Being on the second biggest stage in the state, both seniors Manny Bolmer and Cadeo Estronza didn’t really have any jitters. In fact, they both walked off with some worthwhile performances.

Bolmer recently captured the District 11 Class 2A long jump competition with a mark of 22-10.75, while Estronza recorded a second-place finish in the 400 with a new school record time of 50.46.

Estronza was also a part of gold-medal winning 1600 relay team that set a new meet and school record of 3:20.02 and a silver-medal winning 400 relay along with Hamaad Jenkins, Omar Pacheco, and Frankie Pujols that ran in 42.74.

Both of them will be competing in the state meet this week.

Bolmer, who won the league title in the Colonial League with a mark of 22-2, wanted to keep everything in the proper perspective.

“I was pretty confident, but I was also keeping it on the down low,” noted Bolmer, who owns the school record of 22-11.5. “So I didn’t get too excited for no reason. Last year at districts, I placed fourth, but I still qualified for states.”

During the week, though, Bolmer felt good about his chances. He plans to go about his routine, and has a positive outlook.

“I cleared my head, and I worked pretty hard during practice with my coaches and stretched out pretty good,” emphasized Bolmer. “I am definitely way more confident than I have been in the past going into states. I am looking forward to states, and I am looking to medal. But overall, I just want to do my best.”

Head coach Kyle Rusnock was astonished with Bolmer’s showing.

“Manny’s performance was incredible,” gushed Rusnock. “He started off doing very well. During his first three jumps, his best was 21 feet, 9 inches., one inch away from state qualifying. Before the final flight, in which he got three more jumps, we had a little chat before his next flight.

“His next jump was 22-7. Then he hit 22-10.75 and became the 2026 District 11 champion. Manny has been firing on all cylinders the past couple weeks. He’s got one more big one to go.”

Estronza, who went to states last year with the 1600 team that finished seventh, was pleased with his overall district performance. He defined things his own way in running the 400 for the first time this year.

“My day at districts went extremely well,” beamed Estronza. “I was completely locked in.

“I went in setting my own standards and not comparing myself to no one else. I started the 400 this year because I was more involved in speed events this year between being in a 4x100 and the 4x400. I thought it fit in well, and I’m happy I chose to have no regrets at all.”

Estronza believed the 400 was a natural progression.

“Most of it came to me naturally,” stressed Estronza. “Being an original 800-meter runner, my kick has always been the best part. “It grew into the 400 very well and building speed for the 4x100 helped me become a good 400 runner.”

Rusnock was surprised by Estronza’s performance.

“He did not,” replied Rusnock on whether Estronza’s performance surprised him. “We knew he was one of the best. Every time he ran it, he was faster. He has great competitiveness and heart.”