Eric Scharton (Photo by Jaren Brooks)
Individuals
The Class of 2021 has a plethora of boys that carry a distinct level of swagger into this cross country season. Albuquerque Academy's Justin Hickey comes in a star within the 4A ranks and arguably the top runner in the state. 4A boys are heavy with senior talent with the likes of Los Alamos' Rafael Sanchez, Hope Christian's Eric Scharton, and Academy's Jesse Sanchez to name a few. Likewise within 5A, as Clovis' Jerrick Maldonado will be the clear favorite after a nailbiting finish with Piedra Vista's Triston Charles in 2019. Maldonado will seek his 5A crown amongst other notables like La Cueva's Stevie Salas, Piedra Vista's Makua Harvey, and Rio Rancho's Cebastian Marquez. In 3A, Justin Howey of Cottonwood Classical Prep returns after his runner up finish in 2019 along with 3rd place finisher Christopher Humetewa of Santa Fe Indian. Other notables to watch out for include West Las Vegas' Jared Baca
