Cade Cowell's main sport is soccer.

He's also made a name for himself in track and field.

The Cesar Chavez Jr. High seventh-grader took home three gold medals from the 70th Annual Stanislaus County Harold Pope Junior Relays on May 6 at Modesto Junior College.

"He would have won the 200 and 100 if he stuck around," head coach Jason Martin said. "He had to leave early for a soccer match in Santa Cruz."

Cowell placed first in the 70 hurdles (10.94), high jump (4-10) and long jump (15-7).

"I could put him in any event and he'd probably win," Martin said. "He's a tremendous athlete. He has a lot of natural ability. He works hard. He's very coachable."

Cade didn't look like a newcomer while competing in the long jump for the first time.

"He hadn't practiced long jump all year," Martin said. "He won it by a foot and a half. I'm sure he could run the 400, 800 and distance events if he put his mind to it. He's good at everything."

Cowell's parents were both standout athletes at Ceres High School.

Debin earned seven varsity letters, including four in baseball and three in football.
He played receiver at San Jose State for one season.

Amber earned six varsity letters, including four in softball and two in basketball.

"I recognized Cade's last name the first day of practice," Martin said. "My first year teaching at Ceres High, his dad was a senior. I've never seen anyone like this in the seventh grade my whole life. He's a special athlete. He's fun to watch. He's young. He still has a long way to go."

Chavez seventh-grader Alyssa Rojo took third in the 1,600 (6:11.55) and fourth in the 800 (2:47.75) at the Pope Relays.

Chavez seventh-grader Andres Lujan finished sixth in the discus (69-10).