Last Week in New Mexico XC: Sept. 1-6

Sampson Sage

 

La Cueva's Natasha Bernal powers away from the field for a dominating victory at the UNM Lobo Invitational. Photo courtesay of Alan Versaw.

 

Alamogordo Invitational

Alamogordo played host to many of the Las Cruces Schools, with the Onate Knights making the biggest impact.

Led by Meghan Aguilera and Thomas Salas' Individual Titles, the Knights made a clean sweep of the Invitational Titles claiming both Girls and Boys Team Titles with 38 and 39 points respectively.

While Season Goals still lie ahead, there's no better way to start the season.

Meet Results

Girls Highlights

Aztec Cross Country Meet

The Farmington Lady Scorpions claimed an early season victory in the hilly surroundings of Aztec. Led by Melinda McDermott's Runner-up Placing, the Lady Scorpions the next three places outdistancing the Host Lady Tigers.

Returning the favor in the Boys Race, the Grey Smith led Aztec Tigers placed five in the Top 10 to claim Team Honors, despite Farmington freshman Tanin McDermott's impressive individual effort.

Del Norte Invitational

"1-2-3" was the name of the game at Piedra Lisa Park.

The Cibola Cougars took the first three placings in both the Girls and Boys Varsity Race, also taking Team Honors en route. Nichole Gomez, Juanita Johnson, and Hope Johnson placed first through third helping their team to 23 points, while Chris Harlow, Taylor Atencio, and Ryan Harlow led the Cougars to 21 Team Points.

Finishing second and third in both races were the Laguna-Acoma Hawks and Espanola Valley Sundevils.

Joe Vigil Open

Farmington, Moriarty, Santa Fe, and Taos trekked up to the rarified air of Alamosa for the Joe Vigil Open.

The Taos Tigers experienced the most success claiming Third Place Finishes in both Girls and Boys Divisions. The Lady Tiger Trio of Hannah Gunther, Elizabeth Reyes, and Emma Patterson finished in the Top 10, while the Tiger Trio of Roy Madrid, Donevan Gravelle, and Mateo Vigil went 4-7-12.

On-Site Coverage

Small schools in review: September 4 - 6

You know all about Ben Butler, but Isaac Holm is busy adding a little depth to the SkyView Academy roster. Holm finished third in the 2A/3A race at St. Vrain with a time of 17:44. Photo by Ron Eberhard.

Girls Highlights

Boys Highlights

Rehoboth XC Invitational

In the eastern foothills outside Gallup, Rehoboth Christian played host to a collection of District 1 Schools spanning A/2A-4A.

The Zuni Thunderbirds walked away with both Girls and Boys Honors, with the Boys scoring and impressive 20 points. Led by Tre' Riley, Cody Latone, and Vincent Yunkestine's 1-2-3 finish, the Thunderbirds show they are ready for the jump to the 4A Classification.

Navajo Pine's Annoesika Laughlin ran to a 31 second victory in the Girls race, announcing to A/2A that she will be a major player come November.

On-Site Coverage

Fanning the flame of the season

Emerald Goranson was Socorro's top finisher at state last year as a freshman. On Friday, she gets to help set the tone for a new season at Socorro's own home meet. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Socorro Stampede

Estancia claimed both Individual Honors with Aubri Wrye's 20:22 and Jakob Bernal's 16:42.

In Team action, the Hope Lady Huskies outdistanced themselves from the Los Lunas Lady Tigers 40-64 in the Girls Race. While in the Boys Race there was a Warrior Showdown between District 3-4A foes Socorro and Ruidoso. The Host Socorro Warriors took this early season battle 87-89 over the Ruidoso Warriors. 

UNM Lobo Cross Country Invitational

Lot's of coverage below.

On-Site Coverage

Favorite images - September 6

Tanner Norman and Tyler Matzke negotiate the never-ending gauntlet of spectators at the UNM Lobo. Photo by Alan Versaw.  

Testing the waters in New Mexico

Allie Chipman uses a downhill stretch to build a little momentum and take over second place with a little over half mile to go in the race. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Early Season Questions Answered in Lobo Country

Looping through the starting line, Miyamura's Nile Thomas and Albuquerque Academy's Jordan Lesansee lead the Varsity Boys Race early during the UNM Lobo Invitational. Photo courtesay of Alan Versaw.

A look at the UNM Lobo Invitational

Last year on this weekend, Paxton Smith was a contributing member of the Mountain Vista varsity at the St. Vrain Invitational. This year, he's one of Vista Nation's go-to guys in Albuquerque. Photo by Alan Versaw.

UNM Lobo meet set to kick New Mexico season into high gear

One of the showdowns to look forward to on Saturday is a first match-up between an even-more-loaded-than-last-year Rio Rancho team and the defending state champions from La Cueva who return with most of last year's roster intact. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Girls Highlights

Boys Highlights