Grand Junction High School has two talented throwers on the track and field team for the 2026 spring season.
GJHS Junior Isaac Baca is currently ranked first in the state for the discus event, as well as ranked in the top 10 nationally. Baca achieved this with a throw at the Mesa County Invite, which took place on March 7, of 180 feet. As well as his High Rankings, Baca now has the school records for both events, setting the new records at 57 feet and 6.25 inches. The new discus record he set is at 181 feet and 11 inches.
Since then, Baca has also thrown 170 feet at the ThunderRide invite and 159 feet at the Rifle invite. While these throws have been less than his original massive throw, he’s still managed to finish first at all three meets.
Haydn Bunnell is the best thrower on the GJHS girls’ track and field team. Bunnell has finished first at all three meets as well for the shot put event, as well as finishing first in all girls’ discus events. For the shot put, Bunnell is ranked 11th in the state. For the discus event, Bunnell is ranked 2nd in the state.
While Baca is extremely dominant this season, his journey to the top of the state was layered with challenges. Towards the beginning of his sophomore football season, Baca broke his back, ultimately ending his sports seasons for the year. However, Baca has come back much more dominant.
“I really took the time off to just prepare for the sport and come back,” said Baca.
GJHS throwing coach Chris Moralez said that he had high hopes for the athletes. According to Moralez, he hopes they both are able to win both the shot put and discus events at the state championship. He also shared his appreciation for being able to work with the athletes.
“They’re both great kids, exceptional athletes, very hard workers, and very driven,” said Moralez.
Both athletes have definitive goals they hope to meet this season. According to Baca, his main goal for this season is to hit a 200-foot throw. He states that he’s been able to hit 198 feet, so he feels confident he will meet the goal. Baca also has high hopes for the state championship as well.
“I don’t think the state for discus should really be a challenge. I’m leading the state by like 25 feet right now, and I’m still going up,” said Baca.
Baca explained that he has a strong competitor for shot put, and hopes to get his shot put throw up to 60 feet in order to compete for a state title.
Bunnell explained that her goal for the season is to break the school record for girls’ shot put and girls’ discus. The current records were set in 1999 by Luana Viamagalo. Viamagalo’s record for discus was 145 feet and 10 inches, and 41 feet and 3.25 inches for the shot put event.
“Those two records are two of the longest standing in track and field, and I am going to make sure they are changed this year,” said Bunnell.
The 4A 2026 track and field state championship will take place on May 14-16 in Lakewood, CO.
