The desert heat wasn’t the only thing rising in the Chandler Rotary Invitational so were expectations, records, and national rankings. The 86th annual edition, held on March 20th-21st, 2026, delivered one of the most competitive showcases Arizona has seen in years, packed with elite talent and breakthrough performances.
From the opening events, it was clear the weekend would belong to athletes ready to make national statements. Rebekah Jhade-Garrett of North Canyon entered as one of the most talked about names in the country after posting a US leading 13.43 in the 100 meter hurdles as her personal best. At Chandler Rotary, she clocked a strong 13.52, staying among the nation’s elite while continuing her push toward the 13.32 state record. Garrett brought intensity and confidence, setting the tone for a meet defined by high level competition.
On the boys side, few performances were louder than Ejam Yohannes in the Elite 400 meter race. Yohannes powered through the stagger and never looked back, crossing the line in a blazing 46.11 seconds. The mark did not just secure the win, it placed him number 4 in the nation at the time, instantly elevating his name into the national spotlight.
The next wave of talent also made its presence felt. Freshman standout Aulani Gleason proved she belongs among the elite, capturing the Girls Elite 400 meter title with poise beyond her years. Her performance signaled the arrival of a rising star who could shape Arizona track for seasons to come.
Distance events brought their own share of drama and dominance. Symond Martin of Page High School successfully defended his title in the Elite 3200 meter race, clocking 9:00.33 in a controlled yet powerful effort. Not far behind in terms of impact, Zarian Rodriguez from Hamilton delivered a statement win in the 1600 meter race, posting a 4:12.21, the top Arizona mark for the Class of 2026 this season.
Meanwhile, Maddox Bonilla added to the meets depth with a strong victory in the 800 meter race, finishing in 1:52.00 and showcasing the kind of closing speed that separates contenders from champions.
In the field, history was rewritten. Kadyn Hysong of Shadow Mountain soared to a new personal and school best height of 17 feet 1 inch in the pole vault. The clearance not only secured the elite gold medal but reaffirmed his place among the nations top vaulters.
But if there was one race that captured the spirit of the meet, it was the boys 4x400 meter relay. In a finish that had the crowd on its feet, Long Beach Poly edged out Loyola by just 0.11 seconds. Their winning time of 3:11.72 was not just dramatic, it set a state leading mark and cemented the race as one of the weekends most unforgettable moments.
By the time the final baton was passed and the last event concluded, the 86th Chandler Rotary Invitational had once again proven why it remains one of the premier early season meets in the country. With national rankings shaken up, records broken, and new stars emerging, the 2026 edition did not just meet expectations, it exceeded them.
