The Montoya's

Warriors pick up the pace

El Defensor Chieftain Reports

The Socorro High School boys cross country team had its best finish to date, taking fifth place in Cloudcroft on Saturday, Sept. 27.

The Warriors placed in front of rival District 3-3A teams Dexter, Lovington and New Mexico Military Institute.

Warrior Tim Abeyta placed 10th overall in the boys varsity with a time of 21:13 on the course, at an elevation of 8,500 feet. Socorro's next five boys, Dylan Gallegos, Sierra Cahall, Jaron Martinez, Trey Thunborg and Isaiah Vigil all ran in the 23-minute range.

"When they can run in a pack like this it definitely helps our team placing," coach Steven Montoya said in an e-mail to the Chieftain. "We're getting better every race and are focusing on our district meet in Ruidoso on Halloween."

The team will need to be finish as one of the top three teams in the district meet to qualify for state. The top 10 individual finishers will also qualify to run at state.

"We are confident that state is a realistic goal and we have our sights set on it," Montoya said.

On the girls side, Socorro's Ellen Aster placed fourth overall in the girls varsity race with a time of 23:31. Aster beat all finishers from Class 3A or smaller schools.

"I thought the course suited Ellen's natural running ability," Montoya said. "The harder the course, the more successful Ellen will be. The district championships will take place in Ruidoso which will be similar to Cloudcroft, and Ellen just put a huge statement out there that she is the girl to beat come district."

Nikki Mortensen finished 15th in the girls varsity race and continues to improve and gain confidence, said Montoya.

The team travels to Santa Fe this Saturday, Oct. 4, for its next meet.

The team, which is currently using Sarracino Middle School track and field uniforms, will be holding a fundraiser at Socorro's football game against Hot Springs on Friday, Oct. 24, to help purchase new uniforms.