AZTEC – This past weekend’s Aztec Invitational was a showcase of San Juan County prep track and field talent. Leading the charge, the Bloomfield and Aztec High teams combined for a massive haul of individual titles and relay victories at Fred Cook Stadium.
Bloomfield senior Andrew Himes put on a masterclass in versatility, sweeping the hurdles and adding a gold medal in the field. Himes dominated the 110-meter hurdles (15.37) and the 300-meter hurdles (43.12) before soaring to a win in the long jump with a mark of 21 feet, 10 inches.
Teammate Donavin Mickas proved to be the fastest man on the track, sweeping the sprint double. Mickas took gold in the 100-meter dash (11.78) and the 200-meter dash (23.61). The Bobcats’ speed was further cemented as they swept the 4×100, 4×200, 4×400, and Sprint Medley relays.
The Aztec boys found success in the vertical jumps and technical events. Jake Roberts cleared 14-0 to win the pole vault, while Edgar Hinojos-Perez took first in the high jump (6-0). Freshman Alejandro Valerio provided a glimpse into the future, winning the triple jump with a leap of 38-9.75.
On the girls’ side, Aztec’s Alisia Valerio was a force in the jumping pits. The senior secured a “double-gold” weekend by winning the long jump (16-3) and the triple jump (35-0.5). In the throws, Kamber Martin swept the ring, taking first in both the discus (105-0) and shot put (34-3). Makayla Milton added to the Tiger gold count by winning the 400-meter dash in 1:06.23.
Navajo Prep and Shiprock owned the distance events. Elijah England delivered a stellar performance for the Eagles, winning the 3,200-meter run in a blistering 9:50.70 and taking the 400-meter dash title (51.63). The Eagles also showcased their depth by winning the 4×800 relay (8:31.00).
Shiprock’s Kaden Lapahie held off the field to win the 1,600-meter run (4:39.09), while on the girls’ side, Chieftain standout Jazelle Thompson claimed the 1,600-meter title (5:53.54) and a runner-up finish in the 800.
Bloomfield’s Evani Velasquez swept the 100m (13.18) and 200m (26.08) finals. The Bobcats also got strong efforts from Ryli Heckman, who took gold in both the 100m hurdles (16.36) and 300m hurdles (51.33) while Renee Himes won the pole vault (9-0) and finished second in the hurdles.
The Farmington and Piedra Vista High track and field teams turned in a series of strong performances at the Richard Harper Invitational last weekend at Albuquerque Academy. Both teams were led by podium finishes in the field events and consistent sprinting from both San Juan County programs.
Farmington High’s girls were led by Chloe Huff, who notched a first-place finish and a spot in the state finals in the 100-meter dash finals with a time of 12.48 seconds. Avery Sandefer provided another boost in the sand, taking third in the long jump with a leap of 16 feet, 11.5 inches.
On the boys’ side, the Scorpions excelled in the vertical jumps and throws. Gilberto Quezada cleared 14-0 to take second in the pole vault, while teammate Colter Davis followed in fourth at 12-6. James Rogers delivered a fourth-place finish in the javelin (168-10), and Daniel Austin placed fifth in the long jump (21-8.5). On the track, Dayton Bizzell secured fifth in the 200-meter finals (22.68).
Piedra Vista’s Kael Farley dominated the throwing rings, claiming the individual title in the discus with a toss of 159-8. Farley nearly swept the throwing events, finishing second in the shot put with a mark of 48-2.5. Greysen Keiser also stood out for the Panther boys, taking third in the high jump after clearing 6-0.
For the PV girls, Madison Etsitty took second in the discus (103-10), and Aalysa Estrada followed with a third-place finish in the javelin (100-9). On the track, Honor Robinson ran a strong 800-meter race to finish fourth in 2:23.81, while the 1,600-meter sprint medley relay team also reached the podium with a third-place finish.