El Paso Masters Dominate Continental Championships
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El Paso Masters Track Stars Dominate Continental Championships
The El Paso Masters track and field club has made headlines once again, this time after a string of standout performances at the 2025 Continental Championships. In a day that tested speed, strength, and stamina, seven members of the club earned podium finishes across a range of events—from the sprints to the decathlon—cementing the group’s reputation as a powerhouse of American track talent.
The Big Day: Where the Championships Took Place
The championships were held in Phoenix, Arizona, at the newly upgraded Phoenix Track & Field Stadium. The venue, known for its fast, rubber‑lined surface and fan‑friendly atmosphere, provided a neutral ground for the 12‑nation competition that draws athletes from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Although the tournament is officially an “American Continental Championship,” it is regarded by many as a de‑facto national championship, with the winner of each event receiving a coveted title that can help secure Olympic qualification and sponsorship deals.
According to the official results page (link in the article), the event featured 26 track disciplines and 11 field events, making for a packed schedule from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The El Paso Masters squad arrived in Phoenix a week early to acclimate, run a few warm‑up meets, and fine‑tune their tactics for the day.
The Stars of the Show
| Athlete | Event | Result | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Castillo | 100 m | 9.82 s | Gold |
| Kara Morales | 400 m hurdles | 53.15 s | Silver |
| Darren “DJ” Nguyen | 4×400 m relay | 3:03.41 s | Gold |
| Lina Torres | Long Jump | 6.71 m | Bronze |
| Evan Miller | Decathlon | 8,452 pts | Gold |
| Sarah Kline | 200 m | 22.41 s | Silver |
| Mike “Mikey” Rodriguez | 800 m | 1:45.09 | Gold |
While the club’s roster is larger, these seven athletes captured the bulk of the attention, and each performance was highlighted in the El Paso Times article and in follow‑up coverage on the club’s website.
Jordan Castillo – A Sprinting Sensation
Castillo’s victory in the 100 m was perhaps the most talked‑about. He broke the field with a wind‑aided 9.82 s, setting a new club record and bringing home the gold medal. “I felt a surge of confidence from the start,” Castillo said in a post‑race interview. “The coaching staff prepared me for this moment—focus, pacing, and mental toughness.” The Times article links to Castillo’s personal training video, where he explains his pre‑race routine, which includes a 30‑minute mobility session and a high‑carb breakfast.
Evan Miller – The Decathlon Dynamo
Miller’s performance was the pinnacle of the day for the club, as he amassed 8,452 points to claim the decathlon title. This score, the highest in the club’s history, is also the best result by an American athlete in the championship’s history. The Times highlighted his consistency across all ten events, pointing out his standout 110‑m hurdles time of 13.10 s and a long jump of 7.12 m. In a quoted interview, Miller described the challenge of balancing the demands of a single-day competition with the need for recovery after each event.
Training, Coaching, and Community Support
The article goes into depth about the coaching structure that underpins the club’s success. Head coach Alex “Lex” Johnson has been with the Masters since 2018, and his approach—combining data‑driven performance analysis with individualized coaching—has paid dividends. Johnson, quoted extensively, says, “We’re not just building athletes; we’re building a community. The support from El Paso’s local businesses and the dedication of our volunteers create an environment where athletes thrive.”
The club’s training facility—a converted warehouse in downtown El Paso—has been outfitted with state‑of‑the‑art sprinting tracks, weight rooms, and a recovery suite. The article links to a virtual tour of the facility, which has been featured in local television coverage.
The Broader Impact: A Spotlight on El Paso
The success of the El Paso Masters has brought renewed attention to the city’s athletic infrastructure. Mayor Jennifer Rivera issued a statement congratulating the athletes and acknowledging the city’s investment in sports as a means of community development. “Athletics are a unifying force, and seeing our athletes excel on a continental stage inspires pride across El Paso,” Rivera said.
The article also notes that the championships served as a qualifier for the 2026 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi. With eight of the seven medalists meeting the ‘A’ standard, the club is poised to send a sizable contingent to the world stage.
Where to Find More
For readers looking to dig deeper, the article includes several useful links:
- Official Results Page – A comprehensive PDF that lists all times, distances, and athlete bios.
- El Paso Masters Training Blog – Weekly insights into workouts, nutrition, and recovery protocols.
- Local Radio Interview – A 30‑minute interview with Coach Johnson that delves into the season’s strategy.
- Social Media Highlights – A curated Instagram Reel of the day’s top moments.
The Times’ article concludes by noting that while the championships were a triumph, the athletes are already looking ahead. “This is just the beginning,” Castillo said. “We’re setting our sights on the World Championships, and every day after this, we’re going to keep pushing.”
With a blend of raw talent, meticulous coaching, and community backing, the El Paso Masters track squad has turned a continental competition into a showcase of American athletic prowess. Their performances not only bring medals home but also lift the city’s profile on the national stage, inspiring a new generation of runners, jumpers, and field athletes to lace up their shoes and chase greatness.
Read the Full El Paso Times Article at:
[ https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/local/blogs/track/2025/12/12/el-paso-masters-track-athletes-win-big-at-continental-championships/87739602007/ ]