4A Senior Girls Who May Have Made The Difference


Preslie Coffey entered the season ranked among the top hurdlers in New Mexico.

Though we could certainly search for and find exceptions, the general rule is that nobody feels the loss of a season like the seniors. So, this article is devoted to taking a look at the seniors who figure to have exerted a large influence over the outcome of this year's 4A Girls state meet.

We'll restrict our focus the 4A Girls and to senior members of those teams that figured to contend for a trophy. In 4A Girls, it's a relatively short list of teams that were arguably in the trophy hunt, and we'll treat them alphabetically here:

Albuquerque Academy - Although the Chargers are typically loaded across the spectrum of classes, it was a relatively small group of seniors who figured to have a measurable impact at the state meet. Among those are distance runner/high jumper Katie Giunta, distance runner Jessica Allen, and, most especially, thrower Nia Johnson and jumper Chisom Oniya. The latter two represented legitimate threats to win individual titles toward a team finish.

Artesia - The Bulldogs had some claims of their own to stake this season. Hurdler/jumper Elliot Harrison was at the top of the list of athletes Artesia needed to come up big to go home with a trophy. Another senior figuring to play a key role was javelin thrower Makinli Taylor

Aztec - The 'A' schools figured to be out in force this spring. Success is really nothing new at Aztec High School track and field, but it's worth noting who the leading seniors figured to be even so. In truth, there was one who looked like a strong candidate to be a scorer at state--shot putter Karen Avina. In a tough shot put field that was shaping up this year, Avina was among the best.

Hope Christian - The Huskies have been steadily climbing toward being competitive in a 4A crowd. It's a big difference between 3A and 4A. Those seniors for whom hopes were highest this spring included sprinter/jumper Tedi Del Prete, distance runner Simone Chock, and triple jumper Kyra Stafford. A big showing by these three might easily have catapulted Hope Christian into a trophy position.

Los Alamos - It's not exactly a secret that the Hilltoppers had the goods this spring and were favorites to win it all. Being the favorite doesn't always mean you win it all, but it's still a nice place to start. Seniors for whom this was to be the crowning season of outstanding high school careers included sprinter/javelin thrower/jumper Ona Gartz, hurdler Preslie Coffey, distance runner Amaya Coblentz, thrower Rebecca Green, and triple jumper Abigail Beus. The senior class is one prominent reason the Hilltoppers figured to be at the top of the pile once again this spring.