The Arcadia Invitational is a highly competitive annual track and field meet that assembles some of the best high school athletes in the United States and internationally. This year, the 53rd Arcadia Invitational took place on the weekend of May 8 to May 9.

The meet was approved by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health as well as other organizations, but concessions still had to be made. Athletes from schools outside of California were not allowed to participate, and no spectators were allowed to watch the meet. As a result, the Arcadia Invitational was much smaller than previous years. Still, over 220 schools participated in the Arcadia Invitational this year, representing 23 of California’s 58 counties, an impressive showing and the largest gathering of high school track and field athletes from California since the 2019 CIF State Championships.

Leading up to the meet, expectations were high for the most prominent event of the Arcadia Invitational, the 3200 meters, where some of the best races in California history have taken place. And these expectations were fulfilled: 15 boys broke the nine-minute landmark during the boys 3200 meters. This was the first time in national history 15 boys from the same state ran the 3200 meters in under nine minutes in one race.

Results from other events at the meet were just as impressive. The sprints, hurdles, and relays set nine new top times in California, seven 2nd top CA performances, and 16 other top five CA times.

Our Apaches fought hard and earned their place among the event finalists. The boys in particular made an impressive showing. Most notably, Alan Zhao, William Chen, Gregory Taylor, and Quinn Hettich placed 1st in the Men’s SMR 100-100-200-400m Invitational.

Dylan Tran, Zhao, Chen, and Taylor placed 2nd place in the Men’s 4×100 Relay Open. Hettich placed 12th in the Men’s 800 Meters Open. George Hitti, Nathan Wang, Zhao, and Hettich placed 12th in the Men’s 4×400 Relay Open. Brandon Chang, Chen, Matthew Ho, and William Kelley placed 13th in the Men’s DMR 1200-400-800-1600m Open. And Taylor placed 12th in the Men’s Long Jump Invitational.

Results, videos, and additional information about the 53rd Arcadia Invitational can be viewed here.

Photo courtesy of ARCADIAINVITATIONAL.ORG