Kirtland Central senior powerlifter Ethan Billey poses for a portrait on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Bronco weight room. Billey earned his third NMAA state powerlifting champion title on Saturday, April 11th, at Rio Rancho Events Center and was named Tri-City Record's Winter Wonder in powerlifting for 2025-26. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)
Kirtland Central senior powerlifter Ethan Billey poses for a portrait on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Bronco weight room. Billey earned his third NMAA state powerlifting champion title on Saturday, April 11th, at Rio Rancho Events Center and was named Tri-City Record's Winter Wonder in powerlifting for 2025-26. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)

KIRTLAND – Just days after winning his third state title in powerlifting, Kirtland High senior Ethan Billey was on the racetrack at Bill Cawood Field preparing for another run at a state title in track and field.

Billey recorded his third consecutive state title earlier this month, winning the Class 4A championship at the 114 pound weight class with a total of 715 pounds. Billey lifted 240 in the squat, 135 in the bench press and 340 in the deadlift during the state championship meet at the Rio Rancho Events Center.

That total equaled his previous personal best, achieved earlier this season at a host meet at Kirtland Central, and prior to that at last year’s KCHS Last Chance meet.

Winter Wonders 2026

Boys Basketball – Dylan Lansing, Navajo PrepGirls Basketball – Allyson Tsosie, Kirtland CentralBoys Wrestling – Cory Douglas, AztecGirls Wrestling – Caylee Miller, BloomfieldPowerlifting – Ethan Billey, Kirtland Central

But that wasn’t enough for Billey, who competed at last weekend’s Bill Slade Invitational in hopes of qualifying for a state title in the 1600-meter run.

“I’ve enjoyed competing and I’m grateful for the opportunity to go out there and be a part of a championship,” Billey said.

Billey may have to wait for another chance to earn a state title in track and field, finishing 31st in the most recent 1600-meter event. Billey, who reached the state finals in cross country and also played for the Kirtland Central baseball team, thrives on rising to the level of his competitors.

Kirtland Central senior powerlifter Ethan Billey poses for a portrait on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Bronco weight room. Billey is the Tri-City Record's Winter Wonder top student athlete for 2026. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)
Kirtland Central senior powerlifter Ethan Billey poses for a portrait on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Bronco weight room. Billey is the Tri-City Record's Winter Wonder top student athlete for 2026. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)

“I always push myself thinking that they’re working harder than I am, so that motivates me to get back in the gym and do the work,” Billey said.

Billey has the distinction of being the school’s only state champion in powerlifting, a sport which has grown in popularity across the state and the nation in the last decade.

Kirtland Central powerlifting coach Robert Reynolds, who took over the program last year, has been impressed with Billey’s tenacity.

“He is a one of a kind athlete. His work ethic is unmatched,” Reynolds said. “It is no surprise to me as his coach that he was successful in winning his third straight state title. His run to this title was never in question. There was nobody in his weight class even close to his level. I couldn’t be more proud of his accomplishments.”

Reynolds acknowledged that Billey’s drive goes beyond prep sports.

“He is an exceptional human being as well. I look forward to seeing what he does beyond high school.”