Rolling Back Into Action

Silver's Christian Duran and Cobre's Eloy Medina open a big gap on the 1600 field at the Richard Moore Invitational. Photo by Cindy Lee.

Just about the time all the rust was starting to shake off and performances were starting to rise, spring break hit. 

But, if the performances from this past weekend are any indication, it's not going to take long to pick up where we left off. There is much to look forward to in the next seven weeks, so let's be encouraged by what we did see this past week, including...

Buddy Robertson Invitational (Milne)

What we found out at Milne Stadium on Saturday is mostly what we already knew--Cleveland is going to be very tough to beat this spring. Although we're growing accustomed to seeing things like this from Luis Martinez, his 4:22 and 9:35 still impress. And, when he wasn't running, his Cleveland teammates (male and female) were mostly running up the score in the distance events. Only Eldorado's Crissie Amberg managed to break up a complete sweep of events 800 meters and up by the storm. Julian Rivas, Malia Gonzales, and Nicolette Pacheco were the ones getting the work done.

But, while Cleveland's dominance begins with distance, it certainly doesn't end there. Cheyne Dorsey won both hurdle events, but his 300 meter time of 39.07 was the more impressive. The Cleveland relays, led by a 42.74 boys 4x100 were impressive, and Cassie House's 5-6 in the high jump put her atop the state leaderboard. 

West Mesa's Chris Kline had a nice day in the sprints, winning both the 100 and 200.

Buddy Robertson Invitational (Wilson)

The rest of Albuquerque was busy at Wilson Stadium and, not surprisingly, this show mostly belonged to La Cueva. Sophomore Venitra Fields had a nice sweep of the 100 and 200. She's already qualified for state in both events, so you'll be seeing more of her this spring. But look quickly or you'll miss her. Jesse Arroyo (15.76) and Kaylin Martin (15.41) gave La Cueva a clean sweep of the short hurdles. The boys 4x100 and 4x400 marks should do a lot to keep Cleveland honest in those events, as well.

Volcano Vista turned in a couple of nice performances by Ashley Williams in the 300 hurdles (46.65) and sophomore Mike Budick's 160-9 in the jav.

Rio Rancho's Alex Oluyitan pushed his season-best mark in the shot put out to 52-5.

And, finally, it's worth noting that the boys' 800 was won by a freshman in 2:02.76. That honor belongs to Gilbert Ramirez of Atrisco Heritage. You have to think there's a very bright three years ahead of this young man if he keeps paying his dues.

Los Alamos Classic

The Hilltoppers were definitely king of their own hill this weekend. Colorado 3A power Alamosa didn't put up much resistance. Hope Christian did a little better, but the day still belonged to LA.

Jonathan Millar of Hope Christian continues to get great distance on his throws. On his current trajectory, 55 and 160 seem very much in range.

Chase Ealey and Laura Wendelberger dominated their usual range of events for LA. By my count, Wendelberger is now qualified for state in five events, plus maybe a relay or two. But, I guess that's a decision the coaching staff can put off for a few weeks. Amy Neal added a nice 400 state qualifier for the Hilltoppers. Sean Reardon added a qualifier in the 800, leaving just the 3200 mountain yet to conquer.

Not to be missed were the winning times of 26.28 in the 200 by Kearney Moss and 59.62 by Erika Nelson in the 400, both very nice marks for 3A Hope Christian. 

I am, however, just a little puzzled. How is it that a Mondo track at 6700 feet doesn't attract more teams? You couldn't have a better place to post great sprint times (unless, of course, it's snowing or the wind is blowing). 

Richard Moore Invitational

You're going to have to trust me on what I'm going to tell you, because if you click on the results link below, it will only take you team scores.

Mostly, this meet was a field day for state qualifiers from Silver (3A), Lordsburg (2A), and Cliff (1A). 

For Silver, it was Dominic Brown (11.19, 100), Branndon Molina (45-8, shot put), Andrew Little (110H, 15.98; 300H, 41.96), and a 1:32.10 4x200 getting it done. Best of all was a state chart-topping 174-8 by Brandon Reese in the javelin. Apparently, if you live in Silver and go by Brandon or Branndon, they make you a thrower.

For Lordsburg, it was Kenny Evans, Wendell Hayes, Joseph Jackson, Daniel Talavera, and Rachelle Gomez, and a boys' 4x400 lighting it up for state at the home meet. Of these, I nominate the 10.86 by Wendell Hayes and the 21-0 by Joseph Jackson as the most eye-popping marks.

For Cliff, there's nothing quite like qualifying four triple jumpers in the same meet. As nice as that is, there is an implication that those four will be competing among themselves for points at the state meet. Regardless, it was a nice day for Travis Mayberry (40-2), Justin Jenkins (39-10), Cordell Davis (39-2), and Luis Estevez (39-1). Jenkins also qualified in the javelin. 

Valencia Relays

There have been a lot of meets already in the Valencia/Los Lunas area, and with all the talent hanging around, it's not hard to see why. We've already talked about a lot of the local talent in earlier summaries, but we need to add a new name to the list. That would be the name of Michelle Traynham. A 127-7 javelin and an 18-5.5 long jump in the same meet kind of leave you at a loss for words. It's kind of a bummer for Moriarty's Erica Forrest that she chose this meet to jump 17-11. Any other meet in the state this spring and that's likely a winning jump.

The St Pius X boys may have been going for a little bit of the intimidation factor when they laid down a 3:39.20 SMR. Chances are, it worked, at least in some circles. In other circles, that mark will serve as a little extra motivation. So it is in track and field. 

Mountainair's Santana Zamora added a 15.86 to win the 110 hurdles. That, folks, is an outstanding 1A hurdle mark. We'll be seeing Zamora at the state meet.