October 19, 2025

Written by Mario Machuca

The Wolves took on the Inland Empire Championships this weekend, facing off against some of the best runners from both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

The freshmen girls kicked off the day and showed just how far they’ve come in their first season. Hannah Palardy led the charge with a 30-second personal best, finishing in 20:25. One of the biggest highlights came from Olivia Chau, who dropped an incredible 2 minutes and 30 seconds off her previous best to run 21:46! Back in August, Olivia debuted at 27:53 — an amazing example of how much progress can come from hard work and dedication.

Next up, the freshmen boys—and WOW, the Class of 2029 came ready to race! Abdu Alqaza led the group with a strong 14th-place finish and another PR. Caleb Lua, Maverick Machuca, Hayden Maxwell, and Isaiah Gallardo rounded out the scoring five, each setting personal bests by a minute or more. The depth and fire from this group make it clear their class will be one to watch in the years ahead.

The sophomore girls followed, highlighted by a breakthrough race from Hayden Shelton, whose comeback from preseason injury has inspired the entire team. After months of steady work, she crushed her previous best by 2 minutes and 30 seconds, finishing as the 7th fastest Lady Wolf of the day. Her energy sparked the group, with Emma Castilloalso setting a 30-second PR of her own.

In the sophomore boys race, Max Guzzetta took control from the gun and never looked back. Determined to earn his spot back on varsity, Max ran with courage and grit, taking home a dominant win. Braysen Schuler also had a strong race, setting a new 20-second personal best to cap off the group’s performance.

In the sweepstakes division, the varsity boys put on a clinic in teamwork and strategy. With Maximo Zavaleta leading from the front, the Wolfpack raced as one, finishing with just 44 points to take the team title. Maximo reclaimed the individual crown in a blistering 14:22, closing his final mile in 4:29 after pacing his teammates through the early stages. John Sosa continued his impressive season with a new personal best, finishing among the top seven juniors in Riverside County. The Wolves’ pack-running power was on full display and bodes well for the weeks ahead. They would also repeat as the 3x Inland Empire Champions!

The sweepstakes girls took the line next and delivered a strong performance despite being without top scorer Jude Abu-Ghazaleh, who was out taking the PSAT. Elizabeth Jacklin once again went after the school record, finishing 2nd in 16:41—just five seconds shy of the mark. She remains hungry for another shot at it during the upcoming league finals. Jordyn Ramirez turned in another standout race with a season best, nearly eclipsing her all-time PR, while Betsaida Sandoval capped the scoring with a 40-second personal best—her strongest effort of the season. The wolves would finish in a strong 3rd place finish.

Thanks to the team’s incredible depth, the Wolves also fielded a second varsity squad, where Frank Stewart and Chase Collopy worked together to place 5th and 7th overall. The team finished 3rd with strong efforts from Braden Drewitz, Samuel Webster, and Caelan Shelton rounding out the scoring.

The Wolves continue to prove themselves among the best programs in the Inland Empire and now turn their focus to Mt. SAC next weekend!

Riverside All County from ML King

• Max Guzzetta-sophomore

• Mason Stehmeier-sophomore

• Jordyn Ramirez-junior

• Natalie Drewitz-junior

• Marc Gonzalez-senior

• Logan Carlson-senior

• Bradley Quezada-senior

• Maximo Zavaleta-senior

• Elizabeth Jacklin-senior