On February 11, 2024, Las Cruces Public Schools hosted a spring sports media day at the Field of Dreams Baseball Complex, spotlighting a variety of teams including track and field. Athletes from Las Cruces, Mayfield, Organ Mountain, and Centennial gathered to discuss their personal and team aspirations as they prepare for the upcoming season. The event also featured contributions from athletic trainers across the participating schools, enhancing the collaborative spirit of local athletics.
Individual and Team Aspirations
Among the standout athletes from the Las Cruces Bulldawgs were Lukas Nanez, Jacob Sierra, Sofia Amato, and Audrina Silva. Nanez expressed his desire to run the 200 meters in under 21 seconds and the 100 meters in less than 11 seconds. Sierra aims to break school records in the 1600- and 3200-meter races, having already set the latter record. Amato hopes to establish a new school record in the 800 meters, while Silva targets a 200-meter finish under 27 seconds.
Team goals were equally ambitious. Nanez emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “I want to bring as many people to the state championships as we can and see everybody there and be like a family in a group.” Sierra highlighted his commitment to enhancing the distance program, aiming to boost his teammates’ confidence and mileage. Amato called for stronger leadership, while Silva focused on collective growth, encouraging her teammates to push each other to achieve their goals.
The Mayfield Trojans were represented by Xavier Ochoa, Angel Herrera, Isobella Munker, and Alexia Lopez. Ochoa set his sights on winning a state championship in the 300-meter hurdles. Herrera aims to improve on his previous season by setting multiple personal bests and qualifying for the state championships. Munker seeks to enhance her self-discipline, and Lopez is determined to surpass her performance from last year.
Team objectives for the Trojans include Ochoa’s goal of winning the district title, a feat they have not achieved in years. Herrera hopes for at least ten team members to qualify for the state championships. Munker emphasized support among teammates, while Lopez focused on team unity.
Goals from Organ Mountain and Centennial Athletes
The Organ Mountain Knights featured representatives Asa Laws, Donnail Escudero, Alexa Edmonson, and Alyssa Morales. Laws aims to achieve personal bests throughout the season. Escudero hopes to win at least one state championship and establish new personal records. Edmonson is focused on qualifying for the state championships in both the long jump and a hurdles event, while Morales aims to break the school record for pole vaulting.
As a team, Laws and Edmonson echoed the goal of winning both boys’ and girls’ district championships, reflecting a strong sense of camaraderie. Escudero emphasized the importance of maintaining their winning streak, wanting to start their new coach, Gregory Mallory, off on a positive note.
From the Centennial Hawks, athletes Marcus Adams, Ethan Mondragon, Saniya Goins, and Ariah Baldonado shared their ambitions. Adams aims to qualify for the state championships and improve in all events. Mondragon seeks to become the 5A state champion in the 800 meters, while Goins focuses on qualifying in the 400 meters and setting a new personal best. Baldonado intends to achieve multiple personal records.
Adams highlighted the importance of mutual support among teammates, emphasizing a culture of encouragement. Mondragon also expressed a desire to win the district championship for both girls’ and boys’ teams, while Goins and Baldonado echoed sentiments of solidarity and commitment to excellence.
As the spring sports season approaches, the athletes from Las Cruces are not only focused on individual achievements but also on fostering a supportive team environment. Their goals reflect a shared commitment to excellence, unity, and the pursuit of success in upcoming competitions. The Las Cruces Sun-News will continue to feature stories on these athletes and their journeys throughout the season.
