Few teams in California bring the same event-by-event firepower as Mira Costa.
Fresh off a Nike Cross Nationals appearance and a CIF State runner-up finish in the 4x800m relay last spring, the Mustangs return in 2026 with a roster capable of scoring across all events--from distance races to pole vault to the sprint relays.
The core of Mira Costa's success comes from its top-tier cross country team, which qualified for Nike Cross Nationals this past season. Krish Desai and Carson Ehman led the Mustangs to a 16th-place finish in Oregon, capping off a historic XC season.
Entering 2026, the distance squad will aim to not only build on their cross country success but also replicate an excellent 2025 track season. Last season was highlighted by a CIF State 4x800m relay runner-up finish of 7:35.01, the eighth-fastest time in the nation. With three returners and a 7:50 opening time last weekend, they are expected to stay in the conversation this season.
In the field, Tomek Gorzkowski is in a league of his own because of his awe-inspiring junior season. Last year, he improved from a 15-2 vaulter to a 16-4 vaulter in the CIF State Final and earned a bronze medal. With a target on his back and confidence as his fuel, he recently vaulted 16-1, making him the favorite in Redondo this weekend.
-- Tomek Gorzkowski vaulting at the CIF State Track & Field Championships --
Gorzkowski, the 4x800m relay team, and recently graduated Mac Lamkin helped the Mustangs finish in 8th place at the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships. If everything goes as planned, a similar outcome might be possible; their sprint team could be the X-factor, giving this team a chance at the podium.
At the start of this season, Mateo Loo (300mH- 38.21) and AJ McBean (100m- 10.61) are ranked in the top 10 in California for their respective events. These two, along with Luke Leonard and Caden Enright, will be key members of the 4x100m and 4x400m relays that could elevate Mira Costa's performance.
Last year, their 4x400m relay team finished with an impressive 3:15 in the CIF State Prelims and just missed qualifying for the final. Their 4x100m relay might be on the edge of success, as McBean and Leonard seem to be strong open 100m runners in the spring.
Their first major test is this weekend at the Redondo Track Festival. Below are their key entries; watch for the Mustangs in 2026.
Redondo Nike Invite Entries to Watch
Boys 4x800m Relay Varsity | Fri 4:25 PM
