Track & Field: 2026 Southwestern Season Preview

The 2026 season has arrived for Southwestern Track & Field, as the Burgundy and Gold prepare for the first starter's pistol and another year of competition.

The men's and women's teams feature a blend of experience and emerging contributors ready to build on last year's accomplishments. With a larger roster, strong returning leaders, and a growing culture of commitment and development, Jaguar Track & Field is poised for a competitive and exciting season. Progression, not perfection. Steady benchmarks, honest self-assessment, development and progress in every event group are key as the Jaguars work toward conference, regional, and state-level success.

The women's team made a major statement last season, finishing 5th in conference with only four athletes. This year, the roster has grown to 12 women, creating depth across sprints, jumps, and distance. The men's team wrapped up 2025 with an overall 4th place finish as both programs look to climb in the standings.

SPRINTERS
The sprint group is led by Michael Boone, a regional qualifier who ran 10.96 in the 100m and finished Top 8 in conference. Boone's speed and competitive drive will anchor the Jaguars' sprint events and relays this season.

DISTANCE
In distance events, Alejandro Vargas returns after placing 5th in conference, providing strength and experience to the Jaguars' distance program.

JUMPERS
In the jumps, Camila Mendoza is back after regional and state championship appearances and a Top 12 ranking in the state in both the long jump and high jump. Her versatility and consistency make her one of the top field event athletes to watch this season.

Defending conference champion, Jake Shaw with a personal record of 6.94m (22 ft, 9 in) in the long jump, finished 12th in the state Jake brings experience and leadership to the squad as he looks to build on an impressive long jump and triple jump campaign.

2026 SCHEDULE
Southwestern's schedule offers local and Southern California appeal to give athletes the right mix of competition and learning opportunities. On Valentines Day, the Jaguars start with the Soka University Indoor Qualifier (Sat. Feb. 14) in Aliso Viejo, CA. The first meet is a benchmark. Southwestern will see where they are individually and collectively as a team.

The Ron Kamaka Open (Sat. Feb. 21) hosted by Mt. San Antonio College at the Hilmer Lodge Stadium in Walnut, CA is next. The 2026 Cuyamaca Invitational (Sat. Feb. 28) at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon, CA ends the calendar month.

The Point Loma Nazarene University Sea Lion Invite (Sat. March 14) awaits the Jags in March along with the annual Arnie Robinson Invite (Fri. March 30) a two-day event that honors the legendary Olympic gold medalist hosted by San Diego Mesa College. The Mangrum Invitational (Fri. March 27) on the CSU San Marcos campus rounds out the month of March.

The UC San Diego Triton Invitational (Fri-Sat. April 3-4) in La Jolla, CA will be the final tune-up in preparation for the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference championships (Wed. April 15 & Sat. April 18) at Cuyamaca College.