September 24, 2026

Written by Mario Machuca

PHOTOS     FULL RESULTS

RIVERSIDE:  Fresh off the Woodbridge Invitational last Saturday, the MLK Wolves returned home on Wednesday to host the Big VIII Preview Meet, taking on five rival league programs.  For the first time since the COVID-altered season of 2020, the course was once again held on the King High campus, winding through fields and courtyards to make for a 3 mile layout.

Though Santiago entered as the clear favorite based on early-season results, King sought to capitalize on home-course advantage as MLKHS. Both the boys’ and girls’ races featured combined JV and Varsity fields.

The girls kicked off the day on the newly designed course. Santiago took the team victory, but King put up a valiant effort. Jude Abu-Ghazaleh led the way for the Wolves, placing 5th overall, with Jordyn Ramirez close behind in 7th. Freshman Jaylin Ibarra provided a major highlight on a tough course, clocking one of the few personal bests of the day. The Wolves got off to a aggressive start in the first half, but fatigue caught up in the closing stages, leading to a 3rd-place team finish—just four points behind runner-up Roosevelt.

In the boys’ race, Andrew Moyo stepped up as King’s top finisher, crossing the line in 7th place, with Mason Stehmeier hot on his heels in 8th. Abdu Alqaza delivered a career-best team placement, finishing as King’s #3 runner in 11th overall. The biggest surprise came from Maverick Machuca, who, despite competing in the JV race, placed 19th overall to post the 5th-fastest King time of the day.

High temperatures and heavy legs from Saturday’s race took their toll, showing the Wolves that work remains before facing these league rivals again at the championship meet in November. Up next, King will put their heads down for two weeks of focused training before heading to Fresno for the prestigious Clovis Invitational.