Diaz and Lavina Get on Podium Day One
Sophomore Ricky Diaz III kicked and freshman Ethan Lavina enjoyed podium finishes on the first day of the 2023 3C2A State Track & Field Championship at Modesto Junior College. Diaz who competed in the 10,000 meter run, placed fifth and Lavina was seventh in the triple jump.
Diaz III quaflified in the 10,000 meters to last year's state championship as his only event but left unfulfilled after a disappointing twelfth in 34:36.30. One year later, Diaz used a mid-race surge to secure an improved fifth place and All-State honor with his 32:31.99 performance. This was his third 10,000 meter of the seasson after finishing second at the Coast Conference meet and fifth in the Northern California Championship. Diaz finished as the third best Northern California performer as well.
Freshman Ethan Lavina answered the call of securing the twelfth spot in the men's triple jump final with a seventh place and All-State finish. Lavina recorded another 13 meter mark for the twelfth time this season to secure the honors. His official jump of 13.71m/44-11.75 came in the sixth and final round and secured the Salinas grad's first community college state medal.