Joshua Haven ‘26 began writing a new chapter in Bellarmine’s storied track and field program by winning the decathlon at the prestigious Arcadia Invitational.
On April 11th and 12th, Joshua delivered a decathlon performance for the record books with a stunning display of grit, poise, and determination. Haven claimed the overall title with a school- and state-junior-class record of 7,133 points.
The Arcadia Invitational is the most prestigious high school-only track meet in the United States: over its 56-year history, the meet has seen 36 national High School records set and 213 future Olympians compete. This year, 819 schools from 39 states applied to participate, and during the meet student-athletes achieved one national record, two California state records, 30 California and 18 national US leading marks!
While Haven has been training as a decathlete, the meet at Arcadia was the first time he had ever participated in a decathlon. The way in which he won had coaches, athletes, and fans buzzing. Joshua attained seven (yes, seven) PRs over the ten events. Joshua said, “Coming in, I knew I had the training basis, and all I had to do was execute.”
Heading into the penultimate event, the javelin, Haven was clinging to a narrow lead over his nearest competitor, whose third and final throw placed him at the top of the California leaderboard for the season, pushing him ahead of Haven by a slim margin going into the final event.
On his own final javelin attempt—and in his first time ever contesting the event—Haven uncorked a throw of 143 feet, 4 inches, a personal best by 3.5 meters. That clutch throw vaulted him back into first place by 43 points and set up a dramatic showdown in the final event, the 1500 meters, an event Haven had never run.
Haven faced a tough competitor who had a fast personal record in the 1500 and distance experience. He needed to beat Haven by six seconds to snatch victory. The Coaches gave Haven a simple plan: stay close, survive the pace, and hope.
But Haven didn’t just survive. He thrived.
Digging deep after nine grueling events across two days, the Bellarmine junior surged past his decathlon rival on the final lap, crossing the line in an astonishing 4:59.91—his first ever competitive effort at the distance. It was the final stamp on an already unbelievable performance.
“Joshua’s story is the one worth telling,” said a coach close to the program. “He came in with so many unknowns, and just kept answering the call, event after event. The way he responded—especially in the javelin and 1500—was something special.”
Haven said, “Getting to compete at such a big meet, let alone win, was so awesome, because everyone there is legit. Most of them are the best at their school. Many of them the best in their section.” Joshua credits all his coaches, especially Leo O’Neill ’80, who has helped guide him through the training necessary to achieve this goal.
Along with his section and California decathlon records, Joshua currently is ranked #1 in the world for Under-18 decathlon. Achieving such a feat is a challenge, and as Haven said: “The wear it puts on your body is unlike any other event I’ve ever done. You’re just wiped out afterward.”
We look forward to watching Joshua develop as a track and field athlete and are incredibly proud of his already impressive accomplishments. Haven’s individual marks across the ten events tell the story of a rising star:
Friday:
- 100 meters: 11.06 (PR) – 847 pts
- Long Jump: 22' 5.75" (PR) – 778 pts
- Shot Put: 42' 10.25" (PR) – 671 pts
- High Jump: 6' 8" (PR) – 831 pts
- 400 meters: 50.29 (PR) – 801 pts
Day 1 Total: 3928 pts
Saturday:
- 110m Hurdles: 14.53 – 907 pts
- Discus: 115' 9" – 569 pts
- Pole Vault: 13' 9.25" – 673 pts
- Javelin: 143' 4" (PR) – 496 pts
- 1500 meters: 4:59.91 (PR) – 560 pts Day 2 Total: 3205 pts
Total Score: 7133 points
New Bellarmine College Prep, CCS, and California Junior Class Records