Aptos High senior Ella Boyes finished with a pair of top-five finishes during the finals of the Central Coast Section Track and Field Championships at Gilroy High on May 23.
But perhaps none was more meaningful to her than the performance she put on to break a school record that stood for exactly two decades.
Boyes placed fifth in the 300-meter hurdles in 45.06 seconds — narrowly surpassing the previous mark of 45.07 set by Stephanie LeFever in 2006.
At first glance, Boyes knew she was somewhere near to the mark until she ultimately realized the feat was accomplished.
“I’m really happy,” she said. “Almost 20 years since the last [record] was set, so I’m very excited.”
Boyes placed fourth in the long jump with a leap of 18 feet, 1/2 inch. She partook in six total jumps, which is something she wasn’t accustomed to throughout the spring campaign.
She also mentioned the temperatures in Gilroy were a little above average than the coastal weather she’s used to training in Aptos.
“It was definitely hard for me because it was really hot during round three when I had to do the long jump,” Boyes said. “My legs were pretty tired coming into the 300 hurdles, but I’m lucky I got out fast.”
In the 300 hurdles, Boyes came storming out of the gate before clearing the first two sticks with ease. She kept up with the front of the pack until she began to fall back with just a little more than 150 meters remaining in the race.
Coming down the final stretch, Boyes hit the turbo boosters while sprinting full speed after vaulting over the last hurdle.
“I’ve been trying to get out faster out of the blocks,” Boyes said. “I’ve struggled with that all year, so definitely it came down to that. And just pushing more at the start. I always have a good kick, just trying to hold that at the end for the last 100 meters.”
Aptos senior Maya Schiro placed sixth in the girls 3200 in 10:53.12, while teammate junior Bella Briceno-Nicholson placed tied for fifth in the girls high jump with a hop of 5-2. Ellie Marta, a junior, placed 12th in the girls discus with a toss of 100-7.
Teammates sophomores Charlotte Gubser and Cynthia Chavez took second with throws of 21-2 and 15-6, respectively, in the girls shot put relay unified event.
The season came to a close for Boyes and her teammates after they failed to qualify for the California Interscholastic Federation Track and Field Championships at Buchanan High in Clovis. The top-three finishers from each event advanced.
It also meant the end of high school career for some athletes such as Boyes and Schiro. However, she will test her skills as a walk-on at the University of California–San Diego.
Boyes said being part of this year’s group of CCS finalists meant a lot, especially coming off a series of injuries that derailed her 2025 season.
“I was trying really hard this season to stay healthy,” she said.
Monte Vista Christian sophomore Anna Conca (5:03.62) placed seventh in the 1600, while teammate senior Nylie Joneson (9-2) was in a three-way tie for ninth in the pole vault.
“It was a great race,” said Monte Vista Christian head coach Erik Beckmen in a text message. “[Conca] was right there, but she’s only a sophomore. This was a great experience and run for her. I’m excited for the future with the team.”
Aptos High senior Brady Bliesner (4:17.22) took fifth in the boys 1600, while teammates sophomores Josh Gonzalez (34-8 1/2) and Vincent Becceril (31-1 1/2) placed fourth in the boys shot put relay unified event.
Aptos sophomores Ivan Cortes (12.24) and Jonny Espinoza (12.30) teamed up to win the 100 dash relay unified race. Both runners are headed to the CIF State Championships ranked No. 5 in California.
Teammates freshman Tucker Jenkins (12.94) and senior Kingston Mabuhay (15.15) teamed up to place fifth.
Watsonville High seniors Christopher Hernandez (38-8 1/2) and Leonel Jarquin (36-2) teamed up for a second place finish in the shot put relay unified event. Teammates junior Alejandro Riquelme (31-6) and senior Francisco Alanis (31-6) took sixth for a podium finish.
Watsonville senior Lisandro Pantoja had to miss the discus finals due to illness, putting a damper on what was a spectacular final season with the Wildcatz.
“Looking forward to next year with the younger kids,” said Watsonville head coach Rob Cornett, who is retiring from teaching but returning with the track and field program.
