Jose Meza

Athlete: Cross Country – Soccer - Track

Jose Meza attended Linden High from 1996 until 2000. While at Linden, Jose was an
outstanding three sport athlete, earning 10 varsity letters in cross country, soccer and
track. In cross country, Jose earned 3 varsity letters and earned M.L.L. All-League
honors his junior and senior seasons. Following his senior season, he was chosen the
Most Valuable Player by his coaches.

While competing in cross country during the fall season, Jose also found time to letter in
soccer all four years at Linden High School. Jose enjoyed his greatest success during his
junior year, earning M.L.L. All-League honors and helping lead the Lions to a C.I.F.
Playoff berth. Following his junior season, he was chosen the Most Valuable Offensive
Player by his coaches. As a testament to his leadership abilities, Jose was chosen team
captain during his junior and senior seasons.

Jose enjoyed his greatest success as a distance runner in track. He lettered 3 years,
competing in the 800, 1600, 3200 and 4 x 1600 relay. He earned M.L.L. All-League
honors in the 3200 all three years. Once again, following his senior season, he was
chosen the Most Valuable Player by his coaches. Jose still holds the school records in the
3200 (10:01.1) and the 1600 (4:33.2), a record that was previously held by his brother
Dario. Following both his junior and senior seasons, Jose qualified for the Section track
meet. At the end of his senior year at Linden High, Jose was awarded the prestigious
Eugene Short Award, annually given to the most outstanding all-around senior
student/athlete.

Upon graduation from Linden High, Jose continued his education at Fresno State
University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies. Jose
continued his education by earning his teaching credential from Stanislaus State. While
working on his teaching credential, Jose also worked at the San Joaquin County Office of
Education. For the past three years, Jose has taught both first and second grade at Linden
Elementary School and serves as an inspiring role model for his students.

In his spare time Jose remains active by competing locally on a competitive soccer team,
something he has done since he was 13 years old. He has recently begun participating in
a number of running events. He recently took 3 rd place in the 5K race at the Stockton
Asparagus Festival. This past season, Jose enjoyed helping coach the distance runners on
the Linden High School track team and hopes to continue as a volunteer coach in the
years ahead.

Jose and his wife Jasmine live in Stockton and have a daughter, Jaqueline. The Linden
Athletic Hall of Fame is proud and honored to induct Jose Meza into its Athletic Hall of
Fame for his athletic accomplishments at Linden High School.