LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — Los Alamitos High School track and field kicked off its first meet of the 2026 season against private schools Servite and Rosary High School. The meet took place at the LAHS John Barnes field, where both girls’ and boys’ divisions competed in running and field events.
Running events at the meet included 1600-meter relay, 400-meter, 100-meter, 110-meter, 400-meter, 800-meter, 300-meter, 200-meter, 3200-meter and 1600-meter relay, as the field events are pole vault, high jump, long jump, triple jump, discus and shot put.
“My expectations for all of my athletes are, most importantly, to have fun, and two, try your best, because that’s all we can do,” said track and field Coach Erika Lowenthal.
To prepare for long meet days, coaches set aside a day for their athletes to review techniques and procedures learned throughout the season, ensuring they deliver their best performance.
“The day before the meet, we have pre-meet practice, which is where we go over the basics of what’s expected at every meet,” said Coach Lowenthal.
The pre-meet practice, or practices, can look like revisiting how to pace yourself, getting into and out of your blocks correctly, the correct warm-up stretches, and little things to improve their run.
“Now that we are in meet season, I’m excited to see everything that (they) have worked so hard for,” said Coach Lowenthal.
As track athletes practice outside every day, whether in pre-season or in-season, the dedication and work being put in are unrecognizable and are reflected in LAHS’s final times.
“My expectations (for meets) are kids earning their top marks at the end of the season and giving their 100%,” said head coach of track and field, Coach Nathan Howard.
In second place overall in both their events, varsity athletes Kamden Tilli ran a 11.17 in the 100-meter and a 22.75 in the 200-meter dash, as Jorden Culen ran a 13.32 in the 100-meter and a 27.29 in the 200-meter. For the 400-meter race, varsity runner Chaise Davis earned first place in his event with a 51.99 run.
As for long-distance events, varsity runner Madeline Heean ran a 2:26.04 in the 800-meter, earning first place, along with Jonathan Vazquez earning second place in the 800-meter with a 2:02.76 run. In the 1800-meter, varsity runner Matthew Mayhue ran a 4:37.18, achieving first place for the event.
Whether sprinting short or long distances or competing in field events, track is truly a mindset-heavy sport. Not only is track a great sport for exercise, but it also offers many benefits, like building relationships with peers and making lifelong friendships. Surrounding yourself with people and coaches who encourage and motivate you to push your hardest can help you become the best version of yourself in track.
“My favorite part about (track) is the girls I get to run with, they are all so amazing,” said LAHS track and field athlete, senior Penelope Sam. “Track is always going to be hard, going out and running every single day isn’t always fun, but I think the people around you make it so much better.”
Matthew Mayhue • Apr 16, 2026 at 11:20 am
Hey, that me in there! But I can’t seem to remember what the 1800m run was. was it meant to be the 1600?
Matthew Mayhue • Apr 16, 2026 at 11:17 am
I got Quoted! Yay!
Ella Suos • Mar 12, 2026 at 10:27 am
I love how well-written and nice this article flowed together.
Faviana Sophy • Mar 11, 2026 at 11:05 am
Maddie!! Your article is so good, a great way to use all the pictures from the meet!
Jaya Eapen • Mar 9, 2026 at 7:54 pm
Maddie, this is such a great article! I love how you included all the details about each win and still managed to build an interesting story, creating a clear picture of the entire event!
Alyssa Mathews • Mar 9, 2026 at 2:02 pm
You did a great job with this article Maddie! I love how you formatted all the images and pullquote, this gave some great insight into the meet!