Megan Crum (left) and Liam Miller (right) competing at the 2024 CA Winter Champs || Photo by Raymond Tran
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
Megan Crum (Temescal Canyon)- Crum is the second-fastest girl in the 1500m and the third-fastest in the 3000m. After a breakout season last year, she has entered both events again. In 2024, she placed 6th in the 1600m at the CIF State Track and Field Championships, finishing at 4:49.89.
Liam Miller (South Torrance)- Miller returns after an impressive double in 2024, where he placed 5th in the 1500m and secured a victory in the 3000m. He is coming off a stellar cross-country season, finishing 2nd at the Division III CIF State XC Championships and clocking a 14:02 at the Woodbridge Classic.
Taye Newman finishing 11th at the CIF State XC Championships || Photo by DeAnna Turner
Taye Newman (JSerra Catholic)- Since last year's championship, Newman transferred from Canyon High School to JSerra Catholic. Although he ranks thirteenth among returners in 2024, he ran a time of 4:00.37 in the 1500m at the Los Alamitos All-Comers, making him the fastest qualifier for Winter Champs.
