Strong Performances Highlight California Track & Field Meets

BERKELEY/STANFORD/SAN FRANCISCO – The California Golden Bears track and field team had a remarkable outing across three events this past Friday, featuring impressive performances that included three program top-10 finishes and two event victories.

Stellar 5000m Races at Stanford Invitational

At Stanford’s Cobb Track and Angell Field, junior Sophie Tau significantly improved her personal best in the 5000m, finishing in 15:57.16. This time not only marks the fourth-fastest in Cal’s history but also positions her as the best performer in the event since 2015, when Bethan Knights recorded a time of 14:51.49. Classmate Addie Johnson also shone brightly, clocking in at 16:04.57, which elevates her to No. 6 on Cal’s all-time list. Additionally, redshirt freshman Sabine Kim demonstrated her growth by cutting 80 seconds off her outdoor personal record, completing the race in 16:32.16.

In the men’s invite, senior Jason Plumb showcased his talents with a season-best long jump of 7.63m (25-0.5), securing second place in his event.

Mike Fanelli Track Classic Highlights

At the Mike Fanelli Track Classic held at San Francisco State’s Cox Stadium, sophomore Sarah Perkins made headlines in her first collegiate steeplechase, posting the 10th-fastest time in California history with a finish of 10:59.52. In the men’s 5000m event, senior John Sesteaga also delivered a noteworthy performance with a personal best time of 14:33.83.

Decathlon Victory at Brutus Hamilton Multis

In what proved to be a day of triumph, redshirt junior Luke Buddie clinched his first collegiate decathlon title at the Brutus Hamilton Multis held at Edwards Stadium. Maintaining his Day 1 lead, Buddie finished with a personal record of 7168 points. His day began with a victory in the 110m hurdles (15.07 seconds) and continued with strong performances in the discus (34.75m/114-0) and pole vault (4.40m/14-5.25), achieving a tie for third place. He capped the event with a remarkable 13-second improvement in the 1500m with a time of 4:39.65.

Meet Records Set by Unattached Athletes

Additionally, unattached athlete Melanie Winters marked a notable achievement by surpassing the previous meet record in the heptathlon long jump with impressive marks of 6.22m (wind-aided) and 5.98m (wind-legal). Notably, Clara Wagner from Fresno Pacific set a new standard in the 800m with a time of 2:19.70.

Event Summaries

Brutus Hamilton Multis – Men’s Results

• Decathlon: 1. Luke Buddie – 7168 points (PR)
• 110m Hurdles: 15.07 (PR, 1st, 841 points)
• Discus: 34.75m/114-0 (7th, 559 points)
• Pole Vault: 4.40m/14-5.25 (T3rd, 731 points)
• Javelin: 50.23m/164-9 (3rd, 592 points)
• 1500m: 4:39.65 (PR, 5th, 683 points)

Stanford Invitational – Women’s Results

• 5000m (Section 2): 17. Addie Johnson – 16:04.57 (PR, 6th Cal History)
• 5000m (Section 3): 5. Sophie Tau – 15:57.16 (PR, 4th Cal History)
• 5000m (Section 4): 8. Sabine Kim – 16:32.16 (PR)

Mike Fanelli Track Classic – Women’s Results

• 3000m Steeplechase: 18. Sarah Perkins – 10:59.52 (PR, 10th Cal History)

Looking Ahead

The California Bears will continue their competitive spirit at the final day of the Brutus Hamilton Invitational on Saturday, kicking off at 9 a.m. PT. The team will host a special ceremony to honor their graduating seniors before the 4x400m relays.

Stay Connected

For complete coverage of California track & field, follow the Bears on X, Instagram, and Facebook.