Whether he’s competing in football or track and field, Isaac Regalado does so many things well in both sports it’s hard to overrate him for the sheer value he adds to a team. With the 2017 track and field season at its midpoint, Regalado has competed in six different individual events: the 110-meter hurdles, shot put, high jump, pole vault, long jump and triple jump.
It’s no wonder the San Benito High senior has visions of doing the decathlon in college.
“College coaches started to bring it up,” Regalado said. “It’s fun doing all those events, and I know I need to improve my form to get to where I need to be.”
Regalado’s best events are the long jump and 110 hurdles. Entering the week, the 6-foot-1, 160-pound Regalado ranked sixth in the Central Coast Section in the long jump with a mark of 21 feet, 5 inches, and seventh in the 110 hurdles with a time of 15.43 seconds. Those two events happen to be his favorites, and he’ll start focusing on them to maximize his chances of placing higher in the CCS Championships.
Regalado finished seventh in the 110 hurdles in the CCS Finals last year in personal-record time of 15.02. Regalado hopes to clock a time in the mid-14s, and marks of 6 feet in the high jump, 22 feet in the long jump and 42 feet in the triple jump. Those are lofty goals considering Regalado started the season with a nagging hamstring injury, but he expressed confidence that his body is coming together at the right time.
Even though Regalado has posted some impressive times and marks, he said taking a leadership role on the team has been the highlight of his season.
“Having the captain position from last year and carrying it into this year keeps you humble,” he said. “Coach (Rob) Macias always told me this was my team to lead. I am fortunate to have kids looking up to me, and that makes me want to make an impact here before I leave.”
Regalado was originally going to try out for the boys volleyball team in his freshman year, but Macias convinced him to do track and field. Macias, who was a freshmen football coach back and jumps coach at the time, saw plenty of potential in Regalado. By competing in several different events, Regalado scores vital points for his team during dual meets.
“Isaac is the type of athlete that every coach wants on their team,” Macias said. “Aside from being a top hurdler, he is in the top five in league in the long, triple and high jump. With Isaac’s natural speed he can run either relays if needed. Isaac is a great role model for the younger athletes on the team. He works hard at every practice and is always willing to help out the younger kids.”
On the football field, Regalado played cornerback and receiver. He is the school’s all-time leader in interceptions, and often times was a difference maker. San Benito High football coach Bryan Smith said Regalado’s presence was undeniable.
“Isaac became energetic for us as he made big plays on both sides of the ball,” Smith said. “Either as a shutdown corner or deep threat on offense, our guys would play better when Isaac was making plays. He was fuel for our team. His competitive personality pushed others to be better.”
Regalado has been recruited to play football at Lyon University, a NAIA program in Arkansas. However, Regalado said he’ll wait a little before making a decision on his college choice. One thing is for certain: Regalado will graduate as one of the best all-around athletes the school has had in recent memory.
