FORTUNA, Calif. — The Cardinal Newman boys' track and field team delivered a series of standout performances at the 2025 North Coast Section (NCS) Redwood Empire Area Championships on May 17, securing second place overall with 65 points, trailing only Tamalpais High School, which amassed 87 points.

A Historic Sprint for Zion Cargill

Sophomore Zion Cargill made history by breaking a long-standing school record in the 100-meter dash. Clocking an impressive 10.66 seconds, Cargill not only secured third place in a highly competitive field but also surpassed the 50-year-old mark of 10.8 seconds set by NFL great Jerry Robinson in 1975.

"I told Jerry Robinson earlier this season that I was coming for his record," Cargill said with a smile after the race. "To actually do it feels amazing. It's a huge honor to follow in his footsteps, and I hope I made him proud."

Cargill also excelled in the 200 meters, finishing second with a time of 21.96 seconds.  In addition, he anchored the Cardinals' 4x100 relay team to a third-place finish with a time of 42.92 seconds, contributing significantly to the team's overall success.

Field Events Domination

Cardinal Newman's strength extended to the field events. Senior Jesse Myers claimed first place in the discus with a personal record throw of 160 feet, 8 inches.  His teammate, sophomore Vicente Adan, secured second place with a mark of 159 feet, 5 inches. 

In the shot put, junior Devon Bertoli delivered a powerful performance, winning the event with a throw of 58 feet, 2.5 inches.

Junior Oliver Currie qualified for MOC finishing 3rd in the long jump, leaping 20'-11.4"

Middle-Distance and Relay Efforts

Senior Jacob Patterson delivered a strong performance in the 400 meters, placing 10th with a time of 52.55 seconds. Fellow senior and twin brother, Joshua Patterson followed closely behind in 13th with a time of 53.09 seconds.  The Cardinals' relay efforts were another highlight, with the 4x100 team's third-place finish showcasing the squad's depth.

Looking Ahead

With multiple athletes advancing to the NCS Meet of Champions, including top-six finishers in their respective events, Cardinal Newman is poised for continued success as they prepare for the next level of competition.

Cargill's record-breaking performance in the 100 meters was a crowning achievement in a memorable day for the Cardinals, proving that records may endure for decades—but they're meant to be broken. The team's overall effort underscored its depth, talent, and readiness to shine on an even larger stage in the weeks ahead.
 

Cardinal Newman Girls Deliver Strong Performances at 2025 NCS Redwood Empire Championships as Well

The Cardinal Newman girls' track and field team showcased their talent at the 2025 North Coast Section (NCS) Redwood Empire Area Championships, delivering several standout performances.

Junior Ashlin Mallon led the way by winning the 800-meter run with a time of 2:14.79, securing her spot at the NCS Meet of Champions. Sophomore Ava Campbell placed seventh in the 400 meters, clocking in at 1:01.65. Campbell also competed in the 200 meters, finishing 14th with a time of 26.89 seconds.

In the field events, junior Kaylin Suacci broke her own school record in the discus throw with an incredible mark of 140 feet, 4 inches. Her record-breaking performance not only demonstrated her continued improvement but also secured a top finish, earning her a trip to the Meet of Champions.

These performances highlight the depth and potential of the Cardinal Newman girls' team as they continue to build on their successes this season.