MOORPARK, Calif. – Cal Lutheran men's and women's track and field opened the 2026 season on Saturday at the Moorpark College Invite, turning in a solid early showing highlighted by multiple top-three finishes and strong performances from a large group of first-time competitors.

The Regals were led by a first-place finish in the pole vault from sophomore Taylor Dominguez, who cleared 3.05 meters to open the season on top of the podium. Senior Summer Gelman added another standout performance with a runner-up finish in the 3000 meters, crossing the line in 11:18.08.

In the field events, Cal Lutheran found success across multiple disciplines. Sophomore Gabriela Pullen placed second in the javelin at 27.63 meters and added a third-place finish in the triple jump (9.87m), while junior Niani Jones recorded a pair of top-five finishes, placing fourth in the long jump (4.88m) and second in the triple jump (10.20m). The Regals also saw sophomore Gracie Gervacio place fourth in the 60 meters (8.09), and senior Sophia Green finish fifth in the hammer throw with a mark of 35.47 meters.

On the men's side, sophomore Drew Nees opened his season with a third-place finish in the high jump, clearing 1.90 meters. Junior Tyler Thompson delivered a strong effort in the long jump, finishing second with a leap of 6.86 meters, while senior Darrin Parham followed closely behind in fifth at 6.50 meters.

The Kingsmen also showed depth on the track, with freshman Craig Jackson placing eighth in the 300 meters (35.95) and contributing to a fifth-place finish in the 4x400 relay alongside Thompson, Dylan Massengale-Franklin, and Dylan Orquiola, posting a time of 3:32.98. In the throws, freshman Marcus Rojas placed ninth in the shot put at 12.60 meters, and sophomore Julian Sepulveda finished sixth in the javelin with a throw of 37.35 meters.

In total, 22 student-athletes competed in their first meet representing Cal Lutheran.

"For our first meet we performed very well against strong competition for the early season," said head coach Brett Halvaks. "We learned a lot at the meet and look forward to continuing to learn throughout the season."

Cal Lutheran will continue its season on Saturday, February 14, at the Westmont Warrior Relays in Santa Barbara.