Carnival of Champions renamed after former DUSD administrator

DOWNEY – Downey Unified will hold its 54th Carnival of Champions track and field exhibition this Saturday, March 24, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Warren High’s stadium and gymnasium.  

A dedication ceremony will be held at approximately 9:30 a.m. in honor of longtime Downey Unified administrator and Carnival of Champions advocate Dale Lostetter, who died in 2015. 

Organizing this event for over 10 years and continuing to take a large part even after his retirement, Lostetter believed that this event allowed students at an early age to be introduced to competition and camaraderie, all while strengthening students’ character.

“It is with great honor that we rename the Carnival of Champions in honor of our beloved Dale Lostetter,” said Bobbie Samperi, Board of Education President. “The Board of Education voted unanimously in September to make this change and this event will be named The Dale Lostetter Carnival of Champions from this Saturday forward.”

Approximately 500 fourth and fifth-graders will compete in the following seven track and field events: baskets in one minute, softball throw for distance, standing long jump, 50-meter dash, 100-meter dash, four-member team 400- meter relay and mixed-coed relay.

Last year, for the fourth consecutive year, the Old River Elementary School Gators took home the Carnival of Champions trophy; followed by Gallatin Elementary in second place and Rio Hondo Elementary in third place.