Record-Breaking Day for Oakwood Middle School Track at King's Academy Invitational

About a dozen Oakwood Middle School athletes traveled to Sunnyvale to compete in The King's Academy Junior High Track and Field Invitational, joining a diverse field that included host The King's Academy, Woodside Priory, Pinewood, several local track clubs, and other area schools. Head coach Anthony Ruiz praised the team's effort, saying the Hawks "did an amazing job" and that he "couldn't have asked for more." Oakwood athletes competed in events from the 200 and 800 meters to field competitions, including the long jump and high jump. 7th grade student Emma P. delivered a standout performance, establishing a new Oakwood long jump middle school record with an official mark of 13 feet, 8 inches. Emma and fellow 7th grade student Hailey S. also made school history as Oakwood's first entrants in the high jump. Because they were the program's first competitors in that event, both students secured places in the school record book: Hailey earned the distinction of making Oakwood's first-ever high jump attempt, while Emma placed third on a countback after the top contenders reached but could not clear 4 feet, 4 inches. Weather affected the final rounds, with temperatures dipping below 60°F and wind chill making it feel closer to 52°F. The cold left coaches and athletes shivering during post-event interviews; Ruiz and Emma seemed more eager to find warmth than savor the moment, yet both said they were "happy" with the results and optimistic about future meets and the future of the team. Oakwood will have a few weeks off before the San Benito Athletic League meet in mid-May, giving athletes who missed this invitational a chance to compete, particularly in relay events. Ruiz suggested there's every reason to expect stronger performances, and possibly additional school records, as the season progresses.

Middle School Track & Field Photo Album