Octavio Moreno, a Mount Madonna School (MMS) class of 2021 graduate, placed fourth in the shot put with a throw of 49 feet and 3.5 inches in the Central Coast Section (CCS) track and field championships on June 19.
Moreno, who is headed to the University of California, Berkeley, this fall, is the first MMS athlete to medal at CCS.
“It’s a big day,” said Moreno following the competition. “I got a lot of support from my family and from my coaches. It felt amazing. I didn’t know I could do it. I concentrated on form and gliding through the throw.”
Coach Sara Sobkoviak expressed how proud she is of Moreno’s achievement over his three years on the MMS track and field team, especially with one of those years cut drastically short due to COVID-19.
“Octavio is a motivated and talented athlete dedicated to technique and training, always looking for a way to improve and seeking advice from not only me as his coach, but athletes and coaches from other schools,” commented Sobkoviak. “Every coach and athlete that he has come in contact with always comments to me on how wonderful of a person Octavio is, showing kindness and support to those around him and
even sticking around to help others.
“This was definitely not only a win for our school track program but well-deserved for Octavio,” she continued. “Right before he stepped into the ring to throw in the first round of the CCS shot put finals we spoke about visualizing the mark and focusing on each throw as if it were the last to secure a solid placement. He definitely brought it out in that first throw, throwing almost four feet beyond his previous personal record! Octavio’s fellow competitors roared with cheers to see him do that. He turned right around and had a big grin on his face and we both knew instantly that he was going to have a good end to the season. That was such a special moment! I look forward to seeing him continue in the sport as he participates in ‘all-comer’ invitationals this summer, and hopefully finds a place on the track and field team with UC Berkeley.”
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Read the Santa Cruz Sentinel competition coverage
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Nestled among the redwoods on 375 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a diverse learning community dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believe a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville. Founded in 1979.