By Jimmy Friery
WALNUT, CA - Ryan Gregory was crowned SoCal Decathlon Champion on Wednesday with a score of 6866. Even beyond the SoCal Championships hosted by Mt. San Antonio College, that score leads the entire state.
Saving his best for the end of the season, 6866 is 18 points above his previous best this year and nearly 300 points better than his tally in 2023 (6577). Furthermore, he had nearly 500 points of breathing room from 2nd-place Jadan Williams (6373) of Mt. San Antonio. It has been quite the career for the Vaquero from Owatonna, Minnesota.
"It felt great to come back this year and finish 1st in SoCal after taking 2nd last year," Gregory said. "It's fun coming out and competing with all of these other great athletes in the sport I love. I hope to finish strong at State this year in Saddleback being a state champion."
"As his coach, I couldn't be happier for him knowing that all of the hard work and preparation he has put in has paid off," head coach Don Willis said proudly. "I look forward to seeing him challenge himself again in May and win the California 3C2A State Decathlon."
As mentioned, Gregory aims to cap off his time as a Vaquero with one more title--a state title. After finishing 3rd (6457) at last year's State Decathlon Championship, Gregory hopes to be on the top spot of the podium on May 18 at Saddleback College.
