Four Track and Field Athletes Place Top Ten in the State

Four Track and Field Athletes Place Top Ten in the State
Posted: Jun 04, 2026

WALNUT, CA - After navigating a tough postseason path in California community college athletics, four Bakersfield College freshmen represented the Renegades at the 2026 3C2A Track & Field State Championships held May 16-17 at Mt. San Antonio College.

To earn a spot at the state meet, athletes first had to advance through the Western State Conference Prelims and Finals, then qualify through both the Southern California Regional Prelims and Southern California Finals. Only the best athletes from Northern and Southern California advanced to compete for state honors.

Leading the way was freshman Sofia Moody, who delivered an outstanding performance in the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase. Moody raced to a runner-up finish, placing 2nd in the state with a personal-best time of 11:48.54, earning All-State recognition and capping off an impressive freshman campaign.

On the men's side, freshman Kai Wilkins earned a podium finish in the high jump, clearing 2.00 meters to place 3rd in the state. Wilkins consistently ranked among Southern California's top jumpers throughout the season and finished the year among California's best.

Freshman Jacob Quezada continued his remarkable postseason run in the men's 800 meters, clocking a personal-best 1:54.68 to finish 5th in the state. Quezada advanced through every postseason round and proved himself as one of the premier middle-distance runners in California.

Rounding out Bakersfield College's state qualifiers was freshman Mason Level, who competed in the men's hammer throw. Level recorded a personal-best mark of 48.58 meters, placing 10th in the state and concluding an outstanding first collegiate season.

With all four state qualifiers being freshmen, the future looks bright for Bakersfield College Track & Field. Their performances on California's biggest stage provide a strong foundation for the program as the Renegades look ahead to the 2027 season.

2026 3C2A State Championship Results

  • Sofia Moody – 2nd Place, Women's 3,000m Steeplechase (11:48.54 PR)
  • Kai Wilkins – 3rd Place, Men's High Jump (2.00m)
  • Jacob Quezada – 5th Place, Men's 800m (1:54.68 PR)
  • Mason Level – 10th Place, Men's Hammer Throw (48.58m PR)

The Renegades conclude the season with four freshmen among the state's best and valuable experience that will carry into next year.