Historic Performances From The 2026 CIF State Championships

Records fell, redemption stories unfolded, and new stars emerged at the 106th CIF State Track and Field Championships. From nationally historic performances to unforgettable championship moments, California's best athletes delivered one of the most memorable state meets.

All-Time U.S. Performances 

Highlight performances from athletes that broke into the U.S. High School All-Time List  

Servite Runs U.S. No.3 All-Time 4x400m Relay, 3:07.62

On their way to winning their second consecutive CIF State Team Championship, Servite dominated the boys 4x400m, clocking the third-fastest time in U.S. high school history, 3:07.62. Unlike last year, when they lost the 4x400m in a four-way sprint down the homestretch, the Friars were in full control from start to finish. El Cerrito tried to apply pressure, but Jorden Wells quickly extinguished their hopes on the third leg. These four sophomores are in elite company, as one of only three schools to break 3:08 in the 4x400m. Only Bullis School (3:06.31) and Hawthorne (3:07.40) have run faster. 

Splits

Jace Wells - 45.19 

Kamil Pelovello - 50.11 

Jorden Wells - 47.14 

Jaelen Hunter - 45.20 

Jaslene Massey Throws U.S. No.2 All-Time, 196-4 

Entering the CIF State Championships as the defending champion, U.S. #4 all-time thrower, and undefeated put Jaslene Massey under a huge spotlight in Clovis, CA. In her first throw in the discus final, Massey launched the discus 180 feet, making it known that it was going to be a good day to reach for the state meet record of 186-09. Then on her third attempt, she threw the discus to a different stratosphere of 196-4 feet, not only eclipsing the state meet record but also the California record. Later in the day, she secured the shot put state championship to conclude one of the best seasons in California history. 

Saniah Varnado Runs U.S. No.5 All-Time 300m Hurdles, 39.95 

Saniah Varnado's CIF run has been legendary as a utility player for Long Beach Wilson on their path to securing their fourth CIF State Team Championship. Leading up to the state meet, she scored points in the 100m hurdles, 400m dash, 300m hurdles, and the 4x400m relay. In the 300m hurdles, Varnado got her flowers after running 39.95 to win her first individual state title. This impressive mark moves her up to U.S. #5 all-time, continuing a great tradition of California and Long Beach Wilson athletes in the 300m hurdles. Of the top seven fastest girls of all-time, 5 are from California and 3 are from Long Beach Wilson. 

Unforgettable Moments 

Moments from the 106th Annual CIF State Track and Field Championships that gave everyone goosebumps 

Clara Adams' 400m & 200m Redemption 

One year after leaving Veterans Memorial Stadium disappointed by a controversial disqualification, Clara Adams returned and left with two gold medals. As the U.S. #4 ranked 400m runner this season, the 400m proved to be an easy victory for Adams. However, in the 200m, she hadn't won the big races like Arcadia, Mt. SAC Relays, or CIF-SS Masters. She used her 400m strength in the last 30 meters to win, and the emotion flooded her immediately. 

Braelyn Combe Scores 30 Points 

Please be wary of diving into the deep end of the California distance scene; sharks like Braelyn Combe are swarming the water. Combe won the 1600m, 800m, and 4x800m relay, all in similar fashion -- a thirty-meter lead developed in the last 200m. Her individual victories, along with Taylor Davis, Kinsley Whitcavage, and Nicole Samson, who repeated as 4x800m state champions, helped Santiago finish 2nd in the CIF State Team race. 

Jasir Fontenot Secures His Second 110m Hurdles State Title

2 years completed and 2 more to go. Jasir Fontenot won his second consecutive 110m hurdles state title after starting the season with an injury. His sophomore year proved how much of a competitor he is by entering the state meet without the state lead and still dominating the field.  

Rosary Academy Runs Their Fourth 45-Second 4x100m Relay 

Although it wasn't a CIF State Meet Record, Rosary Academy ran a blazing 44.87, dominating the field. The team of Tra'Via Flournoy, Justine Wilson, Pfeiffer Lee, and Maliyah Collins will be remembered as the greatest California girls 4x100m relay in history for breaking 45 seconds four times this season.   

Malia Rainey Takes the 100m Sprint Crown 

After Malia Rainey went undefeated in the last three weeks of May in the 100m, it may be time to re-spell her name as MAYlia. The junior from Calababas conquered the CIF Southern Section, then demolished the entire state with an 11.33 (+2.3) to win her first individual state championship. All season she's beencompetitive in the biggest races, and things clicked perfectly in May to secure her title.   

New State Leaders 

Athletes who peaked at the perfect time to set the California mark of the season at the CIF State Championships

Braelyn Combe (Santiago Corona) - 1600m: 4:35.59

Key Returners to Watch 

Who to watch next season who missed out on becoming the CIF State Champion 

Kaahliyah Lacy (San Jacinto Valley Academy) - Runner-Up in 100mH, 13.32 (+2.9) 

Although she ends the season without a CIF State Title, Lacy is the California leader in both hurdle events and still has two more years to compete. 

Alyssa Gutierrez (St. Francis) - 4th in the 3200m, 10:15.15 

The fearless freshman consistently rises to the occasion in championship races, and it may not be long before she's hoisting a CIF State Championship. 

Malachi McFarland (Damien) - 4th in the 100m, 10.37 (+3.1)

After not making it out of the CIF-SS Division 3 prelims as a sophomore, Malachi McFarland has become a real CIF State title contender next season. 

Hugh Heyer (McClatchy) - Runner-Up in the 800m, 1:50.66

His only two losses this season came as runner-up finishes at the CIF-SJS Masters Meet and the CIF State Track and Field Championships. After an impressive junior season in which he won the Dublin Distance Fiesta and the Arcadia Invitational, he will enter 2026 as a favorite.