CHS’s 2025 Track Season to Open

By Don Eskins

The Cavemen and Cavegirl track teams will officially open the 2025 prep season on Friday afternoon, February 28, at the Early Bird Invitational in Roswell, and nobody’s more excited about it than CHS head coach Charles Millar.

Millar, now in his second season at the helm of the CHS track program, says he feels 2025 could be a banner year for his kids.

“Our numbers are looking great, and I’m really excited about the prospects of our kids this year,” he said. “Right now, we have about 80 boys and 60 girls on our roster. Of our athletes who competed at state last year, all but four kids are back.

“The Cavemen are returning a ton of speed and the Cavegirls lots of experience in the field events,” he said. “So, overall, we’ve got a good mix of talent and experience. Plus, we’ve got a lot of other kids out that I’ve got high hopes for.”

For the Cavemen, Reenson Akwiembi (100, Long jump, 4x100, 4x200), Colton McKibben (100, 200, 4x100, 4x200), Jaden Harper (100, 200, 4x100,4x200), Eaven Leos (100,200, 4x100, 4x200), Isaac Williamson (110 hurdles, 300 Hurdles), and Kason Perez (Javelin) are expected to set the standard for CHS in 2025.

As for the Cavegirls, they’ll be looking to Cassie Bielstein (100 hurdles, triple jump, 4x200), Norah Gallagher (100,200, triple, 4x100), Star Herrera (100 hurdles, 400, 4x400), Aubrey Veloz (4x800, 400), Atria Wells (reigning 5A shot put champion, discus), Sophia Trujillo (shot put, discus), and Campbell Foster (100, 200, 4x100) to take leading roles.

As a result of the number and quality of athletes returning, Millar has set some lofty expectations for his kids this year.

“I know the Hobbs Eagles are going to be tough. They’ve been a dominant force in New Mexico track and field, especially in District 4/5A, for some time,” said the CHS coach. “But I really think we have a chance to be district champions this year in both our boys’ and girls’ programs.”

Although Millar feels like his kids have all the ingredients to experience a very successful season, he’ll be entering the Early Bird Invitational with more goals in mind than just winning.

“Like most years, we’ll be treating the Early Bird as a JV and varsity meet,” he said. “We’ll be looking at it as more than just an opportunity to run and compete. It will also be an opportunity for us to get as many kids as possible some valuable experience.”

On Friday, the Early Bird Invitational will get underway at 3 p.m. in the Wool Bowl.