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The New Golden Era: 5 Reasons Long Beach State Track And Field Is A Must-Watch In The 2025-2026 Season

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The Long Beach State Track and Field program is officially entering a new, high-octane era, a transformation that has redefined expectations for the 2025-2026 season. With a seismic shift in leadership and the momentum of multiple Big West individual titles from the previous year, the Beach is poised to become a dominant force in the conference and on the national stage. This period of change, highlighted by the arrival of a legendary Olympic champion, signals that the days of simply competing are over; Long Beach State is now focused squarely on winning championships.

The energy surrounding the program is palpable as of December 19, 2025. The combination of elite coaching expertise, a deep roster of returning Big West medalists, and the prestige of hosting the upcoming conference championships at Jack Rose Track has created a perfect storm for success. Fans and competitors alike are keen to see how the new coaching staff will leverage the team's potent mix of speed, endurance, and field event power.

A New Era of Elite Leadership: The Sheffield and Reese Effect

The most significant and exciting development for Long Beach State (LBSU) Athletics is the restructuring of the Track and Field and Cross Country leadership. This move has injected unparalleled expertise and credibility into the program, instantly elevating its national profile and recruiting power.

Director of Track & Field and Cross Country: LaTanya Sheffield

  • Appointment Date: July 17, 2025
  • Role: Director of Track & Field and Cross Country, overseeing all facets of the men's and women's programs.
  • Expertise: Sprints, Hurdles, and Relays.
  • Impact: Sheffield brings a vision focused on comprehensive excellence, aiming to build on the program’s foundation across all event groups, from the short sprints to the distance running programs.

Assistant Coach (Olympic Gold Medalist): Brittney Reese

  • Appointment Date: August 20, 2025
  • Role: Assistant Coach, specializing in Jumps.
  • Expertise: Long Jump (Three-time World Champion, 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist).
  • Impact: The addition of an athlete of Reese’s caliber is a monumental win for the Beach. Her presence provides current and prospective student-athletes with direct access to a legend, offering invaluable insights into achieving elite performance in the Long Jump and other field events. This move instantly boosts the team's topical authority in the jumps category.

This powerhouse coaching duo—a seasoned director with a focus on speed and a globally recognized Olympic champion—is the primary reason LBSU is trending as a major contender for the 2026 Big West titles.

The Star Athletes Driving Long Beach State’s Momentum

The 2025-2026 squad is not short on talent. Several athletes who delivered standout performances in the 2024 Big West Championships are returning, forming a core group of proven winners ready to make a run at the NCAA West First Round and beyond.

Tristyn Flores: The Sprint Sensation

Tristyn Flores, a two-time Big West champion, remains the cornerstone of the men's sprint program. His dominance in the short distances is a key factor in the team's success. Flores was named the Big West Men's Track Athlete of the Week during the 2024 season and is a proven commodity in high-pressure situations.

  • Key Events: 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay.
  • 2024 Big West Highlights: Won the individual titles in both the 100m and 200m events, and was part of the winning 4x100m relay team.
  • Top Marks: His 100m time of 10.24 seconds is a mark to watch in the conference.

Cristian Martinez: Middle-Distance Powerhouse

In the middle-distance events, Cristian Martinez is leading the charge. A two-time CCCAA All-American in both the 800m and 1500m, Martinez provides crucial depth and scoring potential in the longer track events.

  • Key Events: 800m, 1500m, Mile.
  • College Bests: His 800m time of 1:49.64 and 1500m time of 3:48.19 highlight his elite speed and endurance.
  • Recent Success: Martinez and teammate Connor Phillips secured a 1-2 finish in the 800m at the Pacific Coast Invitational, showcasing LBSU's strength in the event.

The 2025-2026 Outlook: Big West Hosting and Rising Stars

The excitement for the current season is amplified by the fact that Long Beach State will host the 2025 Big West Track & Field Championships at their home facility, the Jack Rose Track. Hosting the conference meet provides a significant competitive advantage and a huge opportunity for the Beach to claim both the men's and women's team titles.

Key Returners and Entities to Watch

The depth of the LBSU roster is crucial for scoring high points in a championship setting. The following athletes are among the many entities expected to make a major impact across various disciplines, adding significant topical authority to the article:

  • Trinity Barnett (Sprints): A top sprinter on the women's side, with a competitive 100m time of 11.41, signaling her potential for a podium finish.
  • Kemonie Briggs (400m): Listed among the top marks for the 400m, he is a vital component of the team's long sprint and 4x400m relay efforts.
  • Braeden Kraft (800m): A strong middle-distance runner who will team up with Martinez and Phillips to dominate the 800m event.
  • George Martinez & Kevin Ramirez (Distance): Key contributors in the 1500m and Mile, respectively, providing depth in the endurance events.
  • Justin Watterson (CalHOPE Courage Award): A recognized student-athlete who was selected as a CalHOPE Courage Award winner in October 2024, representing the team's commitment to character and resilience.
  • Daryana Hall: Selected to represent the Big West at an NCAA student-athlete event, highlighting the program's strong academic and leadership component.

The Big West Championship Landscape

In the 2024 Big West Outdoor Championships, the LBSU men's team finished a strong 3rd place, while the women's team finished 4th. The team's numerous individual titles—including the five won on the final day of the conference meet—demonstrated their ability to perform when it matters most. With the influx of new elite coaching and the development of their returning stars, the goal for the 2025-2026 season is clear: to ascend to the top of the podium and capture the Big West team championship.

The new leadership, coupled with the proven talent of athletes like Flores and Martinez, has set the stage for a truly historic season. LBSU Track and Field is no longer a dark horse; they are an undeniable championship contender.

The New Golden Era: 5 Reasons Long Beach State Track and Field is a Must-Watch in the 2025-2026 Season
long beach state track and field
long beach state track and field

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