Walnut, Calif. – Mt. SAC's 2026 Spring Athletes of the Year, swimmer Lincoln Jones and pole vaulter Miku Yanagawa, delivered impressive performances throughout the season while helping lead their respective programs to historic championship success. Through record-breaking achievements, individual titles, and team leadership, both student-athletes established themselves among the best in California community college athletics.
Lincoln put together one of the most accomplished seasons in Mt. SAC Men's Swimming and Diving history, playing a pivotal role in the program's first-ever 3C2A State Championship. The freshman standout earned South Coast Conference Male Swimmer of the Year honors after helping lead the Mounties to a conference championship and was later named Mt. SAC's February Student-Athlete of the Month. His season was highlighted by an individual state championship in the 200 backstroke, where he set a new school record with a time of 1:46.65.
His impact extended far beyond a single event. Lincoln earned runner-up honors in the 400 individual medley and placed third in the 200 individual medley at the state meet, setting new school records in both events. He also helped rewrite the record book as a member of the Mounties' relay teams, anchoring both the 800 freestyle relay and 400 medley relay squads to new school records at the state championships. For his efforts, Lincoln earned All-American honors in nine events and cemented his place among the most decorated swimmers in program history.
"This is super exciting for Lincoln, and he is very well deserving of this honor," said Mt. SAC Head Coach Marc Ruh. "He's been the linchpin of the program this year, holding everybody accountable. He's very enthusiastic and has this ability to say he's going to do something and then just go out and do it. He did everything right, put the work in and it paid off for him."
Assistant Coach Lani Ruh also praised Lincoln's leadership and commitment to the team.
"I think he's one of those unique athletes we get periodically that can embody everything you want a leader to do outside the pool and inside the pool," Ruh said. "When there is something that needs to be done, he is the first one to help and rally everyone else to help and do all the right things."
On the women's side, Miku Yanagawa emerged as one of the top field athletes in the state while helping lead the Mounties to conference, regional, and state team championships. Throughout the season, she consistently ranked No. 1 in California in the pole vault, clearing a season-best 13 feet, 1.5 inches and establishing herself as the premier athlete in the event.
Miku captured South Coast Conference, Southern California Regional, and 3C2A State Championships in the pole vault, earning All-American honors while playing a key role in Mt. SAC's championship team success. Her outstanding freshman campaign was recognized with several of the program's top honors, including the Wes Galloway Award as the team's outstanding field athlete, the Dr. Ernie Gregoire Award for exemplifying the values of the college and track and field program, and the Top Freshman Award. She was also selected as Mt. SAC's May Student-Athlete of the Month.
Together, Lincoln and Miku helped define a memorable spring season for Mt. SAC Athletics. Their championship performances, dedication to their teammates, and commitment to excellence make them deserving recipients of the 2026 Spring Athlete of the Year honors.
Congratulations to our 2026 Spring Athletes of the Year! Thank you for representing Mt. SAC with excellence, determination, and pride. Your accomplishments have left a lasting mark on our athletics program.