New Mexico Boys Cross Country Countdown: #12 Tohatchi


The New Mexico Cross Country Countdown breaks down the top 25 New Mexico boys and girls teams returning this fall. These rankings will include projected top runners and weighing how each team may do in their respective districts and state competitions. Changes to class alignments and adaptions to the state championship format have been taken into consideration. These rankings are based on past two seasons of performances and do not include teams that did not compete last year due to a lack of athletes and team information. All top returning runners are only projections and may include athletes no longer on the team due to transfer or out-of-state relocation.

#12 Tohatchi Cougars

Tohatchi is looking to return to their former glory this season looks to be their best chance at hoisting a blue trophy in over twenty years. The runner-up performance of last season indicated that this squad was building upon something special and the fall of 2021 could see that hard work pay off. Whether Melvin Scott (14th) or Nicholas Yazzie (10th) is leading this team they both possess the talents of all-state performers. Along with Jimmie Chavez III the trio of seniors will be the glue to the Cougar's success. Jared Peterson (20th) and Rodney Joe (30th) are the remaining scoring five and together they have a solid team that is on the cusp of greatness. Seeing how they fare against New Mexico Military Institute will be quite the show as both return talent across the board and were neck and neck. This battle will come down to the fifth man and the state title drought for both of these teams will likely be ending in November.

3A Boys

2020 State Finish: 2nd

State Titles: 1977,1979,1980,1992,1993,1994,

Individual State Titles: Manuel Tahe (1984) 

2021 Tohatchi Rankings

New Mexico Ranking12th
3A Ranking2nd
District 1-3A Ranking1st


Top Returning Runners

NameGradePersonal Best (5K)Best State Finish

Melvin Scott

Sr16:369th (2019)

Nicholas Yazzie

Sr18:1810th 

Jimmie Chavez III

Sr18:4117th

Jared Peterson

So18:3320th

Rodney Joe

Jr18:5330th