UPDATE: The Santa Fe Indian School (SFIS) boys cross-country team has secured their long-awaited state championship title, defeating Navajo Prep by a narrow margin of 46-53 at the 3A state meet held at Albuquerque Academy on October 28, 2023. This victory marks a monumental achievement after three years of near misses for head coach Jarvis Morningdove and his team.
In a stunning turnaround from recent seasons, SFIS ended their championship drought, having narrowly missed the title in previous years. Morningdove expressed his disbelief and joy, stating, “I’m just lost for words. I mean, before, I’ve been able to talk forever. Today…” The Braves’ win came after they consistently outperformed their competition, demonstrating the effectiveness of their offseason training and team cohesion.
The Pecos Panthers also made headlines by defending their 1A/2A title with a decisive 46-69 victory against Albuquerque Oak Grove Classical Academy. This victory marks the Panthers’ sixth championship in the last decade. Coach Patrick Ortiz highlighted the importance of teamwork, noting that the fourth and fifth runners often determine the outcome of championships. The Panthers executed their strategy flawlessly, with standout performances from Brandyn Encinias, Carlos Ragland, and Thomas Garcia, who all finished in the top ten.
SFIS’s triumph was unexpected, especially after the team finished behind Zuni and Navajo Prep in earlier competitions. However, the absence of key competitors such as the Zuni Thunderbirds and Ruidoso Warriors at the Albuquerque Academy Extravaganza reshaped the race dynamics. The Braves capitalized on this opportunity, securing all five of their scoring runners in the top 16 positions.
Senior runner Antonio Pecos reflected on the season, saying, “I just tried to stay consistent, practicing hard. We just had to work hard, and we’re state champions.” Pecos’ journey to the starting line was nearly derailed as he initially focused on football, but he quickly returned to cross-country, contributing significantly to his team’s success.
The 4A race featured impressive performances from Los Alamos, which finished as runner-up to the host Chargers with a score of 36-56. With a complete lineup this time, Los Alamos demonstrated their strength, with Kaj Maupin finishing sixth and August Ovaska placing twelfth. Maupin expressed pride in their performance, stating, “This was definitely up there.”
As the championships conclude, the emotional highs and lows of the season culminate in celebrations for SFIS and Pecos, who both showcased their determination and resilience. The wins serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication of these young athletes, and their stories resonate deeply within their communities.
Looking ahead, the success of SFIS and Pecos sets the stage for future competitions, as both teams will seek to build on this momentum. Fans and supporters are eager to see how they will fare in the upcoming seasons, as the excitement for cross-country racing in New Mexico continues to grow.
Stay tuned for more updates as we bring you the latest in high school sports achievements across the region.
