Cavemen 10th, Cavegirls 12th at State CC Meet

kmarksteiner0

2 hours ago

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By Don Eskins

Carlsbad High’s Cavemen and Cavegirl cross country teams represented themselves, their school, and the community well at the New Mexico Class 5A State Championship Meet in Albuquerque on Saturday, November 7.

The Cavemen, having scored 203 points, placed 10th. The Cavegirls, with 331 points, finished 12th.

“Our boys ran a very solid race at state. They beat both of our district rivals: Hobbs and Clovis,” said CHS head coach Michael Sims. “Hobbs was an especially big milestone for them. We haven’t beaten the Eagles in over a decade.”

Javion Scott, who placed 35th, paced the Cavemen’s effort at state. Scott, only a junior, turned in a time of 16:44.70.

Rounding out the Cavemen’s effort were 45. Mason Medrano, 46. Kaleb Vasquez, 47. Josiah Waddle, 48. Rex Reynolds, 86. Caisen Smith, and 94. Kleyvin Hernandez.

Placing 45th, and 12 spots behind Cavemen leader Javion Scott, CHS newcomer Mason Medrano drew a few special words of praise from an excited coach Sims.

“Mason, still in junior high school, is now the 44th fastest eighth grader in the United States,” he said. “No doubt, the future looks very bright for him.”

Rainelle Ruiz, just a sophomore, led the Cavegirls’ effort. Ruiz traversed the course in a time of 20:49.40 to finish 43rd.

Also contributing to the Cavegirls’ effort were 67. Alessandra Aguilar; 80. Harmonie Frye; 86. Soledad Martinez; 99. Jocelyn Baca; 109. Chaleesta Gonzalez; and 113. Jeannette Gonzalez, 27:21.50.

“We also saw some very positive things from our girls at state. Rainelle Ruiz, as we expected, proved to be one of the top sophomore runners,” said Sims. “Also, Ali Aguilar turned in a personal best at the toughest meet of the year. It was an awesome way for her to end her season.

“Overall, I’d have to say, judging from their performances, that both our boys’ and girls’ programs are in a good spot right now,” said Sims. “We have a lot to look forward to next year. If we continue to improve, like we have this year, 2027 should be a very good one for us.”

NM Class 5A Meet Results:

Boys’ Team Scores: (118- Runners) 1. Sue Cleveland, 56; 2. Rio Rancho, 81; 3. Centennial, 127; 4. Farmington, 148; 5. Alb. High, 175; 6. La Cueva, 178; 7. Los Lunas, 180; 8. Organ Mt., 186; 9. Sandia, 202; 10. Carlsbad, 203.

Cavemen: 35. Javion Scott (Jr), 16:44.70; 45. Mason Medrano (8th), 17:09.70; 46. Kaleb Vasquez (Sr), 17:09.90; 47. Josiah Waddle (So), 17:12.40; 48. Rex Reynolds (Jr), 17:13.10; 86. Caisen Smith (Jr), 18:22.20; 94. Kleyvin Hernandez (So), 18:36.00.

Girls’ Team Scores: (117- Runners) 1. Eldorado, 22; 2. Rio Rancho, 80; 3. Sue Cleveland, 105; 4. La Cueva, 121; 5. Volcano Vista, 137; 6. Clovis, 161; 7. Organ Mt., 195; 8. Centennial, 219; 9. Hobbs, 234; 10. Sandia, 255; 11. Alamogordo, 304; 12. Carlsbad, 331.

Cavegirls: 43. Rainelle Ruiz (So), 20:49.40; 67. Alessandra Aguilar (Jr), 22:08.10; 80. Harmonie Frye (Fr), 22:47.90; 86. Soledad Martinez (So), 23:26.20; 99. Jocelyn Baca (Jr), 24:28.30; 109. Chaleesta Gonzalez (Jr), 25:38.70; 113. Jeannette Gonzalez (Jr), 27:21.50.