Ceres High’s varsity boys track and field program had one representative at the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Championships this past week.

First-year qualifier Daniel Yepez tied for 19th place in the 300 hurdles with a time of 42.77 seconds on May 24 at Elk Grove High School.

“There was more pressure,” said Yepez, who set a personal record in the event at the Division-IV finals the previous week. “I was going up against tougher and faster people.”

Yepez gained valuable experience that could benefit him if he earns a return trip to Masters in 2019.

“It was a different setting I’m not used to competing at,” he said. “You couldn’t have coaches around. You don’t have them telling you what to do. You had to be independent. Now, I know what to expect. I’ll be more confident.”

Daniel had a memorable junior campaign with the Bulldogs. 

He took fourth in the 300 hurdles (41.78) and eighth in the triple jump (38-8) at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-IV Championships on May 17 in Stockton.

Yepez medaled in three events at the Western Athletic Conference finals on May 12 in Patterson.

Daniel finished third in 300 hurdles (42.98), triple jump (38-1) and 4x100 relay (46.40).

He was fourth in the 110 hurdles (17.32).

“I’m satisfied with what I accomplished especially qualifying for Masters,” Yepez said.  “It would be nice to make it to Masters again. I’d have to work hard and push myself to do that.”

Senior Chetna Kumar concluded her varsity girls track and field career with Central Valley last week as she competed at the Masters Championships for the first time.

Kumar posted a mark of 15 feet, 31/2 inches while finishing in 23rd place in the long jump on May 25 in Elk Grove.

She set a personal record of 17-21/4 at Divisionals the previous week in Stockton. Chetna placed second in the long jump, ninth in the 100 (13.10) and 10th in the 200 (26.96).

Kumar claimed second-place medals in the both the long jump (16-1) and 100 (13.13) at the conference finals. 

Chetna finished second in the long jump and 100, and third in the 200 during the 2017 WAC Championships.

“She’s exceeded our expectations,” Hawks’ head coach Veronica Moreno said. “She’s an incredible athlete and has improved the past two seasons. She is a great role model to her teammates and has definitely proved diligence and commitment pays off.”