5 Shocking Ways Long Beach Track And Field Dominated The 2025 Season: Records, Olympians, And CIF Glory
The Long Beach track and field scene exploded with unprecedented success in the 2025 season, solidifying its status as a premier hub for collegiate and high school athletics in Southern California. As of December 21, 2025, the city is celebrating a year of record-breaking performances, major championship hosting duties, and the guidance of an Olympic-level coaching staff, proving that the sun-drenched tracks of Long Beach are fertile ground for elite talent.
From the world-class facilities at Long Beach State University to the storied high school program at Long Beach Poly, the 2025 campaign delivered five major storylines that captured national attention, underscoring the depth and quality of the region's athletic programs. The focus remains squarely on the elite competition and the athletes who delivered unforgettable moments.
The 2025 Long Beach State Track & Field Powerhouse: Key Athletes and Coaching
The Long Beach State University (LBSU) Beach Track & Field program, often affectionately referred to as the "Dirtbags," experienced a monumental year, driven by a new leadership structure and a roster of standout performers. The program’s backbone is its state-of-the-art facility and its commitment to developing champions.
- LaTanya Sheffield: Olympian and Director: The program received a massive boost with the appointment of LaTanya Sheffield as the Director of Track & Field and Cross Country. Sheffield is not just a renowned coach; she is an Olympian and a former American record holder in the hurdles. Her expertise was recognized globally when she was named the head women's coach for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a monumental honor that brings world-class experience directly to the Jack Rose Track. She also previously led the Beach women to a Big West team title.
- Big West Conference Hosting: LBSU was the central stage for the region, hosting the prestigious 2025 Big West Outdoor Track & Field Championships at the Jack Rose Track. This facility, which is one of only 13 in the United States to receive World Athletics Certification, provided an elite environment for the conference's best.
- Big West Award Winners: The LBSU women’s team dominated the conference awards, with Rahni Turner and Claudine Raud-Gumiel earning major Big West honors. Raud-Gumiel, a multi-event specialist, was a top competitor in the decathlon/heptathlon events at the championships.
- Individual Champions: On the final day of the Big West Championships, four LBSU entries secured five individual titles, showcasing the team's depth across multiple disciplines. The team also tied for the second-most total honorees in the Big West All-Conference academic awards, highlighting success both on the track and in the classroom.
Long Beach Poly High School's Return to CIF-SS Supremacy
The legacy of Long Beach Poly High School, known nationally for producing elite track talent, continued its storied tradition in 2025. The Jackrabbits cemented their status as a Southern California powerhouse with a dominant championship performance.
The LBP Boys' Track & Field team captured the coveted CIF-SS Championship title, a major highlight in the city's 2025 sports calendar. This victory underscored the program’s consistent ability to develop elite sprinters and relay teams.
The Jackrabbit Sprint Stars of 2025
The CIF-SS victory was powered by a core group of sensational sprinters who became household names in California track circles. These athletes consistently delivered top marks at major meets like the Arcadia Invitational and the Trackrabbit Invitational hosted at Don Norford Track at Burcham Field.
- Julius Johnson: A standout in the short sprints, Johnson posted a personal record (PR) in the 100m, showcasing explosive speed that led the team. He was a key component of the championship-winning relays.
- Malachi Dawson: Dawson was another pivotal sprinter, finishing 6th in the 100m at the CIF-SS finals and contributing crucial points to the team's overall score.
- The Relay Dominance: The LBP boys’ 4x400m relay team, featuring Malachi Dawson, Julius Johnson, along with Noah Smith and Jarrius Hill, was a force to be reckoned with, consistently placing high in top-tier invitational meets.
Long Beach: The Epicenter of West Coast Track Meets
Long Beach cemented its reputation as a crucial host city for track and field, drawing thousands of athletes from across the nation and the world. The city's ideal weather and top-tier facilities make it a perpetual favorite for meet directors and competitors.
The 2025 Beach Invitational stands as the largest and most significant event hosted by LBSU. Held over two days in April at the Jack Rose Track, the meet attracted a massive field of collegiate, club, and unattached athletes, generating numerous NCAA qualifying marks. The earlier Beach Opener in March served as the official start of the outdoor season, providing an early look at the talent pool. These meets, alongside the Steve Scott Invite, ensure that Long Beach is a constant fixture on the national track schedule.
Beyond the university level, Long Beach City College (LBCC) also had a notable season, with the Vikings track and field team wrapping up a strong campaign with impressive performances at the 3C2A State Championships, highlighting the depth of talent development across the city’s educational institutions.
The Future of Long Beach Youth and Club Track
The success of LBSU and Long Beach Poly is fueled by a vibrant local youth track ecosystem. Long Beach is home to numerous clubs dedicated to developing the next generation of track stars, ensuring the talent pipeline remains robust for years to come.
Clubs like the Long Beach Sprinters, Long Beach Youth Track Club, and the Long Beach Flyers provide competitive training and development for young athletes aged 6–18, focusing on everything from aerobic development to specialized sprint and field events. These organizations host local events, such as the Long Beach Youth Track Club All Comers Meet, which are vital for introducing young talent to competitive track and field. This community-centric approach is a hidden key to the city’s sustained athletic dominance.
List of Key Long Beach Track & Field Entities in 2025
The following entities and athletes were central to the 2025 season's success, demonstrating the wide reach of Long Beach track and field:
- Institutions: Long Beach State University (LBSU), Long Beach Poly High School, Long Beach City College (LBCC).
- Facilities: Jack Rose Track (World Athletics Certified), Don Norford Track at Burcham Field.
- Key Personnel: LaTanya Sheffield (Director/Olympian), Kemonie Briggs, Braeden Kraft, George Martinez, Kevin Ramirez, Jenelle Hurley.
- Big West Stars: Rahni Turner, Claudine Raud-Gumiel.
- Poly CIF-SS Champions: Julius Johnson, Malachi Dawson, Noah Smith, Jarrius Hill.
- Major Events: 2025 Big West Outdoor Track & Field Championships, Beach Invitational, Beach Opener, Arcadia Invitational, Trackrabbit Invitational, 3C2A State Championships.
- Youth Clubs: Long Beach Sprinters, Long Beach Youth Track Club, Long Beach Flyers.
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