It was another superb season for the Christopher High Unified track team, with a successful and rewarding year capped by excellent performances at the CIF State Track and Field Finals.
At that meet in Clovis in late May, the CHS Unified team of Isabella Perez and Emelee Sandoval placed second in the state in the shot put and the pair of Elysa Ulloa and Sandoval came in fifth in California in the 100 meters.
Other Cougar teams during the year sparkled at the Central Coast Section Finals.
“Overall, the 2026 track season was really fun and full of so many great performances and improvements from everyone on the team,” Ulloa said. “It was awesome getting to see everyone’s hard work pay off throughout the season.
“Going to the CIF State Meet in Clovis was such a cool experience. The environment was really exciting because there were so many athletes from all over California, and everyone was there to do their best.”
In Unified events, Special Education athletes partner with General Education schoolmates in track and field competitions. Their events are incorporated seamlessly and equally in some track meets during the year and conclude at the CCS Finals and at the CIF State Finals.
“It involves inclusion with able-body athletes competing with and along with athletes with learning disabilities,” Christopher coach Jeff Myers said. “My Unified teams did well (at the CIF State Finals meet) placing second and fifth.”
In that competition on May 29 before more than 10,000 fans, the senior Perez and sophomore Sandoval totaled 42-9.5 in the shot to finish second. Perez threw 22-2 and Sandoval hurled the shot 20-7.5.
On the same day, Ulloa, a freshman, and Sandoval ran a combined 31.15 in their race, for a fifth-place result and medal. Ulloa crossed the line in 15.17 and Sandoval came in at 15.98.
“The environment at Clovis was a focused, supportive and very confident group of athletes,” Sandoval said. “Many of the athletes in our division were very talkative and kind, wishing each other good luck.”
Sandoval noted the challenges in the shot put competition. She thanked her teammate Perez for encouragement to help her pull through. The 100 meter race was also a big highlight and great experience.
“My performance during the 100-meter race was good, and my partner and I gave it our all,” Sandoval said. “We both landed in fifth place, and we were especially happy to receive our pink medals, not just for placing, but for the adventure of making it to CIF.”
Perez reflected on “wonderful” experiences throughout the year. She added that the CIF State Finals was fun and rewarding, while also being competitive. Overall, she and others noted the supportive atmosphere as being the outstanding feeling of the day.
The two teams at the CIF State Finals received bids based on stellar performances at the CCS Finals meet in Gilroy on May 16. In the CCS Finals, Ulloa and Sandoval shined in the 100 meters.
Ulloa was fastest in 15.25 and Sandoval ran 15.99. That produced a combined time of 31.24. In the shot, Perez threw the longest, a toss of 21-9. Sandoval was third at 20-5. The total was 42-2.
Christopher teams also competed in other events at the CCS Finals. In the boys shot put, Brady Hemeon threw 38-9.25 and Blake Roberto tossed the shot 32-1. In the boys 100, Matthew Birrueto came through in 12.76 and Roberto was at 13.86. The Cougars also had a 4×100 relay team, which finished in 50.87.
The CCS and CIF include Unified teams and Para Ambulatory teams in their track and field meets as one more regular event, like any other event. Athletes compete on the same track or field event surface, get the same promotion from the public address announcer and in the program and stand on the same award podium for recognition as any other athlete.
The CIF states that it is important to note that the terms listed (Unified Athlete, Unified Partner) are intended to be used by coaches as an internal descriptor for student-athletes. Student-athletes should refer to themselves and their teammates as just that, teammates. Student-athletes on a Unified Sports team practice and compete together consistently throughout the entire regular season and postseason.
Sandoval summed up the many positive aspects of the experience during the spring 2026 season.
“Competing in a two-person team was a wonderful experience because it helped us learn teamwork and communication, and it also brought us closer together as a team,” Sandoval said. “I also wanted to add a little about our Coach Myers. He was there with us the whole time; he was supportive and encouraging. We will miss him very much. He will always be our favorite coach.”
The reference to Myers relates to his upcoming retirement. He will handle cross country in the fall at CHS to cap his career and service to the community. The journey and accomplishments with Unified Track and Field for him, other coaches and the athletes are an extremely valuable contribution and rewarding experience beyond just sports.
Perez echoed the appreciation in her comments.
“I want to give thanks to my amazing coaches Myers and (throws coach) Aric (Middleton) for all their help during the season in helping me succeed and getting to this point,” Perez said. “Competing in a two-person Unified team was a fun and wonderful experience because it brought me closer to my teammate and we just had fun getting to know each other better. I’m glad I was able to get her to State and compete there once again.”
Ulloa provided an insightful summary, showing perspective on track and field and the Unified opportunity within CIF.
“Unified Track is really special because it brings people together and gives everyone the chance to compete,” Ulloa said. “Getting to represent my school at the CIF State Meet with my teammate was such an honor, and I’m really grateful I got to be part of it.”
