Several on JHS Track Team Qualify for State

By John Earp

In last week’s Gas Cap Relays, several Panthers had top-notch performances, qualifying for the state meet next month in Albuquerque.

Natalia Rivera qualified to State in the long jump at 15’ 7-1/2. Olivia Ramirez. Abigail Dardon, Natalia Rivera and Camila Baeza qualified to State in the 1600 M Medley Relay with a time of 4:45.39. Natalia Rivera, Aaliyah Gaytan, Mayrin Nieto and Camila Baeza qualified to State in the 400 M Relay with a time of 52.89. Mayrin Nieto, Abigail Dardon, Natalia Rivera and Camila Baeza qualified to State in the 800 M Relay with a time of 1:52.64. David Gaytan and Aaliyah Gaytan qualified to State in the Javelin. David threw 148’ 7” and Aaliyah threw 107’ 5.” In addition to qualifying for state in the long jump, Natalia Rivera received the girls Highest Point Individual Award with 18 1/2 points.

Coach Peacock says his team is “a little bit ahead of where we were last year. On the girls’ side, I really feel like our 4×4, or mile relay should qualify. Especially with these girls coming out of basketball, time off, they got a little late start, but I’m hopeful that Friday, if we have a good day, we get that qualified and get that out of the way and start focusing.” Friday’s meet is to be held in Hagerman. Peacock says the team has “three more official meets before state. Next week is Eunice, and then the following week we go to Loving, and then we’re back here hosting the qualifiers.” Peacock says some of his best throwers will be at the state powerlifting meet in Rio Rancho this Friday, and on the boys’ side, running, the team has been battling strained hamstrings and quads. His team overall is young, especially on the boys’ side, which he says bodes well for the future.