Rio Rancho, New Mexico- Before the 2025 outdoor track and field season kicks off in New Mexico, we wanted to highlight a couple of athletes each week to build on the already strong community that we have, here in the Land of Enchantment.
First, in our new series, is La Cueva high school's Jhett Kinghorn, a senior who is a jack-of-all trades for the Bears track and field team. Here are the questions we asked him...
Q: What events do you compete in?
A: The 100m, 200m, 400m, pole vault, and relays. I am training to be a decathlete in college so I'll be doing almost all the events throughout the year: the 100m, 400m, 110m hurdles, pole vault (my main event), discus, javelin, shot put, high jump, long jump, and the 1500m.
Q: What got you involved in track & field?
A: My brothers ran in high school, and I've always loved racing people. The competition is so fun, and being able to say you're faster than somebody is like going back to elementary school.
Q: Any favorite memories during your high school career?
A: The Academy meet is always awesome, I had a crazy comeback in the 4x200m relay. Also, running my first sub-11 time was awesome, and that meet was super fun. And then state is such a fun meet, but I was sick last year. So, I didn't do as good as I hoped, but still had a great meet. This year, we will be moving different though.
Q: Do you have a ritual or routine before you compete?
A: Always got to be listening to "white girl music," helps me stay focused and have fun. As well as talking to the other competitors usually until the last possible second.
Q: What are some of your goals for this upcoming season?
A: Win a state championship as a team, and get five individual medals, 3rd place or above. Then, get a scholarship to run in college for the decathlon.
Q: What is a necessity for you at a meet? AirPods, a certain snack, anything like that?
A: I NEED some fruit snacks, and don't forget about sunblock, I'm not trying to burn out there.
Q: What are some of your go-to songs to get you in the right head space for a meet?
A: "Runnin" by 21 savage, "S&M" by Rihanna, "You Belong With Me" Taylor Swift, and I just might play Bruno Mars; that's a new one for this upcoming season.
Q: Besides track & field, what are some things you enjoy?
A: I love anything outside, especially boating or hiking or skiing, and then obviously football, and going on adventures with friends.
Q: After a meet, how do you celebrate? Sleep, go to your favorite restaurant, what do you do?
A: Usually after a meet I get food with some buddies or my parents. Then, talk over how the meet went, looking at the pros and cons of it all, and just catching up with them.
Q: What can people expect from your team this season?
A: We're coming for that state championship and for those state records.