New Mexico Cross Country Countdown Series
#23 Shiprock Chieftains
Don't let the rank fool you, this Shiprock squad looks to be quite the adversary for the rest of 4A in 2022. The Chieftains return strong numbers from their 5th place team including Logan Pioche who just missed an all-state performance as he crossed the finish line in 17:11 for a new personal best as the 11th place finisher. This upperclassman projected seven includes fellow senior Zachariah Tom (43rd in 2021), juniors Nevaughn Begay (58th in 2021), Caden Begay (89th in 2021), and Ashton Bitsilly (117th in 2021). Another year of experience for this scoring five boasts well for a team residing in a tough district 1-4A that includes rivals, Kirtland Central, Miyamura, and Gallup among others that could be on top any given season. Miyamura and Shiprock had nearly identical finishes in 2021 that lead to a tie of 166 points. The difference being Miyamura departing three seniors from that team makes Shiprock a solid favorite to lead the district and potentially a podium finish this year. They will rely on newcomers like Tyler Etcitty and Javin Roberts to fill out the varsity seven in hopes of closing the gap among other 4A schools like ABQ Academy, Los Alamos, and Lovington. Also, look out for Logan Pioche as a possible individual contender for the 4A title as he returns among the best runners in the state.
Check out 4A Rankings
4A Boys
2021 State Finish: 5th
State Titles: 1974, 2001,
Individual State Titles: Vinny Thomas(1974); Lance Foster(1993); Herbert Beyale(2011)
2022 Shiprock Rankings
| New Mexico Ranking | #23 |
| 4A Ranking | #6 |
| District 1-4A Ranking | #2 |
Top Returning Runners
| Name | Grade | Personal Best (5K) | Best State Finish |
| Sr | 17:11 | 11th (2021) | |
| Sr | 18:01 | 43rd (2021) | |
| Jr | 18:43 | 58th (2021) | |
| Jr | 19:41 | 89th (2021) | |
| Jr | 20:46 | 117th (2021) | |
| Jr | 20:58 | N/A | |
| Sr | 21:14 | N/A |