Representatives from the Rotary Club of Yuba City and Sutter Union High School gather with a $10,000 check for the school’s track and field program during the Rotary Club’s weekly meeting Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Harvest Room inside New Earth Market in Yuba City. The funds will be used to purchase new track and field equipment. Photo courtesy of Chris Pedigo

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Sutter Union High School’s track and field program will soon have new equipment after receiving a $10,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Yuba City.

Rotary members presented the check to Sutter Union High School representatives, coaches and student-athletes during the club’s weekly meeting Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Harvest Room inside New Earth Market in Yuba City.

The contribution is expected to fund equipment used across several track and field events, including plyometric boxes, a takeoff board and adjustable hurdles for jumping drills; starting blocks and batons for sprinters and relay teams; and shot puts for throwing events.

Among the largest planned purchases is a high jump pad, which will allow Sutter athletes to practice the high jump at their own school. If money remains after the equipment purchases, the program hopes to put the additional funds toward new team uniforms.

Sutter Union High School track and field coach Sammy Zamarron said the program is focused not only on developing athletes but also on building teamwork and character.

“Our foundation is ‘we over me,’” Zamarron said. “At Sutter, we’re building athletes who work hard, lift each other up and take pride in representing their school.”

Zamarron said his goal is to help athletes improve their speed and strength while encouraging them to support one another as a team.

“When we make each other better, the whole team succeeds,” he said.

Returning Sutter jumpers Alexizia Zamarrom and Nyla Zwissig also attended Wednesday’s meeting, where they spoke with Rotary members about the events in which they compete and what the club’s contribution means for the program.

Rotary Club of Yuba City President Tara Art said the club was particularly interested in purchasing equipment that could continue benefiting students beyond the current season.

“My why for this project is really about the generations of students who will come after the athletes we met today,” Art said. “We have the opportunity to provide equipment that students can use not just this season, but for years to come.”

Art said future Sutter athletes will be able to train and compete using equipment purchased through the donation, making the contribution a long-term investment in the school’s athletic program.

“Future Sutter athletes will have the opportunity to train, compete and discover what they’re capable of because our Rotary Club chose to invest in them today,” Art said.

The project also aligns with Rotary International’s 2026-27 presidential message, “Create Lasting Impact,” which Art said is reflected in the club’s investment in equipment intended to serve local student-athletes for years.