Tigers Honored with State Assembly Recognition for Championship Success

Riverside City College's men's track and field team and head coach Jim McCarron were honored with a California State Assembly Resolution presented by Assemblymember Leticia Castillo in recognition of the team's exceptional achievements both academically and athletically.

The recognition celebrates RCC's 2025 3C2A Track and Field State Championship victory, marking the program's ninth state title under Coach McCarron's leadership, and the team's outstanding academic performance with a collective 3.14 GPA across 83 student-athletes.

"I've been here 20 years as the head men's track and field and cross country coach, and this means a lot," said McCarron. "It validates the hard work and dedication of our coaching staff and student-athletes. We're not just teaching success in athletics, but also in the classroom, and that's what truly lasts a lifetime."

McCarron said his passion for coaching stems from a desire to "give back what was given to me." Over the course of his career, more than 450 RCC student-athletes have earned scholarships to universities. The 2025 state championship team represents over 50 high schools from across California, reflecting the community's strong trust in RCC's commitment to developing both the academic and athletic potential of its students.

"None of this could have been done without the support of our academic advisors, including Jacklyn Geiger, Loren Overbo, and Isabel Alanis, and all of the coaches on staff who genuinely care about the academic success of our student-athletes," McCarron added.

Assemblymember Castillo presented the Resolution on the RCC track, acknowledging the program's enduring excellence and commitment to student development. She emphasized this recognition is about more than medals. Through mentorship, perseverance, and the impact that great educators and coaches have on young lives was clear, thanks to McCarrons leadership. 

McCarron shared advice for future Tigers: "Believe in yourself, work hard, and embrace being a student-athlete, with the emphasis on being a student first. That's been our blueprint for 20 years and will continue to guide this program for years to come."