Sacramento Athletes Make Their Mark at U20 Championships

Dear Editor,

My name is Derrick Touba Jr., and I am a sports writer with experience covering track and field. My work has appeared in publications such as the Yonkers Times and Rockland County Times. I saw on your website that your publication contracts with freelance writers and wanted to reach out with a pitch.

Last month at the 2026 Nike Outdoor Nationals and USATF U20 Championships, held jointly June 18-22 in Eugene, Oregon, multiple athletes from the Sacramento area earned All-American honors and made finals competing against the best prep and under-20 talent in the country. Some notable athletes in this group include Cy Lugo of Elk Grove High School and Lucas Alberts of Jesuit High School in Carmichael who both earned All-American honors. Their performances on a national stage are a testament to the depth of athletic talent the Capital Region continues to produce.

The piece would be a timely recap and background story on these athletes and their performances at the meet. Given the timely nature of the story I am actively reaching out for any coach or athlete comment but can move forward as a web story without it if needed. I am also working on securing competition photography through photographers on site. I can submit within a couple of days of acceptance.

Estimated word count is 800-1,200 words under the working headline, Sacramento Athletes Make Their Mark at U20 Championships, though I am happy to adjust to any length if accepted.

I can submit clips upon request.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,
Derrick Touba Jr.