This weekend marked the first Central Coast Challenge, a double dual meet that between friendly and geographically convenient foes.  The Cougars hosted both local rival Allan Hancock and Hartnell College from Salinas, which is coached by former Cuesta Star Chris Zepeda.  The Cougars dominated the women's competition with 11 event titles.  Cuesta outscored Hartnell, 75-53, and blew past the Bulldogs, 85-33.  Four Cuesta women did the bulk of the damage with two titles each.  2025 All-State Thrower Kiera Taylor played volleyball in the Fall but opted out of basketball this season to concentrate on her throwing.  Taylor won the Discus (123-11) and Shot Put (38-1.5), while fellow 2025 State Qualifiers Kristy Huynh and Mia Martin showed off their versatility.  Huynh won the Javelin (118-4) and Long Jump (16-0.5), while Martin won the High Jump (4-9.25) and took the Silver in the Javelin (101-8).  On the track, Hurdler Samantha Duran dominated her event with a win in the 100 (:16.57) and 400-Hurdles (1:06.55),  Sophomore Natalie Hewitt had to settle for Silver in the  400-hurdles, behind Duran, but also tied teammate Alyssa Gates for the 400-meter run title (1:06.55). Freshman Harrier Rebekah Waterbury legged out a victory in the 800-meters (2:34.88), while Freshman Sprinter Kennedy Mcadoo was a blur on the short course with two wins.  Mcadoo, just three weeks into her freshman season, has now posted three new Cuesta Top 10 Marks.  Her winning time of :12.79 in the 100-meters moved her into 9th all time at Cuesta, while her victory in the 200-meters landed her 8th all time at :26.56.  Mcadoo did not run the 400 today but previously earned the 8th spot at :58.81.  

 

The Cougars return to action next Friday in Santa Maria for the Henry Kirk Invitational.