Belen Jesuit wasted no time making a national statement at its home opener, delivering elite marks across three distance events and rewriting the early 2026 U.S. rankings.
Mantecon Leads Nation in 1600m
Junior Marcelo Mantecon put together one of the fastest early-season 1600m in the country, clocking 4:06.86 to win the boys' 1600m. The performance moves him to No. 1 in the U.S. this season. Three of the top five U.S. 1600m times this season came out of one race in Miami, setting a high bar for the rest of the country.
Spanish River senior Preston Sangely pushed Mantecon and finished close behind in 4:07.31, which ranks No. 2 nationally.
Preston Sangely of Spanish River (5), Marcelo Mantecon (4), Armando Cruz (3), and Jack Michalak (2) in the 1600m.
Photo Credit: Danny Aguas
Belen added more firepower with:
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Armando Cruz (JR) - 4:13.75 (U.S. No. 5)
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Jack Michalak (SO) - 4:17.91
Photo Credit: Danny Aguas
Mantecon and Cruz may have been even more impressive, doubling in the 3200m. Mantecon doubled back to run 9:06.51, claiming another victory and the No. 1 time in the nation. Teammate Armando Cruz was right on his heels in 9:07.25, giving Belen the top two performances in the U.S. this season.
Photo Credit: Danny Aquas
As impressive as Mantecon's two US No. 1 performances may have been, it was perhaps Armando Cruz who had the breakout moment with an outstanding triple. Not content with national marks in the 1600m and 3200m, Cruz showcased his talent and his range in the 800m, running 1:53.85. His time currently ranks No. 4 in the U.S., giving the junior elite credentials from 800m through 3200m.
Early National Impact
By the end of the meet, Belen athletes, along with Preston Sangely of Spanish River held down:
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No. 1 U.S. - 1600m (Mantecon, 4:06.86)
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No. 1 U.S. - 3200m (Mantecon, 9:06.51)
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No. 2 U.S. - 3200m (Cruz, 9:07.25)
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No. 2 U.S. - 1600m (Sangely, 4:07.31)
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No. 4 U.S. - 800m (Cruz, 1:53.85)
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No. 5 U.S. - 1600m (Cruz, 4:13.75)