If you’ve ever stood on the infield at Veterans Memorial Stadium on a Friday night in May, you know the feeling. It’s not just the heat radiating off the Central Valley asphalt. It’s the sound. It is a specific, thumping rhythm of hundreds of feet hitting the poly-urethane surface and the roar of a crowd that actually knows the difference between a good split and a great one. This is the heart of Buchanan track and field, and honestly, it’s unlike anything else in high school sports.
Most people see the shiny trophies or the "State School of the Year" banners and assume it’s just about having a big budget or a fancy stadium. Kinda. But that’s missing the point. You don’t consistently produce Olympians like Kyle Alcorn or national-class distance runners like CJ Albertson and Meagen Lowe just by having a nice blue track. There is a specific, almost cult-like culture of "everyone counts" that drives this program.
The Veterans Memorial Stadium Factor
Let’s be real: having the CIF State Track & Field Championships in your backyard every year is a massive psychological advantage. Veterans Memorial Stadium isn't just a high school field; it’s basically the Madison Square Garden of California track. When the Buchanan Bears walk out for a dual meet against Clovis High or a massive invitational like the West Coast Relays, they aren't visitors in a world-class facility. They own it.
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The track surface itself is recognized as one of the best in the country. That matters for recruiting, sure, but it matters more for the 180+ kids who suit up for the team every year. While many elite programs focus strictly on their top five scoring athletes, Buchanan's philosophy is built on the idea that the freshman finishing last in the 1600m matters as much as the senior winning the 800m. That depth is what wins section titles.
Why the Distance Program is Terrifyingly Good
If you follow California distance running, you know the name Brian Weaver. He’s the architect of a system that turns middle schoolers into sub-4:50 milers (for the girls) and sub-4:10 milers (for the boys) with startling regularity.
Take the 2019 season, for example. The girls' team didn't just win the state title; they basically dismantled the competition. They put up 50 points—nearly double the second-place finisher. You had Shelby Daniele winning the 200m, but the real soul of that team was the distance squad. Meagen Lowe and Corie Smith were a two-headed monster in the 1600m and 3200m. They weren't just fast; they were tactically perfect.
It’s about the "Winter Mile" and those grueling morning runs in the Fresno fog. By the time the TRAC Championships or the CIF Central Section Masters roll around in May, these athletes have more base mileage in their legs than most college programs.
Beyond the Distance: Sprints and Field Excellence
Don't make the mistake of thinking Buchanan is just a "distance school." That’s a common misconception that gets teams in trouble during the 4x100m relay.
Look at the recent 2024 and 2025 results. Augustus Remlinger was clocking 10.38 in the 100m. Donovan Dunmore has been lighting up the 200m with a 21.28. And then there's the throwing circle. Derek Smith basically lived on the podium in 2024, tossing the discus over 206 feet. That is a massive throw for a high schooler. It’s a complete program.
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Recent Standouts to Watch
- Donovan Dunmore: A legitimate threat in the short sprints, consistently dropping times that put him in the top tier of the Central Section.
- Max Jauregui: Recently went 1:51.39 in the 800m at the 105th CIF State Prelims. That’s moving.
- The Girls 4x800m Relay: This squad—featuring names like Elle Lomeli and Sierra Cornett—has been dominant, recently winning the Central Section Masters with a 9:19.90.
The "Family" Philosophy vs. The Results
It sounds like a cliché. "We are a family." Every coach says it. But at Buchanan, the numbers actually back it up. With an average of 180 athletes per year, they have one of the largest rosters in California.
They’ve sent over 150 athletes to four-year college programs. That doesn't happen by accident. It happens because the coaching staff—including names like Emily Frontczak and the legendary Brian Weaver—manages to make a massive team feel small. They use a "everyone competes" model. If you're on the team, you're getting a jersey, and you're getting a chance to hit a PR (personal record).
What Most People Get Wrong About Buchanan Track and Field
The biggest myth is that Buchanan "buys" its success. People see the Clovis Unified facilities and assume the wins are bought with tax dollars.
Honestly? The facilities are a tool, but the work is blue-collar. The Central Valley produces a different kind of athlete. It’s hot. The air quality in the summer can be brutal. There’s a certain "Valley tough" mentality that these coaches tap into. When a kid from Buchanan lines up against a kid from a private school in SoCal or the Bay Area, there’s often a chip on their shoulder. They run like they have something to prove, even when they're the favorites.
Planning Your Visit to Veterans Memorial Stadium
If you’re a fan or a scout looking to catch the action, you need to know the calendar. The West Coast Relays in April is usually the first big "pop" of the season where you'll see state-leading marks.
Then you have the post-season gauntlet:
- TRAC Championships: The league is incredibly top-heavy.
- CIF Central Section Masters: This is where the real "do or die" energy starts.
- CIF State Championships: Usually the last weekend in May.
Tickets are almost exclusively through GoFan now (no cash at the gate, usually), and parking for the State Meet can be a bit of a nightmare if you don't get there before the field events start at 3:00 PM.
Actionable Insights for Athletes and Parents
If you’re looking to join the program or want your kid to reach this level, here is the "secret sauce" extracted from the Buchanan playbook:
- Consistency over Intensity: The best Buchanan runners aren't the ones who run the fastest single workout; they’re the ones who haven't missed a day of "pre-season" training in three years.
- Focus on the Relays: Even if you're an individual star, the 4x400m and 4x800m are sacred at Buchanan. It builds the "team first" mentality that carries over into individual confidence.
- Utility Training: Buchanan throwers often do sprint work. Sprints do mobility work. Don't be a specialist too early.
- Learn the Surface: If you're competing at Veterans Memorial, wear the right spikes. The track is fast but firm; a 1/4" pyramid is usually the standard, but check the meet director's notes for any specific requirements on "Christmas tree" spikes.
The legacy of Buchanan track and field isn't just about the names on the record board—though names like Hannah Waller and Meagen Lowe will be there for a long time. It’s about the fact that on any given Tuesday in March, you can find nearly 200 teenagers in Clovis, California, pushing themselves to the absolute limit because they don't want to let the person running next to them down. That’s how you build a powerhouse.
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If you're heading to a meet this season, keep an eye on the "B" on the chest. They usually don't stay in the pack for long.
Next Steps:
- Check the official Buchanan High Athletics page for the 2026 dual meet schedule.
- Ensure your athlete's 25/26 Eligibility Packet is filed before the start of the spring season.
- If attending the State Meet, book local Clovis hotels at least three months in advance, as they fill up quickly for the May championships.