Valley Catholic’s Andrew Klopcic shines at state championships with triple crown

Valley Catholic junior Andrew Klopcic delivered an unforgettable performance at the 3A Track and Field State Championships at Hayward Field this week, clinching titles in the long jump, triple jump and 400-meter dash.

Klopcic's winning streak began on Thursday, May 16, when he soared to victory in the long jump with an impressive leap of 21 feet, 8 1/4 inches. His dominance continued on Friday afternoon in the triple jump, where he produced a dramatic final jump of 44 feet, 8 1/4 inches to extend his lead on the field and go out with a bang.

“I did not think my low 43 was going to be enough,” Klopcic said. “But when it ended up being enough, that’s when I just soaked it all in — all the energy from the crowd. I just looked around, realized the position I’m in and threw everything I had at that board. Just, why not? I rolled the dice, and it came out double sixes.”

Klopcic’s extraordinary feat culminated later that same day with a triumphant performance in the 400 meter final.

Determined to improve upon his second-place finish last season, the Valley Catholic junior blazed through the race in 49.55 seconds, topping Indiana Olson of St. Mary’s Medford for the crown.

“This is all I've wanted for the past year, to get back to this exact moment, one year ago, where I lost it in the final 10 meters,” Klopcic reflected. “I knew coming out of that turn I was in the right position. I knew I was in first and I've been there so many times before — just beating the line, beating the clock — but I just wanted to go. So it was just get the knees up, get the arms up, and don't stop for anything until you get to that line.”

Klopcic said his triple victory was a testament to his dedication and the support system around him. He was quick to credit his coaches, family and supporters for their unwavering belief in his potential.

“I had extremely high hopes coming into this meet. I knew what I was capable of, but this is something special,” Klopcic said. “This is nothing I could have ever predicted at all. It’s just all my coaches, my parents, my girlfriend and my family. To come out here and do what I’ve done and put my team in a position that we want to be in. I’m lost for words.”

The Valiants ultimately finished first in the team competition with 74 total points, 30 of which came from Klopcic’s three first-place finishes.