The 2026 New Mexico Track and Field season is here, and the state's sprinters are poised to deliver one of the most competitive years in recent memory.
-- Tanner Montano -- by Joe Grimando
Below, we highlight the top sprinters from this past month. These ten athletes have commenced their season with a strong start.
Boys
Tanner Montano (La Cueva HS): In 2025, he stepped up on the biggest stage in New Mexico with three podium finishes at the state meet and has followed up with multiple event wins during the 2026 regular season. He currently leads the state with a 100m time of 00:10.48, which, when paired with championship experience and his steady upward trajectory, makes him one of New Mexico's most reliable contenders.
Jhett Kinghorn (La Cueva HS): Kinghorn's presence is impossible to ignore. He captured a runner-up state meet finish in 2025 and opened 2026 with dominant early-season marks that immediately put him at the top of the rankings. He remains a major threat statewide and is a close competitor and teammate to Montano.
Amin Cooper (Albuquerque HS): Cooper made noise in 2025 with a breakout performance at the state meet, clocking one of the fastest times during his 200m event. He competed in three different events at the state championships, and he's carried that momentum into 2026. Cooper already has two first-place finishes in two different events this outdoor season.
Collin Joyner (Sue Cleveland HS): Joyner showcased his range in 2025 by scoring in multiple events at the state championships and is also known for his strength in the horizontal jumps. In 2026, he's already added to his résumé with strong invitational finishes in both 110m and 300m hurdles, reinforcing his status as one of the most complete athletes in New Mexico.
Raymundo Lujan (Eldorado HS): Lujan came close to a triple jump title in 2025, finishing 4th in a tightly contested final. He's returned in 2026 with renewed focus, posting five new personal bests in five different events (100m, 400, 300m hurdles, long jump, triple jump) early in the season, thus positioning himself for a potential breakthrough when it counts most.
Syrianna Raphiel (Clovis HS): Raphiel stamped her name among the state's best in 2025, partaking in the state meet as an eighth grader. She's opened her 2026 outdoor season with top-tier marks that reaffirm her status as one of New Mexico's premier athletes. Raphiel has been undefeated since February 27 in her outdoor campaign.
-- Morgan James -- by Joe Grimando
Morgan James (Sue Cleveland HS): James took New Mexico by storm in 2025, contributing key points at the state championships with high-level finishes. From start to finish, James demonstrated the ability to control the hurdle races on the track. She opened up her 2026 campaign at the Chandler Rotary Invitational.
Samaya Fashola (Sue Cleveland HS): Fashola had a consistent first year of track in 2025. Early in 2026, the sophomore has already turned heads with strong invitational performances, signaling she's ready to take the next step.
Onaleigh Leiro (Eldorado HS): Leiro showcased her all-around ability in 2025, securing two runner-up finishes at the state meet, proving her versatility. She's also had success in the long jump and is entering her senior season. Now in 2026, she's building momentum with strong early-season marks, positioning herself as a serious contender in both hurdle events.
