RIVERBANK, Calif.- Underdogs get their chance to represent a big little town. Orestimba Warriors Track & Field competed in the Stanislaus County Championship Meet on Friday and achieved nine top-ten finishes in the meet, including both men’s and women’s varsity teams. 

The team too home a first place win by Imelda Beltran Pelayo, with a time of 1:01.32a, in the Women’s varsity 400 meter.

“We’re at the point where we have a great caliber of athletes, that cannot just go and attend, but compete and place high,” said head coach Trisha Gray.

Placing high is what the Warriors did. As a freshman, Pelayo, can be proud of her first place win in the women’s varsity 400 meter. Stretching +32 milliseconds ahead of Enochs High School’s second place finish, Abigail Davis. Schools who finished after Pelayo were third place Pitman, fourth place Oakdale, and fifth Beyer High School. All schools with a much larger presence than Orestimba High School.

Some of the county’s top talent attended the competition. There were a handful of events that took place. 100–3,200 meter runs, hurdles, relays, shot put, discus, high jump, pole vault, long jump, and triple were all competed. The Warriors were able to participate in most events. Some athletes were able to compete in multiple events.

“It’s nice to represent our school because we’re a small town. And these big schools just don’t see us as reputable yet. It’s great to come out here and show them we’re business,” said Devon Bell.

Bell placed fourth in the men’s high jump, with a height of 5’9. Also, Bell finished in forth again for the men’s long jump, measuring 20’0.5. A proud moment for a small-town athlete to place in the top five positions against large schools.

Olivia Gray was able to participate in three events for the Warriors. She placed second in the women’s high jump with a height of 79’8. Gray went on to place eighth in discus and 14th place in shot put. Gaining great support from coaches and completing her goals to compete.

“Just a lot of mental preparation, owning the fact that I’m going out to jump, no matter what happens, no matter what height I’m at. And having my teammates and Coach there to help me,” said Olivia Gray.

Patricio Kearny can be assured that his seventh place finish, in men’s 3,200 meter, was more than respectable. Kearny has a history placing high for the Warriors and he was able to show the county he’s the real deal. 

“Honestly, it’s pretty exciting,” Kearney commented. “There’s a lot of competition, the best runners from Stanislaus County are here.”

“Our kids aren’t just competing, they’re placing and moving on to the championship, in a couple weeks. It’s very exciting,” said Trisha Gray. 

The Southern Athletic League meet, with a to be announced time, at Waterford High School on March 20 is next for the Warriors. Hopefully they can bring home another first place win.

Warrior Results for the Stanislaus County Championship Meet

Men’s Varsity 100 Meters

16. Juan Esquivez, 11.85a

29. Nicholas Cuevas, 12.79a

Men’s Varsity 400 Meters

11. Angel Reynoso, 55.68a

Men’s Varsity 800 Meters

14. Hector Madrigal, 2:12.93a

Men’s Varsity 1600 Meters

9. Patricio Kearney, 4:37.85a

Men’s Varsity 3200 Meters

7. Patricio Kearney, 10:05.65a

Men’s Varsity 110m Hurdles

13. Angel Reynoso, 19.15a

Men’s Varsity 300m Hurdles

11. Angel Reynoso, 46.25a

Men’s Varsity Shot Put

14. Derick Rosas, 37’

19. Nicholas Cuevas, 34’ 8

Men’s Varsity Discus

13. Traveyon Wright J, 104’ 2

20. Derick Rosas, 97’ 10

Men’s Varsity High Jump

4. Devon Bell, 5’ 9

14. Blake Melo, 5’ 2

Men’s Varsity Long Jump

4. Devon Bell, 20’ 0.5

20. Blake Melo, 17’ 2.75

Men’s Varsity Triple Jump

17. Blake Melo, 35’ 4.5

Women’s Varsity 400 Meters

1. Imelda Beltran Pelayo, 1:01.32a

20. Hector Madrigal, 4:58.96a

Women’s Varsity 1600 Meters

14. Samantha De La Cruz, 5:59.68a

Women’s Varsity 3200 Meter

8. Samantha De La Cruz, 12:50.69a

Women’s Varsity 100m Hurdles

8. Mia Jiezel Quevedo, 19.14a

15. Chevelle Bettencourt, 20.44a

Women’s Varsity 300m Hurdle

10. Mia Jiezel Quevedo, 53.56

18. Chevelle Bettencourt, 59.65a

Women’s Varsity Shot Put

14. Olivia Gray, 25’ 3

Women’s Varsity Discus

8. Olivia Gray, 79’ 8

Women’s Varsity High Jump

2. Olivia Gray, 4’ 10

Women’s Varsity Long Jump

5. Jordan Mello, 15’ 4.75

Women’s Varsity Triple Jump

2. Jordan Mello, 32’ 9