The562’s cross country and track & field coverage is sponsored by an anonymous donation, in appreciation of Coach Ron Allice.
The562’s coverage of Millikan athletics in the 2023-24 school year is sponsored by Curtis Boyer.
In a lot of ways, the Millikan track program is getting a fresh start in 2024. There’s a new head coach in town, with Detra King taking over as the boys’ head coach while working program-wide on sprints, hurdles, and relays.
King was formerly an assistant coach at Long Beach Poly, where she spent 13 years, so she’s very familiar with the local track scene. She’s inherited a different culture at Millikan, but has been working to put her own stamp on the program.
“Being able to run your own team the way that you want to run it, and bring your own personality to that, is phenomenal. It’s key,” said King. “And you’ll see that in the discipline that we have as a program. We have brand new uniforms and sweat suits as well, so I’m just bringing a new vibe in.”
It’s also a fresh start for the Rams since there’s so much young talent on the roster. With more than 200 athletes in the program, there’s not a ton of upperclassmen, leaving a lot of questions but also a lot of opportunity.
“The team is super young. I have mostly ninth and 10th graders, a sprinkle of 11th graders and just a handful of seniors,” King said. “So we’re really really young, but what I see is there’s so much talent on the squad that I have this year.”
The marquee returner to the program is senior Jason Parra, who is a two-time defending CIF champion in the boys’ 3200m. The Notre Dame-bound distance runner has the chance to make it three in a row this spring, but also has the chance to win a State title for the first time–at least in track & field. Parra was the Division 1 cross country champion back in the fall, and has the opportunity to add even more hardware to his terrific high school career.
In the field, senior Duke Hemsley is a strong thrower in both discus and shot put. He finished runner-up in the Moore League in both events last season, and has already posted better marks so far in his senior year, including a 49-07 in the shot put.
The sprints will get a big lift from the football program, which has sent over a handful of talented athletes. Sophomore Samosn Khan, juniors Sean Soun and Daniel Flores, along with senior Kyle Parker will be running the short sprints and in contention for the 4×100 relay. Senior Greg McClendon will compete in the 3oom hurdles this season before heading to San Jose State in the fall for football.
Junior Damien Ballesteros should also be a factor in the sprints. He ran a 10.9 in the 100 a year ago before an injury derailed his season.
There’s also a number of Rams looking to contribute in the middle distances. Freshman Aaron Castro is looking strong in the half mile and runs the 400 as well. Junior Diego Ambriz is also running the 400/800 combo this season. Sophomores Victor Manzano and Elijah Espinoza are also in the mix in the middle distances as well.
Maxwell Styzen is another promising freshman who is set to compete in the 300 hurdles, the 400, and the high jump.
A lot of things will be new for Millikan this year, and there’s plenty of excitement for what’s to come in 2024 and beyond.
“The young kids on the team have really stepped up as far as training goes and their leadership,” said King. “The biggest thing is, they’re so excited to be on a team that works hard in the weight room, on the field, pushing each other in different training cycles. So it’s been really really good. I’m super, super excited for the season.”
