April 16, 2026
Svoboda and Pierce Take the Spotlight
The Modesto Junior College Athletics Department proudly recognizes Ben Svoboda (Ripon H.S.) and Claire Pierce (Patterson H.S.) as the March Athletes of the Month following a pair of standout performances on the state stage. Svoboda delivered a dominant effort at the Las Positas Hawk Invite, earning Sprint Freestyle High Point honors behind a first-place finish in the 100 free (the second-fastest time in the state), while also placing second in the 100 butterfly and third in the 100 back, and etching his name into the program record book with the fifth-fastest 100 free time in school history.
Pierce continued to establish herself among the 3C2A's elite pole vaulters, rising to No. 1 in Northern California and No. 3 in the state while capturing a title at the Brutus Hamilton Invitational (3.70m) and reaching a new personal best of 3.78m at the Rafer Johnson/JJK Invitational, further cementing her position as one of California's premier competitors.
Congratulations to Ben and Claire! #GoPirates!
