Photo by Raymond Tran || California Winter Track and Field Championships
The first major meet on the California calendar occurs this weekend at the California Winter Track and Field Championships. Every year, California's outdoor track meet sparks a championship feeling in the air that won't return until late April.
With that in mind, it's best to embrace the moment and feel excited about the return of track season. Get ready to witness unique events like the 150m dash and the weight throw. Be prepared for incredible performances like Demare Dezuern, who ran the fourth-fastest 60m in freshman history.
Let's take a look at the top returners from last season who may be competing in this year's Championship.
Key Returners
Camren Smith- Smith is the eleventh farthest returner in the boys' triple jump. However, that result may surprise you, given that he placed 4th at the 2024 CIF State Track and Field Championships. He set a personal record of 47-7.75ft last season, making him the second-best returner in all of California. ZeShaun Daley is the top returner and qualified for the 2025 Winter Championships.
Justin Wilshusen- Wilshusen holds a personal record of 15-6ft in the pole vault from the 2024 CIF State Track and Field Championships and a Central Section Championship. Now, as a junior, he aims to leverage that championship experience to improve upon being the fifth-best returner in 2024.
Justin Wilshusen of Paso Robles competing at 2024 CIF State Championships || Photo by DeAnna Turner
Su'Riah Williams- One of California's best discus and shot put throwers, will showcase her talents. Williams is the top returning shot putter with a 42-8ft personal record. At the 2024 CIF State Track and Field Championships, she finished 3rd in the discus and 5th in shot put.
Shemi Brown-Dawson- Brown-Dawson is the second-best returner in the girls' triple jump and is a 2024 CIF State qualifier. She narrowly missed making it to the State final, but her personal record of 38-8.5 ft makes her one of California's top returners.