The California State Meet. The final stage. The last dance.

For every track and field athlete in California, this is the destination. The meet every workout, every early morning, every sacrifice points toward. In 2026, seven Martin Luther King athletes earned the right to make the trip to Fresno. By the end of the weekend, they would leave with far more than medals and records—they would cement themselves as one of the greatest teams in school history.

The journey north was filled with laughter, stories, and excitement. The Wolves enjoyed every moment together, but beneath the smiles was a shared understanding. They hadn’t come simply to participate. They had come to finish the job.

Competition began Friday with the preliminary rounds. For most events, a strong performance would be required to earn a coveted spot in Saturday’s finals.

The field events opened the meet. Junior Justin Coute battled in the discus while senior Vanessa Hope took on the triple jump. Both competed with heart and determination, but their seasons would come to an end in the preliminary round. For Hope, it marked the conclusion of an outstanding high school career. For Coute, it was a valuable learning experience—one that will undoubtedly fuel his pursuit of a state final appearance next season.

Four years ago, a young athlete stepped onto the MLK campus with dreams of growth, success, and one day leaving a legacy as one of the greatest distance runners the school had ever seen.

That athlete was Maximo Zavaleta.

By the time he arrived in Fresno for his final state meet, his résumé already spoke for itself: six CIF titles, eight school records, a Masters championship, nine individual league titles, and an undefeated 1600-meter season. Yet those accomplishments never defined him. Maximo’s mindset remained simple.

Run the race set before you.

No distractions. No outside noise. Just run.

That mindset carried him into the preliminary round of the 1600 meters. After narrowly missing the state final the previous season, Zavaleta arrived determined and experienced. When the race reached its critical moment, he delivered a powerful closing lap to silence any doubts, running 4:07 and advancing comfortably to Saturday’s final. In a state where 4:07 is merely the price of admission to the championship race, it was another reminder of the incredible depth of California distance running.

With his work done for the day, Maximo turned his attention toward his teammates in the 4x800 relay: Bradley Quezada, Logan Carlson, Frank Stewart, and Caleb Lua. Their biggest race of the season awaited them on Saturday.

Head coach Alfonso Ibarra had begun this journey four years earlier alongside many of these athletes. Now, standing before him were seniors who had grown into leaders, competitors, and brothers. Freshman Caleb Lua, making his first state meet appearance, soaked in every lesson as the veterans guided him through the experience. The stage was set.

Saturday arrived.

The weather was perfect. The stadium was packed. The championship atmosphere was electric.

And Maximo Zavaleta was ready to set the tone.

The plan entering the 1600-meter final was straightforward: stay with the pack and race for the win. But sometimes races take on a life of their own.

From the opening laps, Zavaleta looked effortless, gliding across the track as if he belonged at the front. He pushed the pace while Southern Section rival Aiden Antonio remained close behind. As the bell sounded for the final lap, confidence turned into action. Zavaleta unleashed a devastating final surge, closing in 59 seconds and crossing the finish line as the first male track athlete in MLK history to win a California State Championship.

The clock stopped at 4:02.

A new school record.

A state title.

History.

Yet the day was far from over.

Next came the boys 4x800 relay. The Wolves understood the challenge ahead of them, but after witnessing Maximo’s victory, belief filled the air.

Bradley Quezada led things off. Recognizing the slow pace early, he made a decisive move over the final 300 meters to bring MLK into second place at the exchange.

Freshman Caleb Lua followed. Competing against experienced upperclassmen, he showed remarkable composure before unleashing one of his trademark kicks over the final stretch to keep the Wolves firmly in contention.

Logan Carlson took the baton next and delivered perhaps the most aggressive split of the day. His blazing 52-second opening lap moved the Wolves back into second place before handing off to longtime teammate Frank Stewart.

The responsibility of anchoring the relay belonged to Stewart.

Chasing the reigning state champion, Stewart raced with determination and courage, refusing to back down. When the dust settled, the Wolves crossed the line in second place, completing one of the surprise performances of the meet. Many had counted them out without their captain in the lineup, but this group proved that their strength extended far beyond a single athlete.

The runner-up finish propelled MLK into the top five of the team standings and set the stage for one final opportunity.

One final race.

One final chapter.

The 3200 meters.

Despite owning the fastest time in California that season, some questioned whether the demanding 1600/3200 double would be too much to ask. Most of the field entered the race fresh. Maximo entered with a state title already in his legs.

But fatigue never changed his trust in the process.

Throughout the race, Coach Ibarra’s words echoed in his mind:

“If they let you stay in it, it’s your race to take. Stay close. Be smart. Have fun.”

The gun fired.

The field surged forward.

Zavaleta settled calmly near the leaders, allowing the race to develop around him. This was his third state meet. The intimidating atmosphere that once seemed overwhelming was gone. It was no longer a stage filled with athletes he admired.

It was simply a track.

Eight laps.

One opportunity.

As the race unfolded, runners shuffled positions, but Maximo never panicked. Experience guided every move. When the bell rang for the final lap, the veteran in him took over.

With 250 meters remaining, he made his move.

For the first time all race, he seized the lead.

The field responded, but it was too late.

Step by step, meter by meter, Zavaleta surged toward the finish line. The clock stopped at 8:52. Another state title. Another unforgettable performance.

The victory cemented him as the greatest distance runner in MLK history and one of the finest distance athletes California has produced. Yet if you asked Maximo, he would credit his faith, his teammates, and the belief his coach instilled in him throughout the journey.

His second state championship of the day also secured something bigger than individual glory.

It secured a trophy.

Five athletes stood toe-to-toe with some of the most powerful programs in California and earned the first boys team trophy in MLK history.

Years ago, many of these athletes were simply middle school runners brought together through a shared love of the sport. They ran relay races together, set district records together, and grew together. Now, as they prepare for college and the next chapter of their lives, they leave behind something far more important than medals or records.

They leave behind a legacy.

The 2026 MLK Wolves will forever be remembered not only for what they accomplished, but for how they accomplished it—through belief, brotherhood, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

Their story is now forever a part of MLK history.

Check out the new schedule for the beginning of the 2026 season! We are excited to get started on this next journey ahead. 

2026 Schedule