Cimarron's Abby Kepfer (Bib#624) looks to help the Rams double dip in Class 1A at this weekend's 1A-3A Track and Field State Championships. Photo by Holly Patterson.
The postseason is in full swing in New Mexico. The fields are set after last weekend's District Meets for Class 1A-3A and the races are about to begin. But before the first gun is fired or the first mark measured, let's take a quick look at how things could potentially play out this weekend at University Stadium.
Girls 1A
Coming in with a staggering eight top seeds in the Friday Heat Sheets, the Cimarron Lady Rams look to be the favorites going into Championship Weekend. Led by Abby Kepfer in the 800m, 1600m and 3200m, and Jessica Pittman in the Discus, the Rams also boast the top times in all four relays. That quality and depth will make it a hard task for any team to surpass the Rams.
Potentially up for the challenge are the Springer Lady Red Devils. With nine participants, led by Kara Burton in the 100 Hurdles, the Red Devils look to give the Rams all they can handle.
Two other teams to keep an eye on are Elida Lady Tigers and Cliff Cowgirls. Led by Marily Varela in the 100m and 400m, and Taylor Epps in the Shot Put, the Lady Tigers have 10 total participants for the weekend. While the Cowgirls may not have any top seeds, their 12 participants could easily account for enough points to earn a podium spot. In a game of numbers, the more a team has, the better the chances.
Boys 1A
Cimarron's Jacob Subratie is the top seed in the Class 1A 200m and 800m at this weekend's 1A-3A Track and Field State Championships. Photo by Holly Patterson.
Similar to the Girls team battle, the Cimarron Rams find themselves as the favorites going into Championship Weekend. With 19 participants to go with their nine top seeds in the Friday Heat Sheets, the Rams are a force. Led by Efrain Acosta in the 100m and Pole Vault, Jacob Subratie in the 200m and 800m, and Thomas Gallegos in the 1600m and 3200m, the Rams also come in with the fastest times in three of the four relays. With quality and depth like that, it'll take a herculean effort to beat the Rams to the top of the podium.
Looking to give the Rams all they can handle are the Cliff Cowboys. Having four top seeds in the Heat Sheets, the Cowboys are the only other 1A Boys team with participants in the double digits. Behind Tyger Parkey in the High Jump, Heath Henderson in the Pole Vault and Triple Jump, Jace Jenkins in the Discus, and Matthew Gutierrez in the Long Jump, the 11 Cowboys hope to find themselves on the podium come Saturday.
With seven participants apiece, the Quemado Eagles, Carrizozo Grizzlies, and Lake Arthur Panthers are three other teams with hopes of a podium finish. The Eagles are led by Jace Vance in the 400m and Stefan Beauchamp 110 hurdles and Triple Jump. The Grizzles will rely on their top seeded 800m Relay team. While the Panthers hopes lay in their numbers for a high team finish.