FILLMORE, Calif. – The Heritage Valley Blazers Track & Field Club is celebrating a major milestone after seven athletes qualified for the 2026 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships, earning the opportunity to compete against the best youth athletes from across the country.
The national qualifiers span multiple disciplines, including race walking, middle-distance running, javelin, shot put, and discus, reflecting the club’s commitment to developing athletes across all areas of track and field.
2026 USATF National Junior Olympic Qualifiers
• Ethan Leighton – 3000m Race Walk
• Janessa Montiel – 1500m Race Walk
• Lily Mendez – 800 Meters
• Pablo Cervantes (8U) – Javelin
• Sophia Rivera – Shot Put & Discus
• Isaac Rivera – Javelin & Discus
• Max Magaña – 1500m Race Walk
For the Heritage Valley Blazers, the accomplishment is about much more than qualifying athletes—it is a testament to resilience and adaptability.
Throughout the regular season, the team is fortunate to have access to Fillmore high school track for training. However, as the postseason approaches, that access becomes increasingly limited. Once championship competition begins, the club no longer has access to the high school track or field event facilities and must shift its preparation to local parks, open spaces, and whatever community resources are available.
Despite those challenges, the athletes continued to train with determination, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to their goals.
“Our athletes never make excuses,” said Head Coach Kenny Leighton. “When access to the track and field facilities became unavailable during the most important part of the season, they adapted. We found ways to train in local parks and community spaces, and the kids embraced every challenge with a positive attitude. Qualifying seven athletes for nationals is a credit to their hard work, their families’ support, and the belief that success comes from effort—not circumstances.”
The group represents athletes ranging from elementary school competitors to high school standouts, each with a unique journey but united by a shared commitment to improvement and perseverance.
Among the qualifiers are young throwers developing into elite competitors, dedicated race walkers mastering one of track and field’s most technical events, and middle-distance runners who have worked tirelessly to reach the national stage. Together, they embody the Heritage Valley Blazers’ philosophy that character, consistency, and teamwork are just as important as medals and records.
The team will now prepare for the USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships, being held for the 1st time in 19 years in the state of California, where they will proudly represent Fillmore, Ventura County, and the Heritage Valley Blazers against the nation’s top youth talent.
About the Heritage Valley Blazers
The Heritage Valley Blazers Track & Field Club is a Fillmore-based youth program dedicated to helping young athletes develop athletic excellence, confidence, discipline, and leadership. Through quality coaching and a family-centered environment, the Blazers provide opportunities for athletes of all ages to compete, grow, and pursue their dreams on the local, regional, and national stage.
Courtesy Head Coach Kenny Leighton