fastest Panther at that distance in school history. Running a lifetime best in the biggest meet of your life is certainly an impressive way to conclude a high school career. Congratulations to Tucker, Djali, Kira and Corinne for a great meet… and congratulations to all the Panther track & field athletes and coaches for their spectacular 2026 season!
Kira, Corinne, and Djali Win NCS Championships! On To State!!
Kira, Corinne, and Djali Win NCS Championships! On To State!!
May 23rd, 2026
Dublin, CA - On Friday and Saturday at the North Coast Section Championships at Dublin High School, Saint Mary’s Panthers athletes won three individual events, finished second in the girls team title race, and are sending four competitors onto next week’s California State Championships at Buchanan High School in Clovis.
~Click Here To See All The Photos From The Meet~
Senior Kira Gant Hatcher and juniors Corinne Jones and Djali de Chalus all jumped and ran their way to gold medals with their impressive performances.
Kira started the weekend off for the Panthers with a dramatic come-from-behind victory in the girls triple jump. After leading for most of the competition, teammate and eventual second placer Corinne bounded out to an event leading 40’ 3¼” in the sixth and final round to take the lead. However, the defending state champion still had one jump remaining and made it count – blasting a final round jump of 41’ 4¼” to seal the win and earn her second consecutive NCS Championship.
Then, on Saturday, the tables were turned as Corinne would launch a huge 19‘2“ jump in the second round of the girls long jump competition that held up for the eventual win. Both her and Kira qualified in both the long and triple jumps and will be amongst the favorites to get on the medal stand in Clovis.
Kira also placed fourth in the 100 meters on Saturday, running a very impressive 11.85.
Djali, meanwhile, took to the track with senior teammate Tucker Presnell on Saturday intent on not just qualifying for state but winning the race outright. The first six laps had the two teammates working well with one another, each exchanging the lead and setting an honest pace. Then, by lap 7, both runners - along with a Bishop O’Dowd competitor, broke away from the pack and made it a three man race. With 150 meters to go it was a neck and neck but, unlike last week at the Bayshore Championships where he was out-kicked, Djali would not be denied this time. Powering down the homestretch, legs and arms pumping with determination, the spirited Djali edged ahead to win in 9:10.31. Tucker, the pace-setter for most of the race, got the rewards for his efforts with a 9:18.01 – third place finish…. securing his spot at state. A very impressive performance, indeed, by two of the most talented distance runners in school history.
Junior Paula Devine also made her North Coast Section “Big Stage” debut this weekend. Largely unknown to most of the NCS runner’s community, she introduced herself on Friday - qualifying second in the 1600 at 4:59. Then in Saturday’s final, the newest of the Panther stars of this 2026 season made a valiant run at a top 3 state qualifying spot… but fell just short while finishing 4th overall. Still, her 4:53.52 now ranks her #2 all-time in school history behind only the great Bridget Duffy, who would later go on to earn NCAA All-American honors at Cal.
Expectations were also high for the girls 4 x 100 team, who won their heat on Friday and we’re one of the favorites to capture gold on Saturday. Unfortunately, the team was not able to compete after one of their runners was unable to compete on Saturday. This unfortunate event cost the Panthers valuable team points and made the possibility of a team championship that much tougher. Still, the girls were who were able to compete did “an amazing job” according to head coach Jeff Rogers. Despite the obstacles, they still managed a second place team finish – a scant four points behind eventual winter Carondelet.
Other highlights from the Meet of Champions included PR’s and/or season bests from:
~ Kaylin Holiness in the girls 200 meters, where she finished just 2 spots from the final.
She was 10th overall.
~ Evelyn Bird in the girls 800 meters. Her time was 2:25.63
~ Senior Maleah Bey, who ran 15.63 and finished just 1 place from the final. She was
9th overall.
The 2026 season culminates with the California State Championships next weekend in Clovis. The California State Meet brings the best of the best from across the Golden State for one meet on one weekend in what many track fans feel is one of the great track and field meets in the country. Good luck to Kira, Corinne, Djali and Tucker this coming weekend!
Panthers Put On A Show: Storm to Commanding Bayshore Championship Victory
Panthers Put On A Show: Storm to Commanding Bayshore Championship Victory
May 16th, 2026
Hayward, CA - On Saturday, the Saint Mary’s track & field team traveled to Hayward High School for the NCS Bayshore Area Championships. “Bayshore”, as it is called, brings together the top performers from three leagues – the TCAL, WACC, and MVAL - for a meet that determines the qualifiers for next week’s NCS “Meet of Champions.”
~ Click Here To See All The Photos From The Meet ~
High Jump School Record Holder Corinne Jones Clears 5'8
And, while the meet is used to establish individual qualifiers, it is also a team scoring competition… essentially to see which team reigns supreme in this East Bay/Bayshore region of the Bay Area. And once again, for the ninth time in 11 years, the girl’s team captured the top prize. Led by a trifecta of outstanding individual performers as well as a handful of talented, rising stars… the Panthers broke Bayshore meet records and plenty of personal bests en route to a dominant 50 point win over runner-up Bishop O’Dowd! 
l to r: Sprint Duo Mia Monroe & Kira Gant-Hatcher
Junior Corinne Jones was the day’s top scorer, winning both the triple jump and the high jump, finishing second in the long jump and anchoring the girls 4 x 100 meter relay. For the second week in a row, the ultra-talented junior bounded her way past the 41 foot mark in winning the triple jump, finally breaking the sand at 41’3½”. Then, about two hours later and with the help of a boisterous, rhythmic-clapping crowd... she approached, launched and bounced over a school record-tying 5’8” to win the high jump. Her jump not only tied a Bayshore meet record that had stood since 1999, but also vaults her to the #5 ranking in California this season. 
Bayshore Champion Paula Devine
Junior teammate Paula Devine also won two individual events in super impressive fashion. In the 1600, she cruised the first two laps tucked in with the leaders before taking control of the race in lap 3 and cruising home to a personal best 4:55.86. 
Aluzio Zarnowiecki Passes To Alejandro Diaz-Zepeda
A couple hours later she took the track again in the 800. Running in just her third 800 race ever, the swimmer turned-star runner seemed appeared to be quite comfortable after crossing in 2:13.02. Both races were her fastest ever and place her among a small group that will vie for a trip to the state meet next week.
Sophomore MOC Qualifier Khalil Pearson
Senior Kira Gant-Hatcher and sophomore Mia Monroe also had very fine days. Kira finished second in the triple jump (40’0”), second in the 100 (11.86) and won the long jump (19’5¾”). All totaled, Kira scored 26 individual points for her team on Saturday. Mia, meanwhile ,finished 3rd in the 100 meters (11.91) and 2nd in the 200 (24.63) to punch her ticket to next week’s state qualifying Meet of Champions. 
Djali de Chalus Leads the 3200
Both the shortest and longest relays in Saturday’s meet were also won by the Panthers. Kaylin Hollines, Mia, Kira, and Corinne combined to dominate the girls 4 x 100 relay. Their time, 46.98, now ranks them 2nd in the entire North Coast Section, 14th in California and is 3rd on the school's all-time list. Later, sophomores Evelyn Bird, Danielle Mendler and Jessie Ruppert combined with Paula to win the 4 x 800 relay in 9:59.62. Their time missed the meet record by less than a second. 
Freshman Noah Roder
Other qualifiers onto the Meet of Champions (MOC) next week are sophomore Caty Ruppert - who finished 5th in the 3200 meters; senior hurdler Maleah Bey - who finished second in the 100 hurdles; and junior Kaylin Holiness who sprinted her way to an “at large” qualifying spot in the 200 meters. Kaylin finished with a huge 25.91 PR.
Jessie Ruppert Runs A Strong 4 x 800 Leg
For the boys, Bayshore was less about the team scoring competition and more about individuals and relay teams extending their seasons and qualifying onto MOC. Djali de Chalus and Tucker Presnell both showed their ready to make a run at a state meet birth next week in the 3200 meters. Djali finished 2nd while Tucker finish 3rd in what seemed like a tuneup for next week’s big MOC showdown. 
Kai Sullivan (r) and Nico Cadelago (l) Run Strong in the 3200
According to the coaches, sophomore Kai Sullivan appears to have qualified “at large” in the 3200 meters as well - running his lifetime best 9:37 on Saturday. As well, the boys 4 x 400 relay team - Alejandro Diaz-Zepeda, Bruno Middleton, ALuzio, Zarnowiecki and Khalil Pearson - ran their fastest race of the year and grabbed the 6th and final automatic qualifying spot into the Meet of Champions. 
MOC Qualifier Caty Ruppert
Earlier, Khalil hopped, stepped and jumped his way into a qualifying spot in the boys triple jump. Other solid performances from Bayshore on Saturday came from:
~ Evelyn Bird, who ran a PR in the open 800 (2:28.12)
~ Mika Mazin, who PR’d in the 1600 (4:34.20)
~ Freshman Nico Cadelago, who broke the 10 minute barrier in the 3200 to establish his lifetime best in what is believed to be the Saint Mary’s freshman record (9:54)
Mia Monroe Crushes Her 4 x 100 Leg
~ Sophomore Scott St. Clair, who battled injuries for most of the season but still ran a PR in the 3200 (10:16)
~ Junior Sabrina Jackson, who ran a near qualifying personal best in just her second 300 meter hurdle race ever (51.44)
~ Freshman Noah Roder, who ran a spectacularly good 300m hurdle race – winning his heat in an impressive 42.98. It was just 3 weeks ago that Noah ran his first ever 300m hurdle race and in that time he’s lowered his PR by almost four seconds!
MOC Qualifier Maleah Bey
Congratulations to all the Panther track and field athletes who competed at Bayshore on Saturday and good luck to those going onto MOC next Friday and Saturday at Dublin High School.
“A Resounding Yes!” Panthers Soar To Top-Ranked Performances and New Meet Records at Historic TCAL Finals
“A Resounding Yes!” Panthers Soar To Top-Ranked Performances and New Meet Records at Historic TCAL Finals
May 9th, 2026
El Cerrito, CA - Entering the post-season, it becomes common for both coaches and athletes alike to wonder: has the work we’ve been doing really been working? Are we getting better? Has this all been worth it? After Friday’s historic TCAL Championship meet, the answers to all of those questions can be nothing less than a resounding “Yes!”
~ Click Here To See All The Photos From The Meet ~
Kira Soars To 20'7½"
Corinne Jones - 41'10"
Incredible individual performances – including top 10 California State marks, U.S. National top 10 performances, new TCAL meet records and dozens of lifetime bests - all combined to produce a pair of dominant team wins for both the Panthers boys and girls teams.
2x Meet Record Holder Djali de Chalus
The girls team, widely regarded as one of the top teams in Northern California, was headlined by the usual cast of superstars. The dynamic jump duo of Kira Gant Hatcher and Corinne Jones were, once again, the top story.
200 Meter Champion Mia Monroe
After blasting a new meet and lifetime best 11.76 in winning the girls 100 meters, the future California Golden Bear sprinted down the runway, exploded off of the takeoff board, and hit the sand 20 feet 7½ inches away from where she started. That mark, 20’7½”, not only breaks her own school record of 20’3”, but launches her all the way to California #1 and U.S. #5 for this 2026 season. It also now ranks her #4 in the history of the North Coast Section!
Earlier, Kira hopped, stepped and jumped her way to a new lifetime best 41’6” in the girls triple jump, which now makes her California #4 and U.S. #10 in that event. 
Ian Kopchik Wins The 800
Equally as impressive was her teammate, Corinne, who propelled herself all the way to California #3 and U.S. #7 in winning the triple jump in lifetime best 41’ 10”. After winning the high jump, the ultra-talented junior then exploded down the runway and vaulted herself to a huge 19’10” PR in the long jump. That jump now makes her California #8 in that event. Quite a day indeed for that Panther pair!
l to r: Kai Sullivan and Mika Mazin
To begin the meet, Kira and Corinne combined with junior Kaylin Holiness and sophomore Mia Monroe to win the 4 x 100 relay in a new meet record 47.14. The foursome is now ranked 2nd in the North Coast Section and 14th in California.
After the relay, both Mia and Kaylin posted solid sprint times as well. Mia ran the 2nd fastest 100 meters of her life – 11.82 – which exceeded the old meet record by .4 seconds! She later won the 200 meters by more than a full second, finishing in 24.87. Look for this rising star to be in contention for medals and State Meet births over the next few weeks. 
Kaylin Opens The 4 x 400
Kaylin also ran a pair of PR‘s in the 100 and 200 - finishing in 12.62 and 26.24 while placing 4th overall in both races. Kaylin’s times are nearly a full second faster than she ran in 2025!
After racing in two events at the North Coast Section swim championships on Friday morning, junior distance sensation Paula Devine showed up to the TCAL track championships - put on her track uniform and won both the 1600 (5:07) and 800 meter (2:18) races going away. For an encore, she then anchored both the 4 x 800 and 4 x 400 relay teams to gold. 
Kira Passes To Corinne
In the 4 x 400, she got the baton some 25 meters behind the leader but left no doubt about the outcome. Buoyed by a raucous and excited crowd, Paula showcased her grit, competitiveness, and speed when she caught and passed a strong Vallejo team on the homestretch to notch the win for the Panthers. The 4 x 400 ended a meet that saw the Panthers amass more team points than all the other TCAL schools combined!
Aluzio Zarnowiecki
Among the other outstanding girl performances on Friday were the individual championships won by Caty Ruppert in the 3200, Maleah Bey in the 100 hurdles, and Sabrina Jackson in the 300 hurdles.
Elia Kudemus
Senior Elia Kudemus and junior Kamryn Levy both finished second in the girls high jump and shot put respectively… while junior Mae Goldman and sophomore Mayari Negron-Gonzalez took home bronze in the 400 meters and high jump.
Sophomores Evelyn Bird and Danielle Mendler, as well as junior Fiona Groth-Reidey, also had solid days for the Panthers.
The 3200 Meter Squad
The boys meet, unlike the girls, was expected to be a dogfight. El Cerrito was relying on their top notch sprint talent while the Panthers were hoping their all-star distance squad would put them over the top.
While the meet was close for a time, by the end it was apparent that this Panthers boys team would not be denied. While the heralded Gauchos sprinters amassed a very impressive 88 team points, the Panthers distance team matched that point total… scoring 88 of their own. 
Bronze Medalist Mae Goldman
Junior Djali de Chalus continued his dominant 2026 season, establishing new TCAL meet records while winning both the 1600 and 3200 meter races. Teammate Tucker Presnell finished just behind Djali in both races.
After Djali and Tucker, the fivesome of Ian Kopchik, Kai Sullivan, Mika Mazin, and freshmen Nico Cadelago and Nicolas Preas posted their fair share of impressive races.
Freshman Noah Roder
Ian won the 800 (1:59), with Kai (2:01) and Mika (2:02) finishing third and fourth respectively. In the 1600, Ian (4:34) was 4th, Mika (4:35) was 5th and Nico (4:36) was 6th. Nico’s time is now the all-time Saint Mary’s freshman record.
In the final distance race of the meet, the 3200, the distance runners scored 27 of the 31 possible points to officially clinch the team title. In all, not a bad day for Coach Gabe Arias-Sheridan’s squad!
Hurdle Champion Maleah Bey
Sprinters Alejandro Diaz-Cepeda, Brayden White, and Adam Steiner all ran big PR‘s in the 100 meters - proving that their commitment to coach Terry Burke’s training regiment has certainly paid off. Likewise, junior Bruno Middleton and sophomore Desmond Panlilio each ran significant PR‘s in the open 400.
Head coach Jeff Rogers also pointed out the 19 crucial points scored by the hurdling trio of freshman Noah Roder, sophomore Reid Smithwick, and junior Aluzio Zarnowiecki.
Hurdle Champion Sabrina Jackson
“Coming in, we knew those three were feeling a bit unprepared to compete in the hurdles at the league championships but we asked them to get out there, do their best and try to score some points for the team. Collectively, they came away with 19 points and we couldn’t have asked for more. It was those kinds of sacrifices that a lot of our athletes made today that proved to be the difference. As a coaching staff, we’re very proud of them.”
In the field, shot putter Rowan Zuber and discus thrower Xavier Slocum both launched massive PR‘s to also score crucial points for the team. Rowan’s 38’6” heave placed him 2nd overall while Xavier’s launch of over 100 feet (101’ 1”) placed him 4th. 
l to r: Noah Roder and Kaylum Franklin
Coach Rogers’ jumpers also scored big time team points. The trio of Kaylum Franklin, Noah Roder and Khalil Pearson scored 47 crucial points in the jumps. Kaylum won the high jump and finished second in the triple jump, Khalil won the triple jump and finished fourth in the long jump, and Noah finished third in the high jump and fourth in the triple jump. Congratulations to those three!
Girls 4 x 800 Champions
Overall, Friday will be remembered as one of the great individual and collective team performances in recent Panthers track & field history. Along with the strong individual performances achieved and championship banners won… the spirit, enthusiasm and support the athletes showed for their team and for one another was simply remarkable. Congratulations to both teams, their coaches and their families on a great meet. 
TCAL Champions
Up next for the Panthers is the North Coast Section Bayshore Championships to be held at Hayward High School on Saturday, May 16th. Come out and support the Panthers as they continue their postseason, championship run.
Next Generation Rises: Panthers Close Season Strong at TCAL Frosh-Soph Championships
Next Generation Rises: Panthers Close Season Strong at TCAL Frosh-Soph Championships
May 5th, 2026
Berkeley, CA - On Monday, the Panthers hosted the TCAL Frosh-Soph Championship at Brady Park. The meet is only open to 9th and 10th graders from member TCAL schools and serves as the “league championships” for the league. Medals are awarded and bragging rights claimed in this, the final event of the year for most of the league’s underclassmen.
~ Click Here To See All The Photos From The Meet ~
Hurdle Champion Noah Roder
For the Panthers, several up and coming stars shined bright while a cadre of others ran, jumped and hurdled like they never have before. Among them, freshman Noah Roder had an eye-opening day – winning 3 individual events (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, high jump) and placing 2nd in another (triple jump).
Jacyn Snipes Passes To Sihiri Kinchen
Sophomore teammates Khalil Pearson and Brayden White also flexed their talents on Monday. Khalil won the triple jump, joined Desmond Panlilio, Haakon Miller, and Reid Smithwick to win the 4 x 400 relay, finished 2nd in the 200 meters, and ran an excellent leg on the 2nd place 4 x100 relay.
Kai Sullivan Leads Nico Cadelago
Double Gold Winner Mayari Negron-Gonzalez
Meanwhile, Brayden ran a lifetime best 11.66 to finish 2nd in the 100 meters and anchored the 4 x 100 relay to a near victory against rival Pinole Valley. The Spartans ran 45.90 to the Panthers 45.91.
Sophomore Desmond Panlilio
Sophomore Mayari Negron-Gonzalez also took home plenty of hardware on Monday. She jumped a lifetime best 15’3” to win the girls long jump, won the high jump, and finished 2nd in a lifetime best 31’6” in the triple jump.
300 Hurdle Champion Ella Robinson
Other top performers on Monday were:
~ Kai Sullivan easily won the boys 1600, running uncontested for the entire race. His 4:35 was :06 seconds better than his Panther teammate Nico Cadelago’s 4:41. Nico’s time was a mere .7 from his PR and just 1 second away from the Panthers all-time freshman record.
~ The girls sophomore relay squad of Caty Ruppert, Evelyn Bird, Jessie Ruppert and Danielle Mendler ran away from the rest of the league in both the 4 x 800, winning by nearly :45 seconds!
Sprinter Adam Steiner
Freshman Sophia Andress
~ Sophomore Lukas McAndrew-Kvaerno ran a :45 second PR in his 3200 meter race, placing 2nd overall while getting a lot of praise from distance coach Gabe Arias-Sheridan.
~ Sophomore Ella Robinson won the 300 hurdlles in what is believed to be her first ever 300 hurdle race!
~ Danielle Mendler finished 2nd in the 800 in a new PR 2:30.39.
l to r: Sophie Mulder and Renee Presnell
Liam Levine to Khalil Pearson
~ Sophomore Desmond Panlilio had an overall nice day. He ran big PR’s in both the 100 and 200 before running the opening leg on the victorious 4 x 400 team.
~ Freshmen Julian Jenkins and Sophie Mulder both took home medals. Julian placed 2nd in the high jump while Sophie jumped a lifetime best to place 3rd in the triple jump.
Eliza Cook Clears the Bar
~ Sophomore Sihiri Kinchen and freshman Eliza Cook both took home silver medals – Sihiri in the 100 hurdles and Eliza in the high jump.
Lucia Parsons and Valerie Moore
Congratulations to all the frosh-soph athletes who competed at the championships on Monday and who completed their 2026 track & field season!
Big PRs and Senior Moments Highlight Panthers’ Final League Meet
Big PRs and Senior Moments Highlight Panthers’ Final League Meet
April 29th, 2026
Berkeley, CA - Tuesday, April 28th was significant for the Panther Track & Field season for two reasons: the first was that it served as the final TCAL league meet of 2026. The second, a maybe more significantly, was that it was “Senior Day” - a day of celebration for the 11 athletes that make up the class of 2026. So, after a ceremony of introductions, applause, well-wishing signs, balloons, flowers and families…. the Panthers were on the track and in the field against TCAL rivals El Cerrito, Pinole Valley, and Salesian.
~ Click Here To See All The Photos From The Meet ~
Leading the way on Tuesday were, appropriately, a handful of seniors led by Kira Gant Hatcher, Keowyn Warner, Elia Kudemus, and Tucker Presnell.
Staying true to form, Kira won all four of her events: the long jump (18’10), triple jump (39’10”, 100 (11.99), and 200 (25.69) meters. The smiley, bouncy, CAL- bound senior certainly seems primed for an eventful postseason. 
Keowyn, Tucker, and Elia all established season and/or lifetime bests at “Senior Day.” Tucker finished a few steps behind teammate Djali de Chalus in the 800m, running a a PR 2:02.09. Keowyn ran his fastest time of the year in the 100, winning his heat in 12.06, before doing the same in the 200 (24.40).
Elia, meanwhile, competed in 4 events… finishing 2nd in the both the triple and high jumps, nearly equaled her lifetime best in the 100, and finished 3rd in the long jump. 
Other highlights on the day included:
~ Paula Devine’s 10:51 in the 3200. She’s now 3rd on the school’s all-time list after just her first ever 3200 meter race!
~ Djali de Chalus (2:00.43) and Kai Sullivan’s (2:02.68) big PR’s in the 800. Djali finished 1st, Kai was 3rd.
~ The team of Aluzio Zarnowiecki, Alejandro Diaz-Zepeda, Khali Pearson, and Brayden White nearly stealing an exciting boys varsity 4 x 100. Their time, 44.71, was a season’s best.
~ Freshman Nico Cadelago’s continued assault on the freshman boy’s 1600 meter record. His time, 4:41, was :01 seconds short of the record.
~ Freshman Noah Roder’s double win the 110/300 hurdles.
~ Junior Kaylin Hollines’ PR (1:02.92) in her first 400 meter race of the season.
~ Junior Kamryn Levy’s shot put win (28’10”) and season best in the 100 (13.46)
~ Sophomore Mayari Negron-Gonzalez competed in 4 event: leaping over an all-time best in the high jump (4’10”), placing 2nd in the long jump, 3rd in the triple jump and running her first 100 meter race of the season.
~ Kaylum Franklin won the triple jump in a TCAL leading and lifetime best 41’6”.
~ Brayden White and Alejandro Diaz-Zepeda sprinted to PR’s in the 100 and 200 respectively. Brayden ran 11.69 while Alejandro ran 23.06.
~ Adam Steiner, Leon Schubert, Kevin Pineda, Daniel Garcia and Ellington Green, Liam Levine, Haakon Miller and DeJada Williams all ran the fastest they’ve ever run in the 100, 200 and/or 400. They did a “great job” according to Coach Craig Sutphin.
Up next for the Panthers will be the TCAL Frosh-Soph Championships to be held Monday, May 4th at Saint Mary’s @ 3:30. Come out and cheer on the freshman and sophomore as they battle it out for league supremacy!
Updated All-Time Lists!
Big Marks, Bigger Message: Panthers Impress @ Clash of the Titans
Big Marks, Bigger Message: Panthers Impress @ Clash of the Titans
April 25th, 2026
Oakland, CA - New meet records, all-time Saint Mary’s performances, current North Coast Section rankings and substantial lifetime bests were all part of the Panthers final 2026 invitational meet season on Saturday. The “Clash of the Titans” invitational, hosted by Skyline High School, featured over 40 teams from the East Bay and San Francisco who were all seeking a quality tuneup meet before heading into their league championship seasons. For the Panthers, their intention was the same and their results indicate that they are rounding into peak form at just the right time.
~ Click Here To See All The Photos From The Meet ~
l to r: Tucker Presnell and Djali de Chalus lead the 1600
The headliners on Saturday were the same cast and crew that have been headlining the entire 2026 season thus far. CAL-bound senior Kira Gant Hatcher broke 2 of the 4 meet records set by Saint Mary’s athletes on Saturday - taking home gold in both the long (18’10”) and triple jump (40’4”). As a finale, the speedy senior also threatened to make it a trifecta before being narrowly edged out the girls 100 meters - 12.24 to 12.26. Still, Kira’s triumphs sparked a bevy of other fine performances by Panther trackesters.
Corinne Jones attempts 5'7"
Fellow jumper extraordinaire Corinne Jones set a new personal best and set a new meet record in the girls high jump, taking home the top prize after clearing 5’5”. The previous record, 5’1”, had been set in 2022. Corinne also finished second in the triple jump (39’8”), just behind Kira. Both Kira and Corinne jumped more than 5 feet farther than the next best competitor!
Sophomore Khalil Pearson passes to Sophomore Brayden White
The distance team also showed up on Saturday ready to flex their talents. Juniors Djali de Chalus and Paula Devine won the boys and girls 1600 meters, respectively. Djali, along with teammate Tucker Presnell, commanded the field - taking the early lead and extending it through the middle laps. By the end, it was just the two teammates, battling down the homestretch, with Djali edging out his teammate – 4:19 to 4:20. For Tucker, it was a lifetime best and for both of them it was a statement to the rest of the North Coast Section that both of them will indeed be ready for the postseason. 
New Meet Record Holder Paula Devine
Like Djali and Tucker, junior Paula Devine took command of the race early and literally ran away from the field. Her final time, 4:59.53, established a new meet record, vaulted her to #3 on the schools all-time list, and sent a message to the rest of the North Coast Section that she will be a formidable challenge come championship season time.
Freshman Noah Roder
Kira Gant Hatcher Soars to LJ Gold
Teammate Caty Ruppert also ran a very good 1600 meters, finishing 4th overall in a new lifetime best 5:24.20. Caty’s teammate and sister Jessie also ran a lifetime best (5:48) as did fellow sophomore Zoe Jennings (6:17). 
Kamryn Levy Finishes 3rd in the SP
Junior Aluzio Zarnowiecki
For the boys, sophomore Kai Sullivan made a valiant run at breaking the 4:30 mark in the 1600, finishing just outside in 4:31. Senior teammate Mika Mazin also ran an impressive race, winning his heat handily in a new lifetime best 4:35. 
Junior Juliet Karol wins her 100m heat
l to r: Leon Schubert and Zaire Strong
Freshman Nico Cadelago, recently recovered from a nasty cold, gave his best effort to break the now almost 20 year old freshman school record of 4:40 but fell just shy, finishing in a new PR 4:43.
Freshman Nicolas Preas battles for position
Other top performances on Saturday came from Alejandro Diaz Cepeda in the 400 (New PR 52.50), Kaylum Franklin in the triple jump (41’5”), The boys 4 x 100 team of Aluzio Zarnowiecki, Alejandro, Khalil Pearson and Brayden White (44.89), and Kamryn Levy in the shot put (28’1”).
Caty Ruppert
Up next for the Panthers will be their final TCAL league meet on Tuesday at home against El Cerrito and Pinole Valley. The first events will start at 3:30.
Breakthrough Day at Brady Field: Panthers Pile Up Wins and PRs
Breakthrough Day at Brady Field: Panthers Pile Up Wins and PRs
April 22nd, 2026
Berkeley, CA - After having not competed for several weeks, the idea of a TCAL home meet featuring seven teams and over 200 athletes could not have come at a better time, according to JV sprint coach Craig Sutphin.
“We’ve been looking forward to this meet for a couple of weeks now,” said the longtime coach. “It’s been awhile for a lot of them and so we were hoping for a lot of competitors and a lot of competition and that’s exactly what we got.”
~ See All The Photos From The Meet Here ~
For the Panthers, the likes of Hercules, De Anza, Jesse Bethel, Kennedy, Richmond and SPSV served up just the right amount of opposition for a mild Wednesday afternoon at Brady Field. 
Meet highlights included:
- Dozens of PR’s from both the boys and girls JV sprint teams. Sihiri Kinchen, Ella Robinson, Valerie Moore, Sophia Andress, Sophie Mulder, Renee Presnell and Jacyn Snipes were among the JV girls to better their lifetime bests while Desmond Panlilio, DeJada Williams, Kevin Pineda, Julian Jenkins, Haakon Miller and Zac Endress were among the boys that did the same.
- Paula Devine, known thus far for her middle distance prowess, stepped down in distance and ran an incredibly fast 59.08 to easily win the open 400.
- Kira Gant Hatcher rolled to victory in both the 100 (12.06) and 200 (25.50). The 200 was her first race at that distance this year.
- Jumper extraordinaire Corinne Jones came within ½” of her lifetime best in the triple jump (40’6”) before equaling her best in the high jump (5’4”)
- Freshman Noah Roder ran his first ever 110 hurdles race, winning in 17.54. He then won the first and only 300 hurdles race he’s ever run. Noah now ranks 2nd in the entire TCAL in the 110h and 4th in the 300h.
- Alejandro Diaz-Zepeda finished 2nd in the 100m while fellow junior Kaylin Hollines finished 3rd in her 100 meter race. Kaylin’s time (12.86) was a new PR.
- Jessie Ruppert (5:51), Danielle Mendler (6:05) and Gianna Hernandez (6:25) all ran 1600 meter personal bests
- Kaylum Franklin won the high jump (5’8”), Rowan Zuber won the shot put, Zach Lenihan won the discus, Mayari Negron-Gonzalez won the long jump, and Khalil Pearson won the triple jump to lead the always strong field event squads.
“It was good to get a meet like this in today,” said a tired but upbeat Coach Rogers. “A lot of our athletes needed to get into a race or a competition that would test their stamina and toughness and let us know what we still need to work on technically. A lot of kids have come a long way but we want to be sure that we keep improving. Meets like this tell us a lot.”
This Saturday, the Panthers will be back at it… with their annual entry in the “Clash of the Titans” meet hosted by Skyline High School. Then, on Tuesday, April 28th the Panthers will host El Cerrito and Pinole Valley in their final TCAL league meet of the year.
Distance Runners Shine @ Granada Sprint & Distance Festival
Distance Runners Shine @ Granada Sprint & Distance Festival
April 18th, 2026
Livermore, CA - On Saturday it was the distance runners who grabbed the spotlight and showcased their talents at the 8th annual Granada Sprint and Distance festival, hosted by Granada High School (Livermore). The top Panther performances of the day were turned in by senior Ian Kopchik and junior Paula Devine who both ran the fastest 800 meters races of their lives. Ian‘s time – 1:58.84 - was a lifetime best by almost a second in just his first open 800 meter race of the year.
Paula’s time – 2:14.17 - was good enough for 2nd place overall, makes her the 4th fastest Lady Panther in school history, and ranks her amongst the top five runners in the entire North Coast Section this season. More impressive was that this was Paula’s first 800 meter race ever!
Senior Mika Mazin and sophomore Kai Sullivan also ran lifetime bests in the 800 – Mika crossing the line in 2:02.58 while Kai was not far behind in 2:03.65.
Sophomores Danielle Mendler (2:31), Jessie Ruppert (2:35), Zoe Jennings (2:49), and junior Gianna Hernandez (3:00) all ran faster than they ever had in the 800, according to girls distance coach Denis Mohun.
“This was a really good meet for all of our runners,” said the long time coach. “Most of the runners competing today haven’t run in several weeks so it was great for them to get out here and see where they are. Based on their times and performances, it’s obvious that their training has been going well.”
Sophomores Caty Ruppert and Evelyn Bird also had very productive days. Caty scored a big PR in the 3200, running 11:29 to finish 6th overall which now ranks her fifth on the school's all-time list. Her time was over :20 seconds faster than she ran earlier this season . Evelyn also ran the 3200, finishing in 12:09 which narrowly missed her PR. She later ran the 800 in 2:29, which was also less than a second from her lifetime best.
Boys coach Gabe Arias Sheridan also pointed out the impressive day that freshman Nicolas Preas had. After blasting a :05 second personal best in the 800, he came back two hours later with an impressive 1600 race where he nearly scored another PR. Coach Gabe, like all the coaches of all the competing athletes, was quite impressed with Nicolas’ day .
Next up for the Panthers is a TCAL home meet on Wednesday, April 22 against Hercules, SPSV, De Anza, Richmond, and Jesse Bethel. First events start at 3:30.
Big Stage, Bigger Results: Panthers Rack Up Records, Medals at Elite Arcadia Meet
Big Stage, Bigger Results: Panthers Rack Up Records, Medals at Elite Arcadia Meet
April 12th, 2026
Arcadia, CA - For the 5th time in four weekends, school records toppled as the Panther track & field team continued their impressive 2026 season – this time at the much anticipated and highly regarded Arcadia Invitational.
~ Click Here To See All The Photos From The Meet ~
~ Click Here To Watch the Girls 4 x 100 @ Arcadia ~
~ Click Here To Watch Djali's 3200m (Last Lap) ~
~ Click Here To See Kira's 20'3" Long Jump ~
Kira Gant Hatcher Passes to Corinne Jones
First up was the assault on the 9 year old 3200m school record. The old record, 9:03.77, was set by former Panther and Pomona-Pitzer star Owen Woo in 2017. The assailant on the cool, 60° Friday evening was junior distance prodigy Djali de Chalus. After cruising through the first mile in 4:31, Djali battled several other runners over the next three laps before taking control of the race in the final lap, running the last 400 in a swift :62 seconds to earn himself a race win, a coveted Arcadia Invitational medal, a new personal best (9:02.44), a new school record and the all-important bragging rights of being the fastest Panther distance runner ever!
Tucker Presnell - Boys 3200m
Teammate Tucker Presnell also ran the fastest 3200m that he ever had. After an even swifter 1st mile than Djali (4:29), Tucker gutted out a tough 2nd mile to finish his 3200 in a new PR 9:15.17
Kira Gant Hatcher - 20'3"
Mia Monroe - Girls 100m
After a Friday evening of 2 mile distance running, it was time to sprint on Saturday morning. First up was the girls 2nd ranked – NCS 4 x 100 team. The team: Kaylin Hollines, Mia Monroe, Kira Gant-Hatcher and Corinne Jones joined together once again to win their heat going away. Their time - 47.58 - nearly equaled the season best time of 47.42 they posted at the Stanford Invitational last Saturday. They remain one of the fastest teams in Northern Califoirnia.
Junior Alejandro Diaz-Zepeda
Later in the afternoon, Mia came back with a solid 100 (11.97) -200 (24.91) sprint double. After that, the boys Distance Medley Relay squad - Ian Kopchik, Alejandro Diaz- Zepeda, Mika Mazin and Tucker Presnell gave a run trying to break a third school record in three weeks in that event. Although they fell short, the squad represented the Panthers well behind Tucker‘s scintillating 4:20 – 1600m anchor leg .
Senior Mika Mazin
After the “day” portion of the Arcadia Invitational – considered by many to be the 2nd most competitive meet in the country each year - was completed, it was time for the evening “Invitational” section. The invitational section of the Arcadia meet is considered THE most competitive, most prestigious high school track meet in the country. Top athletes from around the country descend upon Arcadia to test their mettle, their resolve, their competitiveness and their talent against the best of the best in the world of high school track. For the Panthers, jumps stars Kira Gant Hatcher and Corinne Jones were the Saint Mary’s representatives. 
Corinne Jones - Long Jump, 18' 7¾"
First up was the long jump where, after struggling in the first few rounds, the CAL-bound senior Kira showed why she’s one of the Bay Area’s top track and field recruits.. bounding out to a new lifetime best 20‘3“. Her historic jump was exactly the same distance as the first and second place finishers but placed her third overall based on the tie-breaking rules used in the long jump. Still, that jump now ties her for the state lead, is the 5th farthest in the history of the North Coast Section and more importantly cements her as they best long jumper in school history. 
Senior Ian Kopchik
Later, both Corinne and Kira qualified through the preliminary rounds of the triple jump to the finals where Kira once again showed why she is the defending California State Champion in that event. Her leap - 40’5¼”- is a seasonal best and was good enough for a 4th place overall finish. Corinne finished 9th overall.
Tucker Presnell, Coach Gabe Arias-Sheridan, Djali de Chalus
“I’d say this is one of the more impressive Arcadia invitational we’ve had,” said head coach Jeff Rogers. “We had nine athletes compete in 10 events over two days at a national caliber of this quality. We finished first in two of those events, broke two school records, and brought home seven medals. I’d say we had quite a weekend.”
Congratulations to all the Panthers who competed at Arcadia. Up next for the Panthers will be the Granda Sprint and Distance Festival on Saturday, April 18th. After that, the Panthers will play host to a handful of TCAL teams in a home meet on Wednesday, April 22nd.
Records Fall, Stars Rise In Big Weekend @ Stanford Invitational
Records Fall, Stars Rise In Big Weekend @ Stanford Invitational
April 4th, 2026
Palo Alto, CA - Highlighted by a trifecta of powerful relay squads, a dynamic all-state jumps duo, and a sophomore sprint star in the making - the Panthers track & field team had a memorable showing at the prestigious Stanford Invitational this weekend.
~Click Here To See All The Photos From The Meet~
~ Watch the Record-Breaking Boys DMR Here ~
~ Watch the Girls 4 x 100 Final Here ~
On Friday, the distance relays were the feature. The boys squad, who just last week broke a nearly 20-year-old school record in the Distance Medley Relay (DMR) out-did themselves once again at Stanford - breaking their six day old record by almost two seconds. The quartet – Tucker Presnell, Alejandro Diaz-Cepeda, Ian Kopchik, and Djali de Chalus, combined to run 10:25.09 - the fastest time by any North Coast Section school this season and the 5th fastest in California in 2026. The new school-record holders won their race by more than 8 seconds over runner-up Carlmont HS (Belmont).
Without question this was yet another fine performance by Coach Gabe Arias-Sheridan’s squad who will be trying, for the 3rd consecutive weekend, to lower their school record time when they line up for their final DMR of the season at next weekend’s illustrious Arcadia Invitational.
The Lady Panther’s quartet: Caty Ruppert, Sabrina Jackson, Evelyn Bird, and Paula Devine also ran their way into the all-time Saint Mary’s record book. Their 12:25 time was the 3rd fastest time in school history and the fastest any Panther squad has run since 2002. 
“I was really pleased with the girls today,” said their coach Denis Mohun. “Those were pretty much the fastest teams in Northern California and we hung right in there with him. They weren’t overwhelmed by the competition or the moment. They have every reason to feel proud.”
The girls Distance Medley team is now ranked 4th in the North Coast Section and 16th in the state. 
After a Friday of distance relays, the focus on Saturday turned to the sprints, hurdles, jumps and onto the Panthers girls 4 x 100 team. Entering the meet with a season best time of 48.05 but confident that they could go faster, Stanford served up the perfect venue and perfect atmosphere for those prognostications to come true. 
After running a season best 47.52 in the morning heats and advancing to the final, the team of Kaylin Hollines, Mia Monroe, Kira Gant Hatcher and Corinne Jones took the track in the afternoon for the final. Running out of lane 3 and in a field that featured every top team from Northern California, the Panthers sped to a season best 47.42 - 4th place overall finish. Their time is now the 5th fastest time in school history and the second fastest time posted in the North Coast Section this season
Individually, the Panthers also showed great success at Stanford. Kira Gant Hatcher continued her celebrated 2026 season, placing second in both the long (18’9”) and triple jumps (39’10”). In both events, Kira was edged out by the current state leaders in both events. 
Teammate Corinne Jones suffered through a disappointing three fouls in the long jump on Friday but rebounded nicely on Saturday with a third place finish in the triple jump (39’4”).
Sophomore Mia Monroe battled a star-studded field in the 100 meters, winning her morning heat (11.93) before placing fifth overall in the afternoon final. Mia is currently ranked third in the entire North Coast Section in the 100m and second in the 200m.
Senior hurdler Maleah Bey also had a nice Saturday competing at Stanford, posting her best time of the season at 15.81.
Record-Breaking DMR Sparks Banner Day for Panthers @ Bay Area Relays
Record-Breaking DMR Sparks Banner Day for Panthers @ Bay Area Relays
March 28th, 2026
Pleasanton, CA - Led by senior stand-out Tucker Presnell and junior star Djali de Chalus, the boys Distance Medley Relay team ran 10:26.93 – shattering an almost 20 year old school record on Saturday at the Bay Area Relays. The team – Tucker, Djali, Ian Kopchik and Alejandro Diaz-Cepeda - shaved nearly 7 seconds off of the old record while simultaneously vaulting themselves to the top of the 2026 North Coast Section leaderboard. Their run highlighted a record-breaking day from several Panthers who continued their outstanding 2026 season.
~ Click Here To See All The Photos From The Meet ~
Djali de Chalus Runs To Victory in the Boys DMR
Record-Breakers (l to r): Ian Kopchik, Tucker Presnell, Djali de Chalus, Alejandro Diaz-Zepeda
“I was really pleased with how the guys ran today,” said first year boys distance coach Gabe Arias-Sheridan. “We really didn’t back off much this week. We have our eyes set on really running fast the next two weeks at Stanford in Arcadia so for us to post this time on a hot day after the training week we’ve had makes me think we can go a lot faster.”
Record-Breaker Corinne Jones
Record-Breaker Kira Gant Hatcher
Riding the emotional surge of the boys relay team, many other Panthers seemed especially inspired on Saturday. Cal-bound senior Kira Gant Hatcher broke the meet record while winning the long jump (19’ 3¼”) before running the fastest 100 meters of her life and eclipsing the elusive 12 second barrier. She crossed the line in 11.94 seconds, which now ranks her #5 on the school’s all-time list.
Sophomore Evelyn Bird
Returning All-State teammate Corinne Jones also had a fine day on Saturday. She had a lifetime best in the long jump (19’0¾”) , finished 2nd in the high jump with a season-best tying 5’4”, all before winning and establishing a new meet record in the triple jump (39’ 11¾”).
F/S 4 x 800 Record-Breakers (l to r:) Caty Ruppert, Danielle Mendler, Jessie Ruppert, Evelyn Bird
Junior Paula Devine, the newest talented face on the Panther track team, won the girls mile in a meet record 5:06.44. She now sits as one of the fastest milers in the NCS Bayshore Area and one of the dozen or so fastest in the entire North Coast Section! The future certainly looks bright for this emerging star.
Khalil Pearson Passes to Nicolas Preas
Junior Sprinter Kaylin Hollines
Both the girls and boys frosh-soph distance teams also impressed their coaches. Nico Cadelago, Nicolas Preas, Kai Sullivan, and Khalil Pearson combined to run very impressive distance medley and 4 x 800 relays - finishing 3rd overall in both events. Coach Gabe had very kind words for the performance of this quartet. 
Senior Adrian Hall
The girls frosh-soph team – Caty Ruppert, Evelyn Bird, Danielle Mendler, and Jessie Ruppert – finished 2nd in the distance medley in the morning before coming back in the hot sun of the afternoon and establishing a new meet record and winning the 4 x 800. Coach Denis Mohun, like Coach Gabe, was seen leaving the meet with quite the big smile on his face.
Record Breaker Paula Devine
Junior Sprinter Kamryn Levy
Other highlights from the meet included:
~ Junior Kaylin Holiness‘s PR 12.90 in 100 m
~ Junior Aluzio Zarnowiecki’s all-time best also in the 100m
~ Senior Mika Mazin (4:42) and junior Zach Potter (5:20) both running lifetime bests in
the open mile
~ The boys frosh-soph 4 x 100 team of Khalil Pearson, Adam Steiner, Liam Levine and Brayden White running nearly as fast (46.85) as the varsity 4 x 100 relay (46.63) did just one week ago. Good job to that group.
Junior Zach Potter
Boys F/S 4 x 100: Khalil Pearson to Adam Steiner
Next weekend, the Panthers will split their squads and participate in two separate meets. One group will compete in the highly competitive and highly prestigious Stanford Invitational on April 3rd and 4th. The meet will feature most of the top talent from Northern California and beyond. The other group will compete in the Eastbay Invitational, hosted by California High School (Danville). Both meets will provide great opportunities for athletes to continue their successes and establish new lifetime bests. Good luck to all the Panthers competing next weekend.
From Veterans to Newcomers, Panthers Deliver Statement Meet in TCAL Debut
From Veterans to Newcomers, Panthers Deliver Statement Meet in TCAL Debut
March 24th, 2026
Berkeley, CA - The Panther track and field team open their 2026 TCAL season on Tuesday at home against their crosstown rival Albany Cougars, as well as Richmond and Emery high schools.
~ Click Here To See All The Photos From The Meet ~
“As a group, we were really excited to finally compete here at home,” said head coach Jeff Rogers. “For a lot of our athletes, they’ve been training for weeks and weeks now and this was their first meet to show what they could do and where their hard work has gotten them.”
Leading the way was a mix of older established athletes as well as a bevy of younger, talented up-and-comers. Familiar names like Kira Gant Hatcher (100 and long jump), Corinne Jones (triple jump and high jump), and Djali de Chalus (800 meters) won their events handily. However, many others shined just as bright on Tuesday.
Junior Alejandro Diaz-Zepeda made his 400 meter debut, running a lifetime best 52.54 to win the varsity boys race. Senior Maleah Bey, who was a NCS Meet of Champions finalist in the 100m hurdles in 2025, made her season debut by winning the girls varsity race in 16.71. Senior Elia Kudemus also had a very nice day, according to Coach Rogers. She finished 2nd in the high jump, 2nd in the triple jump, 2nd in the long jump and establishing a new lifetime best in the 100 meters (13.58).
Khalil Pearson continued his fine sophomore campaign, winning the Varsity boys triple jump (41’0”) and 200 meters while also competing in the 100 and the long jump. Khalil and Elia were the only athletes to compete in 4 events.
The boys distance team had a nice day, according to coach Gabe Arias- Sheridan. Lifetime bests were posted by Djali (2:01), Kai Sullivan (2:06), Nico Cadelago (2:09), Nicolas Preas (2:12), Reid Smithwick (2:16), and Lukas McAndrew-Kvaerno (2:21).
However, maybe the story of the day happened in the girls 1600 when newcomer Paula Devine – who also competes on the Saint Mary’s swim team – shocked most of the trackside bystanders when she - running in her first race as a Panther - recorded the 4th fastest time in school history in the event! Her 5:07.51 has only been bested by former Panthers and future Cal runners Bridget Duffy & Gabi Rios-Sotelo and future UNLV Running Rebel Spencer Moore.
The Panthers throws squad – led by Zach Lenihan, Xavier Slocum and Rowan Zuber - also had a very nice meet. All 3 throwers established personal bests in the discus. It should also be noted that junior Kamryn Levy also competed in the shotput for the very first time and won! Her her winning throw, 29’7”, is now the leading mark in the TCAL this season and and ranks as one of the better throws in the entire Bayshore area division of the North Coast Section!
Other meet highlights included:
- Personal bests for Adam Steiner, Liam Levine, Desmond Panlilio, and Kevin Pineda in the 100 meters.
- Personal bests for Bruno Middleton and Haakon Miller in the 400 meters.
- A Personal best for Jessie Ruppert in the 800 meters
The next meet for the Panthers is this Saturday, March 28th when the Panthers will travel to Foothill High School in Pleasanton for the Bay Area Relays.
Panthers Shake Off Rust, Surge to Fast Times and Records in Season Return
Panthers Shake Off Rust, Surge to Fast Times and Records in Season Return
March 21st, 2026
San Ramon, CA - After two weeks away from competition—sidetracked by final exams and Enrichment Week—the Saint Mary’s track and field team returned Saturday with something to prove. By day’s end, the rust was gone, replaced by blistering times, personal bests, and even a few record-breaking performances.
~ Click Here To See All The Photos From The Meet ~
Double Winner Kira Gant Hatcher
Split between two of the Bay Area’s most competitive meets, Saint Mary’s made its presence felt. Sprinters and jumpers headed to the San Ramon Sprint Festival, while distance runners took on the Dublin Distance Fiesta. Both meets featured elite competition—and the Panthers didn’t just show up, they delivered.
Sophomore Khalil Pearson
In San Ramon, the spotlight belonged to Kira Gant Hatcher. The future California Golden Bear and defending NCS long and triple jump champion wasted no time reasserting her dominance, sweeping both horizontal jumps with season-best marks. She soared to 19’4” to win the long jump, then returned later to eclipse 40 feet in the triple jump for her second win of the day.
School Record-Holder Mia Monroe
But Kira wasn’t alone. Sophomore standout Mia Monroe nearly rewrote the school record books twice in one day. She began her 2026 season with an electrifying 11.75 in the 100 meters—just .01 shy of the school record set in 2019 by former Panther and UCLA Bruin Sophia Alexander. Later, Mia made sure there would be no near-miss in the 200. She powered around the curve and down the homestretch to a 24.32 finish, breaking the school record of former California State hurdle champion Trinity Wilson by .05. Mia now ranks 5th in California in the 100 and 7th in the 200.
Corinne Jones
Add in All-State jumper Corinne Jones and junior sprinter Kaylin Hollines, and the Panthers assembled a formidable quartet in the 4x100 relay. With minimal time practicing exchanges, the group still managed a scorching 48.05—good for third-fastest in the North Coast Section this season.
4 x 100 Relay: Mia Monroe to Kira Gant Hatcher
“I was really pleased with that group today” said head sprint coach Terry Burke. “We only worked on exchanges this week, so just getting the baton around clean was an accomplishment. To run that fast this early—it’s exciting. This group has a lot of potential.”
Junior Sprinter Alejandro Diza-Zepeda
Jones added a personal best of her own, clearing 5-4 in the high jump to place second. Across the board, Saint Mary’s sprinters showed growth, with personal bests from Alejandro Diaz Cepeda (11.43), Brayden White (11.80) and Kaylin Hollines (13.03) in the 100; Khalil Pearson (23.77), Bruno Middleton (24.67) and Hollines (26.42) in the 200.
Senior Jumper/Sprinter Elia Kudemus
Meanwhile in Dublin, the distance squad proved just as sharp. Junior Djali De Chalus led the charge in the 3200 meters, clocking a lifetime best of 9:12.48 to place fifth in a loaded field. He was backed by a strong pack: Tucker Presnell (9:23), Mika Mazin (9:48), Kai Sullivan (9:49), and freshman Nico Cadelago, who flirted with the 10-minute barrier but finished in 10:00.88. For all but Tucker—who posted a season best—the performances marked new lifetime bests.
Senior Sprinter Keowyn Warner
On the girls’ side, the momentum continued in the 800 meters, where Caty Ruppert, Evelyn Bird, Danielle Mendler, and Jessie Ruppert all notched lifetime bests—efforts that reportedly left distance coach Denis Mohun smiling.
l to r: Kaylin Hollines, Mia Monroe, Kira Gant Hatcher, Corinne Jones
The Panthers won’t have to wait long to build on the momentum they showed on Saturday. They return to action Tuesday at home against Albany, Richmond, and Emery high schools. The first running event starts at 3:30.
Kira Gant Hatcher Signs National Letter of Intent with the California Golden Bears
Berkeley Bound!
Kira Gant Hatcher Signs National Letter of Intent with the California Golden Bears
March 3rd, 2026
Berkeley, CA - Standout sprinter and defending California State Triple Jump Champion Kira Gant Hatcher has signed her national letter of intent to compete for the California Golden Bears, officially committing to continue her academic and athletic career in Berkeley.
Widely regarded as one of the area’s premier talents, Kira’s accomplishments are vast: TCAL league titles, NCS Open Division Championships, State Championships, and now the golden opportunity to join the storied CAL program, compete at the highest level of NCAA track and field, and attend one of the most highly regarded universities in the world! Congratulations to Kira and her family.
Gold, Silver, Meet Records and Lifetime Bests All On Display @ Skyline Invitational Season Opene
Gold, Silver, Meet Records and Lifetime Bests All On Display @ Skyline Invitational Season Opener
February 28th, 2026
Kira Gant Hatcher
Oakland, CA - On Saturday, blessed by unusually warm, balmy late February weather, Saint Mary’s Track & Field opened at the 20th annual Skyline Invitational. By meet’s end, the Panthers had amassed two individual wins, one meet record, three silver medals, eight top 10 finishes, and a slew of personal records (PR‘s) which made it obvious that this group was excited and ready to start their 2026 season.
~ Click Here To See All The Photos From The Meet ~
Middle Distance Star Djali de Chalus
Leading the way were a trio of Panther stars whose talent and prowess have them on form charts and prediction lists up and down the state of California. 2025 North Coast Section and California State triple jump champion Kira Gant Hatcher led the way, winning both the long and triple jump while establishing a new meet record and California state best in the process. Her 39’11” triple jump win was the new meet record, eclipsing the previous record held by her older sister Kali in 2017.
Returning All-State Jumper Corinne Jones
Kira also narrowly missed the meet record in the long jump, leaping 18’7”. The meet record was 18’8”. Kira also placed 5th in the 100m - running 12.34 – which was the fastest she’d ever run. According to Coach Rogers, “For Kira, Skyline is merely the prelude to what we expect will be an illustrious, memorable season.”
Junior Sprinter Alejandro Diaz-Zepeda
Teammate and last year‘s 4th place state triple jump medalist Corinne Jones also had a very solid start to her 2026 season. She finished second in both the triple (38’4”) and long jump (18’3½) , narrowly missing her PR in the long jump but also suggesting that she will be a force in this, her second season of track.
Freshman Nico Cadelago
Junior Djali de Chalus, himself and All-State Cross Country runner this past fall, battled courageously down the homestretch in the boys 1600, finishing a scant .28 seconds from victory. Still, his 2nd place finish was a lifetime best (4:19.02) and now places him 4th on the schools all-time list. Look for this ultra-talented junior to run even faster this season. 
Junior Weightman Rowan Zuber
Senior teammate Tucker Presnell also battled amongst the leaders for the first three laps before relenting, but still managed to finish 7th overall. According to distance coach Gabe Arias-Sheridan, both Djali, Tucker, and senior Ian Kopchik (out sick) seem to be on track to have phenomenal 2026 seasons. As well, Coach Gabe praised the efforts of sophomore Kai Sullivan (4:36), and freshmen Nico Cadelago (4:47, 2:14) and Nicolas Preas (5:00, 2:15). All ran lifetime bests and had exceptionally good days. Both Nico and Nicolas PR’d in both the 1600 and 800 meters.
400 Heat Winner Sabrina Jackson
Several of coach Terry Burke’s sprinters also recorded impressive PR‘s. Junior Alejandro Diaz-Zepeda ran 11.54, improving his previous best by .2 of a second. Fellow Junior, Aluzio Zarnowiecki (11.89) also ran impressively as did sophomore Brayden White, who smashed his personal best in the 100 by .7 of a second and his 200 best by 1.5 seconds! 
Freshman Nicolas Preas (top) and Junior Bruno Middleton (bottom)
On the girls side, Coach Burke made Spencer special mansion of the huge improvement shown by junior Kaylin Hollines.
Sprinter Kaylin Hollines
Her 13.15 in the 100 and 26.75 in the 200 were, as Coach Burkes said, “Significantly faster than what she ran a year ago and are a testament to her dedication to off-season training and her hard work and commitment. I was really happy with how she competed today.” Fellow junior Sabrina Jackson also ran a nice opening season 400 according to the longtime sprint coach.
l to r: Natalie Iazzetti, Sihiri Kinchen & Gabi Espino
l to r: Danielle Mendler, Gianna Hernandez & Zoe Jennings
Other notable performances came from freshman Noah Roder, who finished sixth overall in the boys triple jump after having only recently joined the track team. Finally, senior Elia Kudemus - fresh off a spectacular fall flag football season and a solid varsity girls basketball season -showed her toughness and supreme conditioning as she was the only Panther to compete in the maximum four events at Skyline. She long jumped, triple jumped, high jumped and ran the 100 meters!
Change AND Continuity Both Part of Optimistic Outlook For 2026 Track Team
Change AND Continuity Both Part of Optimistic Outlook For 2026 Track Team
February 13th, 2026
Over the past 40 years, the Saint Mary’s College High School campus has undergone a host of significant changes. Since 1988, dozens of Presidents, Principals, Athletic Directors and Head Coaches have led and gone. New buildings have been built, old ones refurbished, and even older ones removed. The schools’ colors have changed; the mascot has been re-imagined; new athletic leagues have been formed, and girls have been added to the previous all-boys student body. Yet, the one thing that hadn’t changed… that year after year remained a constant, steady reminder of continuity and familiarity was the presence of Jay Lawson at the helm of the Panther track & field program. For 36 years, Coach Lawson and his staff built the Panther track team into one of the most successful programs in the entire State of California. Scores of league, North Coast Section and State Championships… along with National High School All-Americans are all part of the long, storied resume of Coach Lawson. However, like everything in life, change and transition are inevitable and so it is that this 2026 track & field season will the first since the George H.W. Bush era that the Saint Mary’s track & field will be without their hall of fame coach.
Still, the pride and talent of the athletes as well as the experience and expertise of the longstanding coaching staff should make this – the 2026 season – and future seasons bright and successful. We had a chance to talk with coaches Rogers, Burke, and Mohun about their insights and expectations for the upcoming season.
Coach Jeff Rogers (Jumps)
Q: You’ve been coaching track at Saint Mary’s since 1997 and in that time the one constant for you has been Coach Lawson. We’ve heard you two been referred to as the “dynamic duo”. Now he’s stepped down. What are your feelings about losing your longtime partner?
A: Well, as a coach, it’s not a joyous occasion for me that’s for sure. Jay and I have been wed to this program for years and have put in a lot of time and effort into making it a great experience for a lot of families. Personally, the program and the sport has also given us a lot - which includes a close personal relationship. So, while it feels a bit lonely and weird not having him on the track everyday, I’m happy that he’s at peace with moving on and pursuing life outside of track. His dedication, passion, expertise and know how, of course, can never be replaced but our staff is committed to carrying on the standards and pursuing the excellence that he spent his career building.
Q: Ok, so given the loss of Coach Lawson, will we see any major changes to the program – it’s philosophy, structure or organization?
A: Not really. We have an excellent, experienced, knowledgeable coaching staff who believe in our program’s philosophy and who do a great job coaching the athletes on the track and in the field. We’ve always understood that there are no short cuts, no easy ways to achieve success in our sport. The key to success is to believe in something, commit to it, and then work consistently hard at it. We’ve always tried to make that our building block and constantly emphasize that to the athletes. This year’s staff and our approach is no different.
Q: Tell us then, which athletes in particular should we keep our eyes on?
A: Well, first of all both Coach Burke and Coach Sutphin have stepped up and taken over the sprints, hurdles and relays programs quite admirably. They spent much of the winter break leading the training and conditioning of most of our top athletes and I think the results will be seen very soon. In terms of individual athletes, of course our top returner is Kira Gant Hatcher who was the 2025 California State Champion in the triple jump and returns as not only the top athlete in that event but also one of the best long jumpers in California. So look for Kira to have a dynamic, star-studded senior season. Her jumps teammate, Corrine Jones, came out last year as a sophomore and ended up 4th at the State Championships in the triple jump. She’s also a huge long and high jump threat so don’t be surprised to see Corinne grab plenty of press and headlines this season as well. Sophomore sprinter Mia Monroe and senior hurdler Maleah Bey were both NCS Meet of Champions medalists last year… as were distance runners Djali de Chalus and Tucker Presnell so we expect all of them to go well again this year. Fellow senior distance runner Ian Kopchik had a great cross country season and will shine this spring. After that, we have a host of young up-and-comers who are looking to break out this season.
Q: Speaking of the “up-and-comers”, can you elaborate on who those athletes maybe?
A: I’ll let some of the other coaches tell you about the athletes they’re coaching, but generally look to the boys distance and girls jumps, sprints & hurdles to be the strength of our team. In my group, sophomore Khalil Pearson had a really good freshman season and is someone who will get much better. Same for sophomore Mayari Negron-Gonzales and senior Elia Kudemus. Then, distance guys like Mika Mazin, Adrian Hall, Kai Sullivan, Scott Sullivan and freshman Nico Cadelago have all been training very well with our new distance coach – Coach Gabe. I expect they’ll all have very good seasons. Also, look for our boys throwers to be vastly improved. Coach George has spent his life in football but is also a former track man who knows his way around the field and the weightroom. He’s looking forward to working with guys like Xavier Slocum, Zach Lenihan, Rowan Zuber and Khalil Chaney so I expect he’ll have those guys ready to compete and throw far.
Coach Terry Burke (Varsity Sprints/Hurdles)
Q: So you get the giant task of taking over for Coach Lawson. Tell us a bit about yourself and your plans and goals for this upcoming season.
A: Thanks for the added pressure (chuckles) but I of course I shouldn’t be surprised. As Coach Rogers said, there is no replacing Coach Lawson. He’s been an institution around here and his legacy speaks for itself. For me, I’m really excited about being here at Saint Mary’s and about the upcoming season. I’ve known both Coach Rogers and Coach Lawson for over 30 years now and am quite familiar with how things have been done here. I, too, have an extensive coaching background. I’ve coached in high school (Redwood), college (Cal & San Francisco State), and have worked with many post-collegiate, open and Olympic level athletes. I’ve essentially spent most of my adult professional life in the world of track & field and feel confident that I can work well with the athletes and continue the great tradition that Saint Mary’s has.
In terms of my plans and goals, I was on campus last year as the primary hurdles coach and worked extensively with some of the short sprinters so I’m very familiar with the team and the athletes. My goals are to continue to work with athletes biomechanically – emphasizing their movement and muscular adaptation to help improve their biomechanics as well as their power, explosiveness and technique. I also want to continue their growth as responsible athletes and leaders. Those two qualities are particularly important to me.
Q: As far as the athletes you’re working with, who are you excited about?
A: I’m actually excited about all of them! So far they’ve been cooperative and eager to work and learn. Our girls have a couple of outstanding sprinters in Kira and Mia who both should enjoy plenty of success this year. Maleah, as Coach Rogers said, made the Meet of Champions final last year in only her first year of hurdling so her season outlook is promising. Then, Kamryn Levy, Sabrina Jackson, Kaylin Hollines, and Fiona Groth-Reidy have all been training consistently and are on the road to big improvements this year.
On the boys side, we lost a lot in our senior class last year. Still, I’m excited to see how Alejandro Diaz-Zepeda, Keowyn Warner and Aluzio Zarnowiecki progress this season. So far, they look pretty good. After those three, there a host of newcomers and underclassmen who may surprise and grab some of the headlines.
Coach Denis Mohun (Girls Distance)
Q: There’s been a lot of talk about how your girls distance team is shaping up. Tell us how you’re feeling about the group this year.
A: I really like what I’m seeing from the distance girls so far. They spent most of the off-season with Coach Gabe and the boys working a lot on their core and overall strength and flexibility. They also did a lot of running so they’re coming into the season fit and in shape. Our group will be led by sophomores Caty Ruppert and Evelyn Bird who both are coming off tremendous cross country seasons. Both of them should run really strong in the 1600 and 3200. Jessie Ruppert also
looks healthier than she’s been in awhile so I expect she’ll run much faster than she did last year. We’re hoping Olivia Chu will get healthy and resume her training which will make our group even faster.
Q: Like all the event areas, there are usually some athletes that are on the cusp of breaking through and making a mark. Do you have anyone you feel that way about?
A: Yeah, for sure. I really like the dedication and tenacity of sophomore Zoe Jennings and junior Gianna Hernandez. Both are working hard and showing the type of dedication that translates into fast times. Also, sophomore Danielle Mendler is a talent who may run some 800’s this year. Watch for her.