The New Mexico Activities Association’s highly anticipated State Cross Country Championships are set to unfold on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the esteemed Albuquerque Academy, showcasing the pinnacle of athletic talent in New Mexico. This past weekend, the state was alive with a series of district cross country meets, featuring an array of inspiring stories that captivated onlookers and highlighted the dedication of these young athletes.
In the local Cross Country scene, the Alamogordo Tiger Boys claimed a respectable 3rd place finish while the Girls team secured 4th at the intense District 3-5A Meet held at the picturesque Organ Mountain in Las Cruces, with the event skillfully hosted by former Alamogordo High School athlete and OM Coach David Nunez.
The Alamogordo Boys team, alongside standout runner Adelynn DeBoef, has successfully qualified for the upcoming 5A State Meet in Albuquerque next Saturday, marking a significant achievement in their athletic journeys.
Boys
Matthew Snyder 13th (17:54.37)
Dakota Suggs 20th (18:39.02)
Austin Stauffacher 21st (18:40.54)
Aaron Borrego 23rd (18:48.53)
Zachary Swayzee 25th (19:00.34)
Rylan Maroon 26th (19:18.27)
Girls
Adelynn DeBoef 2nd (20:07.92)
Zoey Spataro 17th (22:32.91)
Elizabeth Farmer 18th (22:38.81)
Overall 3-5A results showed the District Boys placing…
1 ORGAN MOUNTAIN HIGH 15 1-2-3-4-5 7-8
2 CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHO 53 6-10-11-12-1415-16
3 ALAMOGORDO HIGH SCHO 93 13-18-19-21-22 23-24
4 LAS CRUCES HIGH SCHO 121 9-25-28-29-30-32-33
5 MAYFIELD HIGH SCHOOL 121 17-20-26-27-31 34-35
Amongst the boys, the top 3 finishers showcased a remarkable performance, with Organ Mountain claiming the first five positions in the race. Corbin Coombs emerged victorious with an impressive time of 14:30.01, followed closely by Jeron Wisner at 14:45.67, and Kobe Rodriguez secured third with a time of 16:08.86.
Overall 3-5A results showed the District Girls placing…
1 MAYFIELD HIGH SCHOOL 37 5-6-7-9-10 14-33
2 ORGAN MOUNTAIN HIGH 43 1-3-11-13-15 21-23
3 CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHO 88 4-12-20-24-28-30-31
4 ALAMOGORDO HIGH 90 2-17-18-26-27 29-32
5 LAS CRUCES HIGH 90 8-16-19-22-25
Amongst the girls, the top 3 finishers included Ashley Galaz of Organ Mountain, who clocked an impressive run of 19:22.31. In second place, the Alamogordo Tigers’ own Adelynn DeBoef finished with a time of 20:07.92, while the third position went to Wren Hofacket of Organ Mountain, who posted a time of 20:12.88.
A notable highlight from the state included the journey of Santa Fe Prep runner Quin Dry, who triumphed at the District 2-3A meet at the Academy for Technology & The Classics, defying the odds after recovering from a devastating injury that had threatened his athletic career.
Just nine months ago, Quin Dry faced a life-altering challenge, enduring a ski accident that shattered both of his legs. Despite this harrowing experience, he emerged to claim victory at the district meet, showcasing not just his physical strength but also his unwavering determination.
Dry’s journey from tragedy to triumph inspires athletes far and wide, proving that resilience can lead to exceptional achievements. His story serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for other competitors across New Mexico and beyond.
Congratulations to Quin Dry and all the participants who continue to inspire and impress spectators and fellow athletes with their exceptional performances in every race.
David Nunez Liverpool
**Interview with Coach David Nunez of Alamogordo High School Cross Country Team**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Nunez. Congratulations on your team’s recent performances at the District 3-5A Meet. How did you feel about the boys’ third-place finish and the girls’ fourth-place finish?
**Coach Nunez:** Thank you! I’m incredibly proud of both teams. Our boys really rose to the occasion, finishing third against some tough competition. The girls also showed tremendous grit and determination to secure fourth place. Each runner put in a lot of hard work throughout the season, and it was great to see that effort pay off.
**Interviewer:** Standout runner Adelynn DeBoef finished in second place overall for the girls. What can you tell us about her performance?
**Coach Nunez:** Adelynn has been a key asset to our team this season. She’s not just a great runner; she’s also a leader and motivates her teammates to push harder. Finishing second at the district meet is a testament to her dedication and training. I believe she has a solid chance to do even better at the state championship.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of the state championship, what are your thoughts as the team prepares for that competition on November 9?
**Coach Nunez:** Preparation is key, and we’re focusing on maintaining our fitness and mental strengths. The state championship is a different level of competition, but I believe our runners have the potential to surprise many. We need to stick to our race strategies and support one another as a team.
**Interviewer:** How do you think the experience of running in these district meets will help your athletes at the state level?
**Coach Nunez:** The district meets are a valuable experience. They expose our athletes to high-pressure situations and teach them how to handle competitiveness. It’s important for them to learn the dynamics of racing against others in a pack. This experience will surely help them stay focused and composed during the state meet.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message do you have for the Alamogordo community as the teams head into the final stretch of the season?
**Coach Nunez:** I’d like to thank the community for its unwavering support throughout the season. We encourage everyone to come out to Albuquerque Academy on November 9 to cheer on our athletes. Their support makes a world of difference, and I know our runners will give it their all for the team and the community.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach Nunez. Best of luck to your teams at the championships!
**Coach Nunez:** Thank you! We appreciate it!
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