-- Olivia Kirk ran a 38.83 in the 300m at the CYUP Misfits Invite --
We're still a month away from the official CIF track and field season, but don't be mistaken--track is officially back.
It appears several high schoolers have made it their New Year's Resolution to impress this January, and they've taken over the headlines. Let's take a look at some of the most impressive performances so far in 2026.
BOYS
Servite Boys: Jaelen Hunter, Jace Wells, Kamil Pelovello, Robert Gardner, Jorden Wells, Benjamin Harris
The defending boys' CIF State Track and Field Champions, Servite, are starting 2026 as dominant as ever. Jordan Wells (CA #1- 6.77) and Kamil Pelovello (CA #3- 6.85) lead the 60m rankings. Servite also has four boys in California's 300m top 10; Jalen Hunter (CA #2- 33.37), Jace Wells (CA #3- 33.40), Robert Gardner (CA #4- 33.59), and Jorden Wells (CA #8- 34.02).
Ejam Yohanes
Before the new year even began, Ejam Yohannes secured the California lead in the 300m and 600m.
Cooper Barr
At the Pittsburg Winter Qualifier, Cooper Barr essentially ran a solo 1500m time trial, securing the California lead with a 4:00.31. Last season, he finished 12th at the final in 4:03, so it will be interesting to see if he gets redemption.
Quran Clayton
Quran Clayton set two California leads in all-conditions in the 60m and 60m hurdles at the Great Oak Winter Qualifier.
Riley Gash
At the CSUF Winter Qualifier, Riley Gash set a huge personal record in the pole vault at 16-2, which would have won him the CA Winter Championships last season.
GIRLS
Azra Gercek
Last year's runner-up in the 600m CA Winter Championship, Azra Gercek, has emerged as the clear favorite after a 1:33.87 in December.
Calabasas Girls: Malia Rainey, Olivia Kirk, Marley Scoggins
Calabasas' big three demonstrated their dominance and their potential at the CYUP Misfits Invitational, where they finished 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Malia Rainey and Olivia Kirk are now tied for the fastest 60m times in the state at 7.55.
Rosary Girls: Justine Wilson & Maliyah Collins
Justine Wilson and Maliyah Collins are poised to lead Rosary to another amazing season after posting top California times in January.
Aria Pearce
A new California challenger? Aria Pearce is a junior from Kansas who may be looking to terrorize the Golden State for the next two years. She currently leads the CA Winter Championships performance list in the 300m at 38.41.
Malia Jones
The senior from Oceanside, Malia Jones, is jumping better than ever at the start of his season. Jones leads in the triple jump at 40-5 ft and in the long jump at 18-4 ft.
Summer Wilson
The Irvine Star, Summer Wilson, started exactly where she left off at the Trials of Miles January Distance Night, where she ran a blistering 9:56 in the two-mile with the boys.