last updated:  November 19, 2019

Originally our league, the Desert Valley League, was supposed to have our league meets on Thursdays for the 2020 season alternating with the Desert Empire League.  I was notified yesterday our schedule will be on Wednesdays for our league meets.  I will keep everyone posted on changes.  Go to athletic.net for the most up to date schedule!

https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/School.aspx?SchoolID=1927

Mandatory Athletic clearance for all student-athletes

Complete this entirely.

Student-athletes will not be allowed to participate without it.

On Tuesday May 28 we invited the team and their friends and families to recognize our student-athletes for their accomplishments.  The following individuals were celebrated on that day:

“Team Family” Recognition:

Head Coach Ronda Lockett-Morton recognized the Ornelaz-Perez family for their above and beyond efforts for the 2019 season.  The refueling station for the team, the photos, the endless support, and physical labor including setting up and cooking for our Team Celebration!  They received leis as a thank you from the team!

Team Valedictorian & 4.0 Students

Adam Mapuatuli (TOP GPA), Jariyah Yazzie, Samuel Niles,

Mallory Hutchinson

JV Certificates

Barnhart, Kaylyn. Birchfield, Kylie. Contreras, Yvonne.

Cook, John. Davis, Keyavion. Duhon, Nate. Gordon, Beck. Hamilton, Nolan. Hughes, Lincoln. Leach, Alyssa. McClain, Bridghette. Moody, Chante. Niles, Samuel.

Ornelaz-Perez, Matthew. Ornelaz-Perez, Nicholas. Picard, Cody. Price, Blake.  Vamstad, Diego. Yazzie, Jariyah.

Jog-A-Thon Champions

3rd Place - Matthew Ornelaz Perez $245.00

2nd Place - Amanda Mohn $300.00

1st Place - Brandon Benton $350.00

Top Male Lap Runner - Tucker Thornburg

Top Female Lap Runner - Kaylyn Barnhart

Student Officers & Team Captain Recognition

Jonathan Carson (team captain), Tucker Thornburg, Mahiyah Ellis, and Adam Mapuatuli (team Captain)

Varsity Letterwinners

First Year Letterwinners  Mariah Banerjee, Mya Bullion, Courtney Ogle, Johnnie Smith, Prince Williams, N’Taiya Youso

Second Year Letterwinners Brandon Benton, Mallory Hutchinson, Amanda Mohn

Third Year Letterwinners Thornburg, Tucker

REVERSE (4th Year) Letterwinners

Carson, Jonathan & Mapuatuli, Adam

Golden Bar Recipients

This season each coach recognized a male & female student-athlete for their efforts during the season by giving out

Coach Morton:  Kylie Birchfield, Matthew Ornelaz-Perez

Coach Wilson:  Jariyah Yazzie & Mya Bullion

Coach Tili:  John Cook & Amanda Mohn

Coach Niles:  Bridghette McClain & Johnnie Smith

Wildcats of the Week

Receive a Grey WOW Shirt!

Jonathan Carson, Adam Mapuatuli, Mya Bullion, Mallory Hutchinson, Johnnie Smith, Courtney Ogle, Chante Moody, Mariah Banerjee, Tucker Thornburg

All Desert Valley League Team Members

Jonathan Carson 4x1 Relay, 100m, 200m, Long Jump

Adam Mapuatuli Shot Put & Discus

Brandon Benton 4x1 Relay, 300 hurdles, 400m

Johnnie Smith 4x1 Relay

Mallory Hutchinson 4x1 Relay, Triple Jump, Long Jump, High Jump

Mya Bullion 4x1 Relay

Courtney Ogle 4x1 Relay

Desert Valley League MVPs

Men Track:  Jonathan Carson (Sr.)

Men Field:  Adam Mapuatuli (Sr.)

Women Track:  Mallory Hutchinson (So.)

2020 TEAM CAPTAINS GIVEN CAPTAINS “C” PATCHES

Mahiyah Ellis, Mallory Hutchinson,

Johnnie Smith, Tucker Thornburg

Great representation for our team at the All School Awards tonight

ATHLETIC AWARDS

Athlete of the Year:  Jonathan Carson

Jeff Burnett Award Winner (Male):  Adam Mapuatuli

Jeff Burnett Award Winner (Female):  Shaniah Newby

Jack Sunderland (Male):  Sam Niles

Twentynine Palms HS Track and Field team traveled to Carpinteria HS on Saturday to compete in the CIF Divisional Preliminaries. 

The girls 4x1 relay: Mallory Hutchinson, Courtney Ogle, Mya Bullion, and Shaniah Newby finished 15th with a time of 51.66.

Mallory Hutchinson also finished 13th in the triple jump with a mark of 33'6.5 and jumped 13'11.5 to place Long Jump for 32nd place.

In the girls discus, Tynea Terrell Davis finished 15th overall with a 94-03 mark.  

The lone Lady Wildcat advancing to finals is Shaniah Newby.  She finished 5th in the 100m with a time of 12.68 and 8th in the 200m with a time of 25.58.  

Senior Courtney Ogle was named Lady Wildcat of the Week for her contributions to the team over the last 3 years.

The boys 4x100m relay featuring the fastest runners on campus: Jeremiah Kirk, Johnnie smith, Jonathan Carson, and Brandon Benton earned sixth place with a time of 44.34 and advanced to the CIF Finals.

Jonathan Carson also earned a 9th place finish in the 100m with a time of 11.27 and 7th place in the 200m with a personal record of 22.45 and advances to CIF Finals in both events.

Brandon Benton placed 26th in the 400m with a time of 55.26.

Two-time all CIF competitor Adam Mapuatuli qualified for CIF finals in both of his events.  He finished with a personal record of 49'11.75 in the shot put, good for third place, and 136'06 in the discus good for 4th place.

Junior Johnnie Smith was named Wildcat of the Week for his efforts and leadership all season including his strong 2nd leg in the men's 4x1 relay at Prelims.

The qualified athletes will travel to El Camino College in Torrance to compete in the CIF Finals meet on Saturday.

Twentynine Palms HS traveled to Vista Murrieta HS to compete in the Inland Empire Championships.  In a very deep field the athletes did well with medals and personal records earned.

Jonathan Carson ran PRs of 11.15 in the 100m for 7th place and a 13th place finish in the 200m with a time of 22.85.

Tucker Thornburg ran for 39th place wth a time of 4:47.01 in the 1600m.  

Adam Mapuatuli threw 46'4.5 and 140'0 to earn 5th in the shot put and 6th in the discus throw.

For the Lady Wildcats Mallory Hutchinson finished 8th with a jump of 4'9.  The only meet she's ever competed in a single event.

Amanda Mohn threw shot put at 31'0.5 (16th place) and earned 24th place in the discus with a 88'4.

Tynea Terrell-Davis placed 17th with a throw of 95-08.

The top female performer was Shaniah Newby who placed 6th in the 100m with a time of 12.64 and 9th in the 200m with a time of 25.46.

Up next for the Wildcats is their mandatory spring break practices.

These practices provide an opporunity for the team to earn an extra meet and beach trip in San Diego (100% attendance) as well as the Dennis Gilbert Small Schools Invite (any athlete that did not miss spring break practice).

Track and Field traveled to DHS to face the Golden Eagles and Coachella Valley in a Desert Valley Triple Dual.

Great performances at Sparta, LOTS of PRs: the Boys finished 7th with 52 points, the girls finished 11th with 30 points! 

Adam Mapuatuli, John Cook, and Justin Peters earned 4th place in the shot put with a combined throw of 52'3.5". Mapuatuli was the top overall thrower with a 48'2".  He leads the Desert Valley League in both events.

In discus the boys combined for 113"5' and placed 6th.  Mapuatuli was second overall throwing a personal record of 146'2".

The girls threw for 255'11.5" in the discus and 80'8" in the shot put.  Tynea Terell-Davis broke the 100 foot barrier earning a career best 101'5" and Amanda Mohn threw a PR of 93"11'.  The girls earned medals in both events, taking 5th in the discus throw and 4th in the shot put.

Shania Newby earned more than half the girls points scoring 18, taking second in the 100m with a time of 12.77 and first in the 200m race earning a season record with a time of 25.83.

Brandon Benton earned first place in the 400m with a personal record of 52.18. Benton also anchored the 4x1.

The 4x200m relay consisting of Jeremiah Kirk, Johnnie Smith, Alex Burns, and Luke Emmons took sixth place with a time of 1:39.42.

The 4x100m relay, Jeremiah Kirk, Luke Emmoms, Jonathan Carson, and Brandon Benton ran 45.31 with the goal of shaving a second of their time by DVL finals.

Tucker Thornburg won a silver medal with a time of 4:54.21 in the 1600m invitational heat.

Junior Varsity Standouts were Beck Gordon, Nicholas Ornelaz-Perez, and Diego Vamstad for their personal record splits running against big school vsrsity competitors.

Sophomores Mariah Banerjee and Alex Burns were named the Wildcats of the Week for their team contributions in the Cathedral City/Desert Mirage and Sparta meets.

Our top medal winner and performer was four year senior, and team captain, Jonathan Carson. He earned 1st placed in the 200m running his PR, 22.85 and a 4th place finish in the 100m with a PR of 11.37.  He was also a pivotal leg in the 4th place 4x1 relay, and earned a fourth medal with the Long Jump relay.

Lady Wildcat of the Week

Mariah Banerjee

Girls Track and Field

Sophomore, Jumps

Mariah is a second year athlete on the team.  On Saturday she broke her own personal record anchoring the sprint medley relay in her 400m.  Mariah has also earned personal records in all 3 of her jumps this early in the season.  Mariah also scored crucial points against Yucca in all 3 of her jump events.  Her season goal is to keep improving and qualify for Desert Valley league finals.  

Wildcat of the Week

Alex Burns

Sophomore, Jumps

Alex is a first year team member.  He earned two medals Saturday in the long jump relay with a personal record of 17'10" and running in the 4x200 meter relay.  He also scored in the high jump in the Cat City/Desert Mirage meet and is a key in the 4x400 meter relay.  He hopes to qualify for DVL finals and have a chance to earn a spot in CIF.

Yesterday the track and field team fought hard against crosstown rival Yucca Trojans.  Prince Williams, Diego Vamstead, and Nicholas Ornelaz-Perez led the JV boys to victory 66-24.

At the varsity level Jonathan Carson was a four event winner in the 4x1, 100m, 200m, and long jump scoring a meet leading 16.25 points.  Other standouts include Alex Burns, Beck Gordon, and Brandon Benton.

The girls were led by senior Shania Newby, who scored 15 points for the Lady Cats followed by Mariah Banerjee and Mallory Hutchinson who scored in 3 of their four events.

Next Wednesday the team travels to Cathedral City!

Yesterday 29 Palms HS track and field traveled to Rancho Mirage to face their former league for the Rattlers.

Annual Jog-A-Thon Fundraiser

THIS FUNDRAISER IS TENTATIVE PENDING ASB APPROVAL!

Wednesday, February 13, 2018 @ 2:15pm

for any questions about this fundraiser contact:

Ronda S. Lockett-Morton - TPHS Track & Field Head Coach - rondaSLmorton@gmail.com

All monies are due in the activities office by March 1st.

Checks are payable to TPHS ASB ** include:   "TRACK & FIELD JOG-A-THON" in the memo!

Student Athlete Name _____________________________

Ran ___ Laps Threw _________

Coaches Signature: __________

Name (contact info) Flat Donation Pledge Total Paid

Jane Doe $10.00 $10.00 $10.00

John Doe - $1 per lap $14.00 $14.00

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Coaching Staff

Head Coach/Throws/Jumps: Ronda S. Lockett-Morton (18th season)

Relays/Sprints/Hurdles: Nathan Niles (12th season)

Distance: M.E. Wilson, Sr. (5th season)

29 Palms HS Track & Field Mission Statement

TPHS Track & Field aims to:

* help student-athletes gain confidence.

* promote HEALTHY competition, maximum EFFORT, and a positive ATTITUDE.

* promote teamwork, respect, and other team building aspects regarding personal relationships.

* provide constructive yet positive feedback to help improve or promote a particular behavior.

* provide a fun and exciting opportunity for our student-athletes to learn and develop new skills.

* teach student-athletes to set goals and work hard to achieve those goals.

Rules

The TF squad is expected to abide by all rules in the school/district handbook as well as use common sense while being safe, respectful, and courteous as all times.  Any issues arising from behavior will result in a face to face meeting with parent/guardian and further negative behavior may result in dismissal from team.

Practice & Meet Attendance

Athletes who have 3 unexcused absences from practice may be dismissed from the team oe has an unexcused absence from a track meet you may be dismissed from the team and may be ineligible to earn a Varsity letter.  The first day of practice is TUESDAY JANUARY 22 @ 2:15pm at the TPHS track & field.  Please come in proper attire (i.e. athletic clothes & shoes).  A duffel bag and drinking container (i.e. hydroflask, water bottle, etc) is useful during the season.  

Emergency SOP

All student athletes must fill out the online athletic clearance form found on the school website.  This is mandatory and must be done before the first day of practice. Our roll call is used from that form.

Letter Requirements

The team will primarily compete on the Varsity and Jr. Varsity level.  while our objectives for individual athletes will vary, the primary objective for all varsity athletes will be to achieve a peak performance at our league finals meet in May!  An athlete who earns 30 points the varsity level will receive a Varsity Letter at the end of the season provided they are in good standing with the team (discipline, attendance, owing equipment, etc).

Picking your child up on time

Our practice schedule is 2:15-4:30pm Monday-Friday.  If there is no school, there is no practice. We will "whistle" at 4:15pm, at this point all athletes will cease and begin their cool down process.  Athletes will clear the track by 4:30pm.  If your child becomes a ride issue you child will be dismissed from the team.

Meet schedules are less predictable however all athletes are reminded to call parents at the following times:  *end of the meet, *end of the meal, *when we hit Joshua Tree.

Fundraising and the Annual Jog-A-Thon

Our annual jog-a-thon is tentatively (pending ASB approval next week) scheduled for Monday, February 19, at 2:15pm.   The team will arrive at 2:15, warm up, then run from 2:30-3pm.  Once all the running is completed, athletes will break up to their groups and practice until 4:15pm before cool down.  Coaches will modify practice plans to accommodate the jog-a-thon.  The sheet is enclosed and is self-explanatory.  ALL ATHLETES WILL PARTICIPATE. There will be make up day for those  Athletes who throw and jump that earn pledges for those events instead of running laps and will run/jump on that day.  ALL MONIES ARE TURNED IN DIRECTLY TO THE ACTIVITIES OFFICE and are due no later than March 1st.

This is our only fundraiser of the season.  We realize by the time the spring sports roll around everyone is burned out with fundraising.  Many of our student-athletes are multi taskers and participate in a number of on campus activities and this requires fundraising.  I never make fundraising mandatory as it is absolutely against district and school policies to do so. However, all our non-league meets are funded SOLELY by our fundraising.  As of today we are not confirmed to attend any non-league meets. This means invitationals and relay meets which are where school records are usually broken.  I strongly encourage your child to participate in this fundraiser if they would like to attend invitationals and run against top level competition in southern California.  If all our team members know 10 people who are willing to pledge $10 we could cover our costs for the entire season in that single fundraiser.

Our schedule is location on the athletic.net website.  This is the primary site for our schedule and results for all meets.  https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/School.aspx?SchoolID=1927.  

29 Palms HS Track & Field Schedule on Athletic.Net

<https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/School.aspx?SchoolID=1927>

Fri, Jan 11 Mandatory Team Meeting @ TPHS Gym @ Lunchtime

Tue, Jan 22 1st Day of Practice @ TPHS Track

Wed, Feb 13 Annual Jog-A-Thon (pending ASB approval)

Wed, Feb 27 29 Palms at Rancho Mirage

Wed, Mar 6 29 Palms vs. Yucca Valley (DVL Dual) *LEAGUE MEET

Wed, Mar 13 29 Palms & Desert Mirage at Cathedral City (DVL Tri)  *LEAGUE MEET

Sat, Mar 16 11th Annual Sparta Relays (at San Gorgonio HS)

Wed, Mar 27 29 Palms & Coachella Valley at Desert Hot Springs (DVL Tri)  *LEAGUE MEET

Sat, Mar 30 Flying Tiger Invitational (at San Jacinto HS)

Wed, Apr 3 29 Palms vs. Indio & Banning (DVL Tri)  *LEAGUE MEET

Sat, Apr 6 Janice Kelley Southland Invitational (at Hemet HS)

Wed, Apr 10 Desert Valley League Finals (at TBD)  *LEAGUE MEET

Sat, Apr 13 Inland Empire Invitational (at Vista Murrieta HS) VANS

Fri, Apr 26 DG Sm Schools Invite (at Mountain Empire HS, Pine Valley, CA)

Sat, May 4 29 Palms @ CIF Prelims (at Carpinteria HS) VANS

Sat, May 11 CIF-SS Divisional Finals (at El Camino College) VANS

Tue, May 28 Team Celebration TBD

Our facebook page will contain reminders it is a closed group, if you have a facebook page, request access at https://www.facebook.com/groups/123930771050810/  and I will add you immediately.

End of Season Celebration

Our end of season celebration is our end of the year potluck where student athletes and their families bring dishes and we celebrate the accomplishments of the season.  At this celebration we recognize the students in attendance for the following accomplishments:

• Team Valedictorian awarded to the highest GPA on the team

• participants (all team members who did not earn a letter)

• 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Reverse (4th year) letter winners

• All De Anza League Team Members, CIF Qualifiers, record breakers, and Wildcats of the Week

• Special thank you to our seniors and team captains

The day and date for this is Tuesday, May 28th.  A team handout will go to ALL student-athletes an information will be posted on both our athletic.net and facebook.com page.  Any parent that wants to organize a committee of volunteers for the setup for this is welcome contact me for the planning of this celebration.  The Ornelas and Thornburg families did a wonderful job last season!

If you have any comments or questions regarding the team, email me at rondaSLmorton@gmail.com.  I look forward to a fantastic season!

Sincerely,

Ronda S. Lockett-Morton

TPHS Track & Field Head Coach

rondaSLmorton@gmail.com

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UNIFORMS ORDERS

Ordering your uniform is not required.  We have an inventory however if you want to purchase your child a brand new uniform that they will keep, please turn in your money into the Activities no later than Wednesday, January 23, 2019.  All monies are turned directly into the activities office, bring your RECEIPT & FORM BELOW TO ME!

Athlete name: ______________________

Cost Size

$22 ___ Kelly Green Uniform Top

$17 ___ White Uniform Shorts

$25 ___ Grey Hooded Sweatshirt

$27 ___ Grey Sweatpants

_____ Total Amount Enclosed

29 Palms HS Track and Field Team Pages

Remind App ... this is a TEXT service that gives QUICK updates on what's going on.

Facebook ... more DETAILED information that can't be covered on the remind texts.

Athletic.net ... Used for up to date schedules and performance RESULTS.

Parents are strongly encouraged to ENGAGE their children to stay current on what is going on as well as take about 2 minutes a day to brief yourself on our social media pages. 

29 Palms High School Track & Field team sent 2 athletes to the CIF Division IV Finals meet.  Wildcats were the only De Anza League team with any representatives at the finals meet.  

Male Co-Athlete of the Year: KJ Magwood-Morton (2nd year in a row) & Tim Niles

Jeff Burnett Award Winner:  Roy Rathbun

KJ Magwood-Morton

11 Varsity Letters (Football 3, Soccer 4, Track & Field 4)

2 Reverse Letters - 4 Varsity Letters with Soccer and Track & Field

10 Time Wildcat of the Week Recipient (Football, Soccer, Track & Field)

2 Time All De Anza League Football

De Anza League MVP Soccer

2 Time All De Anza League Soccer

4x All De Anza League Track & Field

4x CIF Qualifier (Track & Field)

All CIF Football

2017 TPHS Athlete of the Year

2018 Citrus Bell Athlete of the Year

CYAP All Star Football Selection

KESQ TV Athlete of the Week (Fall Football)

Team Captain (Football 1, Soccer 1, Track & Field 3 seasons)

Tim Niles

5 Varsity Letters (2 Cross Country, 2 Soccer, 1 Track & Field)

2 Time Wildcat of the Week Recipient (Soccer)

Team Captain (Soccer 1)

Roy Rathbun

7 Varsity Letters (3 Cross Country, 3 Soccer, 1 Track & Field)

4 Time Wildcat of the Week Recipient (Cross Country, Soccer, Track & Field)

Team Captain (Cross Country 1)

Track & Field (Women)

Yesterday Track and Field traveled to Desert Mirage for their first De Anza League meet.  

There will be a mandatory meeting for all student-athletes interested in joining the Track & Field team on Friday, February 2, at lunch in the gym.  Students do not need to grab their lunch, the meeting will be BRIEF.  

All student-athletes will SIGN IN to our sign in sheets which will include sports you play at the school in the fall & winter, your cell number, as well as a parent cell number.  

All attendees will also receive the TEAM PACKET that includes the jog-a-thon fundraiser sheet, uniform ordering information, and finally our team policies, and contact information for the head coach.

** Uniform purchase is NOT mandatory.  This is simply for athletes that want a brand new uniform that will be theirs to keep at the end of the season.  Freshman females are most recommended to purchase as your uniform willl likely fit you all four years.  Again, this is not mandatory.  Simply an option provided after numerous seasons of requests.

Compression shorts are HIGHLY recommended as are TRACK SPIKES.  More information will be discussed at the meeting in person as well at our first practice.

Below is our season calendar.  This year prom does NOT conflict with any of our team events!  Our team celebration also does not conflict with any team events and from this point forward we will attempt to make our Team Celebration annually on the Tuesday we return from Memorial day weekend!  We hope for this to increase attendance during a very busy time of the year for student-athletes and families.

Fri, Feb 2 Mandatory Team Meeting

Mon, Feb 12 First Day of Practice

Thu, Feb 15 Last Day for Uniform Purchases

Thu, Feb 22 Annual Team Jog-A-Thon (pending ASB approval)

Fri, Mar 2 Jog-A-Thon Monies Due

Thu, Mar 15 29 Palms at Desert Mirage

Thu, Mar 29 Twentynine Palms at Coachella Valley

Thu, Apr 5 Twentynine Palms vs. Rancho Mirage

Sat, Apr 7 Janice Kelley Southland Invitational

Sat, Apr 14 Inland Empire Chamionships

Mon, Apr 16 Spring Break Practice

Mon, Apr 23 Twentynine Palms vs. Yucca Valley

Thu, Apr 26 Twentynine Palms at Desert Hot Springs

Thu, May 3 De Anza League Finals

Sat, May 12 CIF-SS Division 4 Prelims

Sat, May 19 CIF-SS Division 4 Finals

Tue, May 29 End of Season Team Celebration (time TBD)

Adam Mapuatuli was named the final Wildcat of the Week for the 2017 season after finishing with an all CIF performance in the discus.  His first heave of 134'0 was close to his personal record for the season and is also broke the listed frosh/soph record on the TPHS board.

Track and Field was well represented at our All School awards when athletic achievements were recognized.

Athlete of the Year:  KJ Magwood-Morton

2 Time All De Anza League Football

De Anza League MVP Soccer

3x All De Anza League Track & Field

3x CIF Qualifier (Track & Field)

All CIF Football

Team Captain (Soccer 1, Track & Field 2 seasons)

Jeff Burnett Award:  Spencer Walton

9 Time Varsity Letterwinner

4 Time All De Anza League Track & Field

3 Time CIF Qualifier Track and Field

Team Captain (Cross Country 2, Track & Field 1)

3 Event Record Holder Track & Field

Tucker Thornburg our top freshman runner was also chosen as the Jack Sunderland recipient.  

2 Time Letterwinner (1 Cross Country & 1 Track and Field)

Track and Field fell to Coachella Valley in a highly contested and wind dominated meet.

The 29 Palms Wildcats Track and Field team traveled to Palm Desert High School to compete in the Aztec Invitational.

Wildcat of the Week (Boys Track & Field)

Fri, Mar 3  Friday Night Tiger Invite @ San Jacinto HS (field 1pm, track 2pm)

Sat, Mar 11  Aztec Invitational @ Palm Desert HS (field 8am, track 8:30)

Wed, Mar 15  29 Palms vs. Desert Mirage DAL Dual 3pm

Thu, Mar 30  29 Palms vs. Coachella Valley DAL Dual 3pm

Sat, Apr 1  Flying Tiger Invitational @ San Jacinto HS (field 8am, track 8:30)

Wed, Apr 5  Twentynine Palms at Rancho Mirage DAL Dual 3:15pm

Thu, Apr 13  Twentynine Palms vs. Yucca Valley DAL Dual 3:15pm

Wed, Apr 26  29 Palms vs. Desert Hot Springs DAL Dual 3pm

Thu, May 4  De Anza League Finals @ Desert Mirage (field 4pm, track 5pm)

Team facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/123930771050810/

2016 TENTATIVE Schedule

Wednesday, March 2 - Tri Meet @ Indian Springs HS

Friday, March 4 - Cougar Distance Carnival @ Beaumont HS (pending approval)

Wednesday, March 9 - DAL Dual vs. Rancho Mirage HS  ** Volunteers Needed

Saturday, March 12 - Aztec Invite @ Palm Desert HS

Wednesday, March 16 - DAL Dual @ Shadow Hills HS

Saturday, March 19 - Cougar Classic @ Beaumont HS

Wednesday, March 23 - DAL Dual @ Desert Hot Springs HS

Saturday, April 2 - Flying Tiger Invitational @ San Jacinto HS

Wednesday, April 6 -  DAL Dual vs. Yucca Valley HS  ** Volunteers Needed

Wednesday, April 13 - DAL Dual vs. Big Bear HS  ** Volunteers Needed

Wednesday, April 27 - DAL Dual vs. Desert Mirage  ** Volunteers Needed

Friday, April 29 - Last Chance Distance Carnival @ Ramona HS (pending approval)

Thursday, May 5 - DAL Finals/CIF Qual. Meet @ Rancho Mirage HS

 Saturday, May 14 - CIF Divisional Preliminaries @ Carpinteria HS

Saturday, May 21 - CIF Divisional Finals

Thursday, January 28, Lunchtime (in Gym) Student-Athlete Informational Meeting

Don't grab your lunch, just sign in, and collect your parent packet

Make sure your parents read the packet. 

Those who waited till the last minute to get physicals can get them over the weekend with your doctor or urgent care (call around, there is a place that does them for $40).

Monday, February 1, 2:15pm - Track & Field - FIRST PRACTICE

Make sure you're properly dressed - ATHLETIC clothes.

Wear sweats/sweatshirts/layers.

The weather this time of year is unpredictable.

All athletes should have a gym bag specifically for their track & field gear.

Tuesday, February 2, 2:15pm - Team Meeting

This will be short & sweet.

We're voting in our officers for the rest of this season.

We're voting in our fundraisers for this month.

Thank you to everyone who attended our team celebration yesterday! Especially thank you to all the coaches who I didn't get to get all mushy over yesterday. A very special thanks to all the families who bought a dish!

For those unable to make it, we understand, it was a very hectic part of the season. We missed you all!

Congratulations to everyone who completed the 2015 Track & Field Season... now on to our team honors:

GOLDEN BARS
Coach Katie Chouinard (Jumps): KJ Morton, Freshman
Coach Niles (Sprints): William Ledford or William Ledford, Senior wink emoticon
Coach Wilson (Sprints): Sam Robinson, Senior
Coach Walton (Distance): Synai Salgado, Senior

PLAQUES
Team Valedictorian - Jubilee Bosch
Team Saludatorian - Kamaljot Singh
Most Improved Wildcat - Sam Robinson 
Most Improved Lady Wildcat - Liana Ruiz 
Lady Wildcat Rookie of the Year - Vanessa Walton 
Wildcat Rookie of the Year - KJ Magwood-Morton 
Lady Wildcat MVP - Kerenza Robinson
Wildcat MVP - Ronnie Rondeau
Thrower of the Year - Andrew Cobi Wilson

2015 TEAM CAPTAIN RECOGNITION: Curtis Mohn '15

2016 TEAM CAPTAINS
Seniors - Alex Morrissey '16
Throwers - Andrew Cobi Wilson '16
Female Sprinters - Kathy Lazaro '17
Distance - Spencer Walton '17
Jumps/Male Sprinters - KJ Morton '18

Finally, a special thanks to our managers who worked hard behind the scenes all season and were a great asset to the coaches and to this team. The two of your were amazing all season long and we love you and could not have had a successful season without you:
Lauryn Cabanlit & Kyle Angel Lav!

Congratulations to the Class of 2015, we love you & appreciate you! Have a great & safe summer! Good luck!

Ofa Atu,
Coach Ronda S. Morton

Head Coach & Throws:  Ronda Lockett-Morton, rslmorton@yahoo.com

Assistant Coach (Jumps):  Katie Chouinard, katie_chouinard@morongo.k12.ca.us

Assistant Coach (Relays & Sprints):  Nathan Niles, Nathan_Niles@morongo.k12.ca.us

Assistant Coach (Distance): Chad Walton, chaddad97@hotmail.com

Assistant Coach (Hurdles & Sprints):  M.E. Wilson Sr., warrior1006@hotmail.com (does not prefer to be contacted via email)

Wildcat Track & Field

Congratulations to the Class of 2014, good luck in your future endeavors!

TEAM PLAQUES:

Rookie of the Year:  Makya Bullion '17 & D'Avion Oliver '17

Most Improved:  Ronnie Rondeau '15

Lady Wildcat MVP:  Adriann Miller '16

Wildcat MVP:  Zach Kanlong '14

2015 Team Captains:  Adriann Miller '16,  Curtis Mohn '15

Award Winners & Recognition

2013 Boys' Team Captain - Noel Figueroa - East Central (OK) University

2013 Girls' Team Captain - Stacy Holmes - CSU Dominguez Hills

2014 Team Captain - Zach Kanlong

Golden Bar - Marcus Chestnut - United States Marine Corps

Most Improved - Laveena Benavente - Phoenix College

Outsanding Senior - Jessey Brocar - CSU San Bernardino

Rookie of the Year - David Haney - College of the Desert

Team Valedictorian - Alizabeth Ogdahl - St. Mary's (IN) College

Thrower of the Year - Alan Vander Maas - Ucla

Year 3 Letterwinner - Diante Aiken - Hampton University

Year 3 Letterwinner - Wyatt Giannini - United States Marine Corps

De Anza League Schedule

This is only the DAL schedule.  Additional duals, tri-meets, quads, invites, relays, etc will be posted at a later date.  TPHS Track and Field is ALWAYS in dire need of volunteers to run home meets.  Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to contact me directly so you can be given an assignment for meet-day.  Tentative Concessions (2),  Long Jump/Triple Jump (3), High Jump (2), Discus (2), Shot Put (2), Clerk of the Course (1), Meet Scorer (1), Announcer (1), Timers (8), Block Crew (3),  Hurdle Crew (THE MORE THE MERRIER).

Wed. Mar. 26th, 3pm, Yucca Valley Trojans at 29 Palms Wildcats

Wed. Apr. 02nd, 3pm, Desert Mirage Rams at 29 Palms Wildcats

Wed. Apr. 09th,  3pm, Big Bear Bears at 29 Palms Wildcats

Wed. Apr. 16th,  3pm, 29 Palms Wildcats at DHS Golden Eagles

Wed. Apr. 30th,  3pm, 29 Palms Wildcats at Shadow Hills Knights

Track and Field Team Celebration:  Wednesday, May 29th, 6:30pm

DESSERT: Nichole, Synai, Madeline, Dominic SANTANELLI, Kamaljot, Taylor, and Alan

FRUIT(S):   Kayla, Aijohn, Beayahn, Kelly, Curtis, Precious

OTHER:  Jubilee, Zach, Alex

RICE:  Laveena, Jessey, Cheryl

NON-WATER BEVERAGES:  Anthony, Noel, Stacy, Caitlyn, Adriann, Keely, Alizabeth

WATER:  Diante, Daneita, Marcus, Dominic, Wyatt, Ishmael, David

Go to the team facebook page for the address to Zach's house or pick up your invitation at lunch today in the TF storage shed next to the boys locker room.  Don't wait till the last minute, get your lunch quickly then come immediately down OR come get your invite first THEN go eat lunch.

Final uniform turn in today (Wed.) at lunch.  No exceptions, the last list will be turned in today at 2pm and you will be billed accordingly.

2013 Track and Field End of Season Celebration

Wednesday, May 29th, 2013 6:00pm

Our team celebration will be May 29th.  Invitations will be given out after Wednesday the 22nd.  This is a potluck style event and you will be given a category to bring items:  rice, dessert, beverages, fruit.  If anyone can think of anything else, please feel free to post information on our FACEBOOK PAGE or email me directly rslmorton@yahoo.com 

We are sending off an amazing senior class and we want to recognize all the underclassman for their contributions and accomplishments this season.  Wear your lettermen's jackets, invitational t-shirts, bring your bathing suits, kimonos, ninja costumes, and anything else to make this thing as festive as possible!  This is a CELEBRATION not just some boring awards dinner.

I WILL BE ACCEPTING UNIFORMS BETWEEN LUNCH UNTIL 2:15 AFTER SCHOOL ON THURSDAY, MAY 23RD!

Please make sure you are there, if you are not there to turn in your uniform you WILL NOT RECEIVE YOUR CELEBRATION INVITATION nor will you get your end of the season AWARDS. 

Aiken and Chestnut Earn All CIF Honors at Southern Section Finals

Diante Aiken and Marcus Chestnut wrapped up their careers as high school athletes on Saturday May 18th at Mt. San Antonio College.  Both returned to CIF Finals earning 18 points for the Wildcats.  Chestnut earned 4th place in the 110 meter high hurdles with a time of 14.99  Aiken scored in two of his three events, high jump and 300m hurdles.  Aikens time of 40.62 placed him 5th overall good for 4 points and another medal.  The top performance of the day was turned in by Marcus Chestnut who brought home a silver medal in the triple jump.  Up next for the Wildcats is their end of the season team celebration held on May 29th!

Thank you to Jubilee Bosch, Stacy Holmes, Jerek Silvas, Hailey Husung, David Haney, Jessey Brocar, Breanna Morrissey, Noel Figueroa, and Alizabeth Ogdahl for going all the way out to Walnut to show support for Diante & Marcus!

Marcus Chesnut and Diante Aiken were both named Wildcats of the Week for their career contibutions to the program!

LIFT YOUR VOICES

MUSD BOARD OF EDUCATION

http://www.morongo.k12.ca.us/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1232369988431
Karalee Hargrove = karaleehargrove@yahoo.com = 760-408-2128
Donna Munoz = dawnartyv@aol.com
Ron Palmer = kcollver46@adelphia.net
Chris Proudfoot = foot0108@gmail.com
J. Edward Will = edwill.rocknroll@gmail.com

MUSD HUMAN RESOURCES

Doug Weller
doug_weller@morongo.k12.ca.us
760-367-9191
extension 4228

DESERT TRAIL

www.desertrail.com

Letters to the Editor

kurts@deserttrail.com

KCDZ FM (z107.7) RADIO

Gary Daigneault
z1077fm@gmail.com

760-366-8471 (Friday call in show)

CIF FINALS TRAVEL INFORMATION

Please bring enough money for the entire day.

We will make a stop close to the stadium for a quick affordable breakfast.

The day is long, bring your own ice water jugs to last, we are NOT taking the large blue team cooler because I doubt any of you are going to carry it.  We are not taking the E-Z up so pack your umbrella, dress for summer, bring sun screen, and wear a hat/visor.

There are many souvenirs available for purchase and awesomely priced discounted track and field apparel as well.  CIF t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats will also be on sale.

Each of you will carry ONE HURDLE to load to the back of the van for hurdle practice/warmup.  They will be locked up (bicycle style) when they aren't being used by TPHS runners.

Finally, once the meet is over, we will head somewhere affordable for dinner.

We will depart from the 29 Palms HS parking lot at 7am.  

Do not be late, or you will be left behind.

Aiken & Chestnut Advance,  Kanlong runs Personal Record, East Central University bound Figueroa completes HS career!

CIF Preliminary Meet - May 11, 2013

The coaches would like to thank the remaining athletes who also finished their seasons for their contributions to the team this year: Laveena Benavente (Senior), Jubilee Bosch (Sophomore), Adriann Miller (Freshman), Taylor Thacker (Sophomore), and Precious Zackery (Senior). 

Wildcats Take First Place at the De Anza League Finals Challenge!

29 Palms' Track and Field teams came away with two victories in Indio against the Shadow Hills Knights

29 Palms Track and Field faced the Big Bear Bears yesterday in a De Anza League matchup. 

The girls battled in a back and forth nailbiter.  The final race of the day saw the girls 1600m relay edge the Bears as Stacy Holmes anchored the victory. Sia Faletagaloa earned two first places in the shot put and discus as the Lady Wildcat throwers swept the Bears and Martini Dogan took first in the long jump, 4x1, and 4x4. The team awaited the results of the triple jump: the final score Bears 60, Lady Wildcats 58.

On the boys side, the Bears jumped out to a 13-1 lead after the first two events. After the 200m run, the score was 33-35 in favor of the Bears. After the first place victory by Noel Figueroa in the 3200m the Cats started to pour points in.  Freshmen Alonzo Tate and Dominic Santanelli helped the jump squad sweep both events. Jessey Brocar, Diante Aiken, and Marcus Chestnut swept both the 110m high hurdles and the 300m hurdles. The final score was Bears 47, Wildcats 80.

Oustanding seniors Marcus Chestnut & Stacy Holmes were named Wildcats of the Week for their hardwork, dedication, and meet performances!

Vander Maas Wins Discus in Norco

29 Palms track and field team traveled to Norco high school for a relays meet.   The Chet Nicholson Relays is a large school event that consists of opponents like Vista Murrieta to name a few.  

Zach Kanlong earned first place in the mile and Alan Vander Maas won the discus. On the girls side Sia Faletagaloa (fall eh tong ah low ah) earned two medals for her efforts in the shot put and discus.

Up next, the Wildcats will travel to Desert Mirage for their first league meet of the season on Wednesday.

Jessy Brocar and Seia Sitagata were named Wildcats of the Week!

Haney Wins Four Events

The 29 Palms HS Wildcats traveled far to Anza to face off against Division 4 foe Hamilton HS.

The girls tried to avenge last years 1 point defeat on the mountain.  The girls battled but lost 78-48.  The day was not without solid performances.  

 Stacy Holmes won 3 of her events with victories in the 100m, 200m, and the 4x4 relay.

Laveena Benavente, Martini Dogan, and Alex Morrissey were all multi event point scorers for the ladies as well.

 The boys feasted on a dominating victory.  David Haney also dominated with 4 first place performances in the 100m, 200m, long jump, and 4x1 relay.

Zach Kanlong led the distance crew to a 1600m sweep and Wyatt Giannini lead the 800m sweep. The distance team scored 26 of the 27 points.

Alan Vander Maas continued his victorious discus streak. The boys swept the discus throw.

Marcus Chestnut also reigned supreme with a 41 foot jump in the triple.

Alex Morrissey and David Haney were named Wildcats of the Week for their efforts!

Team Celebration Says Goodbye to Four Year Seniors and Welcomes Class of 2013!

Team Valedictorian & Lady Wildcat MVP, Jeff Burnett Award Recipient ((also 2011 De Anza League MVP)): Sara Roberts (Fullerton)

Golden Bar, Jeff Burnett Award Recipient: Lenore Roberts

Rookie of the Year, Jack Sunderland Award Recipient: Taylor Thacker

Jeff Burnett Award Recipient: Colton Byers

Martha Antoinette Taufa'asau Barber Memorial Scholarship (Polynesian & Pacific Islander Student-Athletes):  Jacque Morrissey

Jack Sunderland Award Recipient: Curtis Mohn

Wildcat MVP, De Anza League MVP, 2 Time Wildcat of the Week: Diante Aiken

Top Fundraiser: Anthony Arias

Golden Bar Recipient: Zach Kanlong

2011 Team Captain Recognition:

Junior, Stacy Holmes

Junior, Wyatt Giannini

Thank you to Clay & Pam for being wonderful hosts!  

Wildcats earn a 17th Place in CIF

Three Wildcats Head to CIF Finals

Track and Field traveled Carpinteria to compete in the CIF Preliminary meet.  Lady Wildcat of the Week is Ashlee Nixon and Seth Deitz was named Wildcat of the Week. Diante Aiken, Marcus Chestnut, and Alan Vander Maas all qualified to CIF Finals this Saturday!

Sixteen wildcats will travel to Carpinteria next Saturday to compete in the CIF Division IV preliminary meet

Track and Field competed in the De Anza League Finals last week.  Oustanding performances were turned in by seniors Ashlee Nixon 1600m relay), Lenore Roberts (1600m relay), and Jared Bowling (shot put).  

Sara Roberts, Marcus Chestnut, Alan Vander Maas, and Diante Aiken all claimed DAL championship crowns.  Wildcats of the Week are Jacque Morrissey (a two event qualifier) and Marcus Chestnut (a four event qualifier).  Diante Aiken was named a 2012 De Anza League MVP.

29 Palms track and field traveled to Indio for a double dual last week, to face Yucca Valley and Shadow Hills

Athletes Recognized for Contributions to 2011 Season

WILDCAT MVP - Diante Aiken

LADY WILDCAT MVP - Sara Roberts

OUSTANDING SENIOR - Billy Smith

THROWER OF THE YEAR - Alan Vander Maas

MOST IMPROVED ATHLETE - Martini Dogan

JOG-A-THON 1ST PLACE - Anthony Arias

GOLDEN BAR RECIPIENTS -
Noel Figueroa (2nd bar)
Stacy Holmes
Lenore Roberts
Anthony Arias


ALL DE ANZA LEAGUE ATHLETES

DE ANZA LEAGUE MVP
Sara Roberts, Distance

CHAMPIONS
Marcus Chestnut, Triple Jump
Alan Vander Maas, Discus Throw

2nd Team
Diante Aiken
Dromynique Chestnut
Jamal Lowe
Steven Reed
Billy Smith
Ashlee Nixon

Honorable Mention
Allison Bass
Martini Dogan
Stacy Holmes
Lenore Roberts



WILDCAT OF THE WEEK:

Wildcats Honor Golden Bar Recipients

Golden Bar: Most Oustanding Hard Worker

Lady Wildcat = Lenore Roberts

Wildat = Joe Kappus

Golden Bar: Most Improved

Lady Wildcat = Breanna Morrissey

Wildcat = Noel Figueroa

WILDCATS CLAW TROJANS FOR 35TH DE ANZA LEAGUE TITLE

It wasn't pretty, nor smooth, nor graceful, and at times it was downright ugly. At the end of the day it was one thing, a victory.

For the first time in 9 years the Wildcat boys track and field team was able to take home the De Anza League championship. Home to a place where it had been more than 20 times.

In a season full of peaks and valleys the meet ran much the same way. The Wildcats started out by losing the first race in a blowout fashion. The Trojan 4x1 team dominated out of the gate and gave senior Jared Demoss no chance for a comeback victory in the back stretch.

Over the course of the day the Trojans and Wildcats battled back and forth. If we won first, they won second and third, and vice versa. Each event played out like a chess match, an extra point here and there for both sides.

In the 1600 meters Isaac Zapata squeezed in a second place finish while running injured. In the 800m the distance corps ran another two man finish with points earned by seniors Caldwell Perrine and surprise 3rd place Alex Boice who earned valuable points by running a strategically masterful race against the Trojans.

Elvis Percy PR'd in the shot put with a heave of 46 feet and despite a down day at discus it was enough to win the coveted 5 points with a toss of 125 feet. He beat out his best friend and former Wildcat athlete, Trojan senior, Daniel Evans by a couple of feet.

Towards the end of the meet, after the field events results came in the Wildcats were holding on to a slim lead with only 3 events left.

Junior newcomer, Zach Zeitz garnered cheers from the Wildcat crowd with a valiant 5-2 effort to have the bar moved up to 5-4 and remain in contention for much needed points. He wasn't able to clear the height, but still earned the coveted 3 points, with Billy Smith earning 1 for his third place finish.

Up next once again was captain Isaac Zapata with a courageous 3200m effort. He remained in the middle of two Trojan runners throughout the race only to come up short for first place in the last 200m of the race. However he earned valuable points to keep the Wildcats ahead by 2 points heading into the final race.

The 4x4 relay team consisted of 4 seniors, first leg Keith Ross, second leg Gabe Tafoya, third leg Caldwell Perrine, and anchor Jared Demoss. As each athlete performed wonderfully throughout the day in their respective individual events, it came down to this single 4 man effort. The title hopes rested on these legs.

Out of the gate Yucca went with one of their stronger runners to give the Trojans a 40 meter lead. Gabe Tafoya cut the lead quickly meeting up with the Yucca runner on the second, passing him, then giving gave Caldwell Perrine a 20 meter lead. At this point Caldwell came scorching out of the gate maintaining the lead and finally passing the baton to Jared Demoss. "White Lightning" flew out of the first turn and began to hit a wall on the straight away as the Yucca runner began to creep up intensely. Finally as Demoss hit the final turn, his hunting ground, he maintained his lead and cruised in to claim himself, the relay, and the Wilddcats
victorious!

The 29 Palms crowd began to cheer but awaited for the official results before the real celebration started, the announcer made it official: Wildcats 66, Trojans 61.

The Lady Wildcats competed earnestly throughout the meet but in the end came up short. The Trojans had too many horses against our 15 women. There were entire events where the Lady Wildcats didn't have a single competitor and in a dual that makes all the difference. Despite that, the Lady Wildcats finished their season with a respectable 2nd place finish in league, better than the third place from last season.

Outstanding Lady Wildcats were Monica Tree and Shontae Brown, both distance runners who truly forced the hand of Trojan runners making them run their race.

Other meet highlights:
Senior, Jared Demoss, double 1st place, 100m, 200m
Freshman Nofo Fe'ao, double PR, LJ (16-5) and TJ (34-6)
Senior, Stephanie Orozco, in her 2nd to last performance DT PR (57-5).
Senior, Keith Ross, double 1st place, 110HH and 300IH
Senior, Gabe Tafoya, double second place, 110HH and 300IH 2nd places


Coach Comments:
We got points from unlikely sources and it feels good to have kids step up when others stumble. A meet like this really reminds us that track and field really is a team sport. At this meet we were as close a team we've ever been this year and it's a nice feeling. It reminds me of the good old days.

At this point I'd like for Elvis to be further along. Maybe I am not pushing him enough. This weekend will help me gauge his progress and how we will approach training for league finals.

Jared Demoss asked me for words of encouragement right before the 4x4 race. A kid like that doesn't need words. Once I told him that I think he realized that at this point words don't do anything. He knows what needs to be done and they dig down deep and just do it. You either will or you won't. He decided that he would. I felt complete confidence that our relay team would bring it home for us because they simply had no other option. For seniors, there is no next year.

Our girls have made strides this year and if we can keep this group together and just make a couple of additions so we can have a few more girls doing field it will help out tremendously. They did all they could considering we started the meet automatically down 27 points.