A memorial bench to former Cuesta College Track and Cross-Country Athlete, Willie Jones (1983-2022), will be dedicated prior to Cuesta hosting the 2024 Western State Conference North Meet at 10 AM on February 23, 2024. Willie, a product of San Luis Obispo High School, was an outstanding runner for Cuesta College (2003-05).  He was a two-time California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Regional Qualifier for Cuesta in both Cross Country and Track & Field. In his sophomore campaign, he added all-Western State Conference honors in cross country, while also posting a Cuesta Top 10 mark in the 800-meter run.  His time of :49.60 still ranks 7th all time. Willie was known for his strength, speed, competitive spirit, and charisma. A great teammate, he encouraged and inspired runners at both schools. His coach at Cuesta, Jani Johnson, remembers Willie as one of her all-time favorite athletes. It is thanks to Jani, and Willie's family and friends, that the bench went from an idea to honor him to a reality. After the dedication there will be ceremonial lap around the track in honor of Willie.