At the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) girls’ track and field finals, Crean Lutheran’s Reese Hogan made a symbolic gesture after finishing second in the Triple Jump competition.
Hogan, who set both a personal and school record with a jump of 37 feet, 2 inches, initially stood alongside winner AB Hernandez of Jurupa Valley High School during official photographs. However, after other athletes left the podium, Hogan moved to the top position for additional photos as spectators cheered in support.
Hernandez, who identifies as transgender, claimed first place medals in both the Women’s Division 3 Long Jump and Triple Jump events. The junior athlete is currently ranked first in the state for Triple Jump heading into the state championship meet scheduled for May 31.
This competition continues amid ongoing policy debates. Earlier this month, Hogan participated in a rally challenging CIF policies that allow athletes to compete in accordance with their gender identity. During the Division 3 Prelims event, Hogan and other participants reported being instructed to remove “Protect Girls Sports” shirts.
“It wasn’t said, but it was implied that if I didn’t take my shirt off then and there, then something could potentially happen to my spot,” Hogan explained. “Throughout the day it was kind of getting a little bit more stricter… getting a little bit more hostile with their voices.”
The controversy extends beyond this single event. In March, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon sent correspondence to California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding potential funding implications for schools not adhering to recent executive orders concerning transgender athletes in sports.
Current CIF policy allows student-athletes to participate in sports “consistent with the student’s gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the student’s records,” a position that has become increasingly contentious in national discussions about competitive fairness in athletics.
