Ishimaru Hits State Mark at Occidental

Hartnell male runner stands in front of display board — Sophomore Jacob Dizon enjoys his first sub 2 clocking in the 800m at the Occidental Distance Carnival.

March 11, 2025

Just a day after sophomore Armando Amaro produced the ninth best hammer throw in Hartnell history, freshman Aiden Ishimaru moved into the eleventh spot at the Occidental 'Spring Break Classic in Eagle Rock, CA. Ishimaru, who is in his first year ever of throwing the hammer, is quickly becoming a rising start in the event. The Salinas High School grad achieved the State "A" mark with a personal best 46.51m that pushed into the top 10 in Northern California. Amaro would better the freshman placing two spots higher with a mark of 46.81m. Ishimaru also competed in the discus (31.61m) and got the best of Amaro (30.60m) in the second event.

Sophomore Jesse Blanco had yet to meet a State "A" mark in the 5000m before running 15:13.69 which only netted him the State "B". Giancarlo Mendo debuted at the 5000m in 15:48.28 after running 4:07.82 in the 1500 meters. Sophomore Jesus Martinez was next at 16:04.75. Jacob Dizon ran his first sub 2:00 in the 800 meters (1:59.77) with teammate Jose Cota at 1:59.92 in another heat. Elijah Melchor improved to 2:03.96. Sophomore Galen Okamoto set a personal best in the 3k steeplechase (10:43.71). Also running in the 5000 meters were Alvaro Ruelas (16:18.13), Aaron Eldredge (16:21.61), Leyder Hernandez (16:25.01), and Marcus Serrano (16:47.27).

The Panthers will compete next at the Pat Ryan Invitational/Multi-Event at Santa Rosa Junior College on Thursday-Friday, March 13-14.