As the 2026 track and field season comes to a close and conference and state champions have been crowned, only a handful of awards remain. Among the most prestigious are the Coach of the Year and Athlete of the Year awards, and once again, San Diego Mesa College was well represented.
Given the standard of excellence he has built at Mesa, it comes as little surprise that Sean Ricketts was named the 2026 PCAC Men's Track and Field Coach of the Year and Women's Co-Coach of the Year. This is his seventh consecutive Men's Coach of the Year award and fifth straight honor on the women's side.
From the outside, Mesa's success is measured by conference championships and state titles. However, Ricketts has always said that the program's foundation is academics and student development. Winning is important, but helping student-athletes to continue their education and athletic careers at four-year universities has always been the program's priority.
Never one to take personal credit, Ricketts was quick to recognize those around him.
"This award represents our program and our outstanding track and field coaching staff and student-athletes," said Ricketts. "That is who I give credit to. I truly appreciate all of the time and effort our coaching staff puts into coaching, supporting, and recruiting our student-athletes. Our coaches Matthew Beckstead, Pete Brooks, Maximilian Pinto, Josh Farmer, and Matt Amankonah are a huge part of our success."
Another major postseason honor went to Jazzlyn Islas, who was named the 2026 PCAC Women's Track Athlete of the Year.
Islas ended a remarkable season by capturing state championships in both the 800-meter and 1,500-meter events. In addition to her individual accomplishments, she served as one of the team's leaders, consistently supporting her teammates and helping foster the program’s culture.
"She's as reliable as they come," said Ricketts.
Ricketts went on to praise Islas' place in program history.
"Jazzlyn is the most dynamic female distance runner in school history," he said. "Her versatility and accomplishments include the school-record 17:51 in the cross country 5K, state championships in the 1,500m and 800m, and anchoring our state runner-up 4x400-meter relay team. She will continue her athletic career at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo."
One characteristics of this year's team was the way athletes pushed each other to improve. Islas and freshman Natalie Allen served as a perfect example. The duo pushed one another throughout the season. Allen, who had an impressive freshman campaign of her own, will continue Mesa's tradition of elite distance runners and will certainly be an athlete to watch next season.
On the men's side, Ryan Mann was named the 2026 PCAC Track Athlete of the Year.
A six-time All-American, Mann closed out his Mesa career with another incredible season, capped off by a runner-up finish in the 200 meters at the state championships in a time of 20.87 seconds.
According to Ricketts, Mann ranks among the most versatile sprinters in school history, a well deserved and earned statement considering the caliber of athletes who have competed for the program which includes Olympians and national champions.
While the 100 meters and 200 meters were his primary events, Mann stepped up whenever the team needed him, including being a key contributor on the 4x400-meter relay team. His career includes back-to-back state championships as part of both the 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter relay teams, along with state runner-up finishes in the 100 meters and 200 meters this season.
Mann will continue both his academic and athletic career at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
In the field events, Manny Cerda was selected as the 2026 PCAC Men's Field Athlete of the Year.
Cerda showed growth during his sophomore season, improving from a ninth-place finish at the state championships in 2025 to a fourth-place finish in 2026. His performance earned him All-American honors in the javelin.
Beyond his field success in competition, Cerda played an important leadership role.
"Manny was an energetic and supportive team captain this year," said Ricketts. "He not only contributes on the field, but is always a positive presence who uplifts the throws squad and the entire team."
Cerda is exploring transfer opportunities, with Chico State and Cal Poly Pomona among the programs currently under consideration.