Hollister senior Sinry Mendoza came into the Class 3 state track meet as a two-time defending state champion in the 3200-meter run.
He wasn’t sure if a third would be in the cards after an injury midway through the season interrupted his training.
“I was confident, but at the same time I was really nervous (before the race),” Mendoza said. “I don’t think I have ever been nervous in my history of racing at state. I was injured for two weeks, and I didn’t think I was going to be able to compete at all. Throughout the race I felt really good. I felt smooth. I knew that all those guys had a more aerobic base than mine, so I knew I had to sit and kick towards the end.”
That kick proved to be the difference on Friday. Mendoza stayed right on the hip of El Dorado Springs junior Wyatt Klaiber for the first six laps before moving into the lead with 800 meters to go.
With 400 meters left, Mendoza’s kick went into full force, as he closed down the final 400 meters in 59.68 to run a new personal best of 9:10.35. Klaiber had the second-fastest closing 400 of the race at 62.48 to run 9:13.92 to place second.
The three-peat wasn’t something a young Sinry Mendoza even had in his mind.
“I don’t think I would’ve believed it (winning three state 3200 titles),” Mendoza said. “I feel like as an underclassman, not just me but everybody, they misunderstand what you are capable of doing. The brain sometimes takes advantage of what you can do. Like everybody says, the ceiling is the limit and sometimes the only antagonist you have in your journey is yourself.”
Now Mendoza turns his sights to two more battles with Klaiber in the 800 and 1600 tomorrow, which are the final two races of his high school career before heading to run for Oklahoma State.
“It is always good to have (one) race one day and the rest the other day because it kind helps relieve some of the weight building up to state,” Mendoza said. “I feel good and confident on the next two (races). I just have to keep staying positive and humble.”
Springfield Catholic’s Kyle Hathcock also earned all-state honors in the 3200 placing sixth with a 9:26.04.
