Nunes and Gross Make School History Winning 3C2A State Titles in the Heptathlon and the Decathlon
Modesto Junior College track and field athletes Kylie Nunes and Blake Gross became the first MJC Track and Field athletes to win state titles in the Heptathlon and Decathlon, respectively, marking a major milestone for MJC Track and Field program.
Kylie Nunes launched her title-winning effort with a commanding victory in the 100-meter hurdles, clocking 14.19 seconds for 952 points. In the high jump, she cleared 1.46 meters (4' 9½"), placing sixth and adding 577 points. Nunes then threw 9.02 meters (29' 7¼") in the shot put for 465 points, followed by a dominant 25.15-second finish in the 200 meters, earning 873 points and another first-place finish. On day two, she continued her momentum by leaping 5.48 meters (17' 11¾") in the long jump, placing first again and collecting 694 points. Her javelin throw of 36.58 meters (120' 0") secured yet another first-place finish and 602 points. She closed the heptathlon with a time of 2:53.77 in the 800 meters, adding 425 points and sealing her historic championship with a final total of 4,588. Nunes's exceptional all-around performance etched her name into MJC history as the college's first-ever state champion in the heptathlon. Kylie was named All-State and All-American.
Blake and Brock Gross dominated the 2-day decathlon competition. Blake Gross improved upon his state season best of 6,500 points to win with 6,587 -- over his brother Brock (6,453). Blake Gross claimed the State Decathlon Championship with a total of 6,587 points at the 3C2A State Championships, delivering consistent and high-level performances across all ten events. He opened the competition with a blazing 11.21 seconds in the 100 meters, earning 814 points and first place in the event. Gross followed that with a 6.46-meter (21' 2½") long jump for 688 points and third place. In the shot put, he threw 10.83 meters (35' 6½") to score 536 points, followed by a 1.76-meter (5' 9¼") clearance in the high jump, adding 593 points. He closed out day one with a strong 49.89-second 400 meters for 820 points and second place. On day two, Gross ran the 110-meter hurdles in 15.71 seconds, scoring 766 points and placing fourth. He then threw 35.57 meters (116' 8") in the discus for 575 points and vaulted 3.85 meters (12' 7½") in the pole vault to collect 576 more. In the javelin, he reached 44.54 meters (146' 1") for 508 points, and he capped off the decathlon with a determined 4:35.11 finish in the 1500 meters, earning 711 points and second place. Gross's well-rounded effort across all events made him the first MJC athlete to win a state title in the decathlon and solidified his place in MJC history. Blake was named All-State and All-American.
