Fueled by its talent and depth, Ceres High’s track and field program swept crosstown-rival Central Valley on April 22 at CUSD Stadium.
“All four levels are undefeated right now,” Bulldogs’ head coach Brett Johnson said. “That’s exciting. We got great kids. They perform for themselves and encourage others. It’s a fun group to coach.”
“Our numbers aren’t big but we still compete,” Central Valley first-year head coach Vanessa Goblirsch said. “Everyone is working hard. Personal records are being set. They want to win.”
Ceres High’s varsity boys team posted a 78-37 win over Central Valley.
The Bulldogs (4-0 Western Athletic Conference South) had a host of contributors versus the Hawks (1-3).
Ceres High’s Fermin Esparza placed first in the 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles and pole vault.
Verlis Smith placed first in the 100 and 200.
Imanol Lobato placed first in the 800 and 3,200.
Gonzalo Rivera placed first in the 1,600.
Samar Singh placed first in the high jump and third in the discus.
Luis Yepez placed second in the 800.
David Rivera placed second in the 1,600.
Miguel Rivera placed second in the long jump, third in the shot put and fifth in the discus.
Eduardo Ortiz placed second in the 3,200 and fourth in the 1,600.
Josh Adams placed third in the long jump.
Amare Padilla placed fourth in the 100.
Kahmi Smith placed fourth in the shot put.
Jeremiah Diaz placed fourth in the discus and fifth in the shot put.
Paul Ruiz placed fourth in the 3,200 and fifth in the 1,600.
Reymundo Soto placed fifth in the 3,200.
Nathan Martin placed fifth in the 800 and eighth in the 1,600.
Central Valley’s Isaiah Peko placed first in the shot put and discus.
Ronaldo Mendoza placed first in the long jump and third in the 200.
Lance Atkins placed second in the 100 and 200.
Kaleb LaFountain placed second in the shot put and discus.
Emmanuel Mendoza placed third in the 800 and 1,600.
Joseph Alamo placed third in the 100.
Jesse Vazquez placed third in the 3,200 and seventh in the 1,600.
Julius Medina placed fourth in the 200.
Roberto Rosales placed fourth in the 800.
Daniel Soares placed sixth in the 1,600.
Ceres High’s varsity girls team prevailed, 99-14, while competing against Central Valley.
The Bulldogs (4-0) had a host of contributors.
Bianca De Los Reyes placed first in the 400 and 300 hurdles.
Mercedez Wood placed first in the shot put and discus.
Mia Rodriguez placed first in the high jump.
Wendi Lizola placed first in the 800 and second in the 1,600.
Allison Stiles placed first in the 100 and 200, and third in the high jump.
Keira Johnson placed second in the 400 and 800.
Jillian Mande placed second in the shot put and discus.
Maryn Curry placed second in the high jump.
Gabby Soto placed second in the 300 hurdles and third in the 100 hurdles.
Jelaine Esguerra placed third in the 100 and 200.
Alyssa Aveytia placed third in the shot put.
Melannie Gonzalez placed fourth in the shot put.
Gisselle Araiza placed first in the pole vault.
Yamily Zaragoza turned in standout performances for the 1-3 Hawks.
She placed second in the 100 and 200.
“Being back on that track brought back a lot of great memories,” said Goblirsch, a 2005 Ceres High grad, who competed in the 400 and pole vault with the Bulldogs.
“I have so much respect for him (Johnson) and his coaches,” she added. “They make it enjoyable. We want to see all the kids do well whether you’re from Central Valley or Ceres High School. We’re from the same town.”
