Miyamura sees large turnout of runners

Class 4A Miyamura has no shortage of student athletes with 65 trying out for the cross-country team.

Coach Lawrence Guliford the competition is not only in their new class and district but in the program itself.

"We're looking strong," he said. "We're looking forward to the challenge of moving up to 4A. In our district it's going to be a battle."

Forty of the 65 runners are sophomores, freshmen and eighth-grade students. Key runners have made names for themselves, including Kyle Rockbridge, Brandon Garnenez, Dexter Roan, Galveston Begaye, Bruce Chee and Benjamin Chee.

For the girls, key runners include Brandi Garnenez, April Chavez, Ashley Talk and Felicia James.

"To be competitive, first of all it takes a lot of discipline," Guliford said. "One thing I stress a lot is work ethic. What we're doing is building their strength right now. As long as we build endurance and strength and get stronger we'll be able to compete with everyone in our district."

Kirtland Central, Gallup and Bloomfield did not return phone calls by press time.

Crownpoint, Shiprock, Thoreau, Tohatchi, Wingate and Zuni coaches also did not return phone calls by press time.

In Class 2A, Cuba is looking toward another state appearance from the girls' team and possibly the boys as well.

But Cuba head coach William Marino said that might be difficult since many runners have graduated.

"We're basically starting from scratch," Marino said. "I'm emphasizing being there as a team, being a team. We want them to be ready when it's time to race."

Marino said he hopes his team will run with the ability he knows they have.

"I don't think there's an easy race around here," he said. "I think the kids are capable as anybody else. We want to be back at state, even without the group as last year we have the ability, these kids are doing very good right now."

Ramah head coach Janice Lewis is looking to turn her young group of 15 runners into a seasoned team.

With 12 girls and three boys, including an eighth-grade runner, Lewis said the team will have to work hard.

"A lot of the kids have not run in a race before," she said. "It's kind of new to them. We're hoping to do well in the district. We just got to relay focused and work hard. We'd like to at least be able to go to state."

Tyra Jose is a senior returnee for the girls and Lionel Largo and Cruz Lorenzo are key for the boys.

The long tradition continues for Navajo Prep, but this year under the guidance of coach Stephanie McDonald.

McDonald said there are 26 kids combined on the teams and eight of them are returning runners, with only two seniors.

"Our next three or four years it looks pretty good," she said. "I have some very young talented runners. I think we can compete in our district. We want to being district champs again.

"Our district was realigned," she said. "There are more schools are in the district than last year. It will probably be a little more competitive. It will probably push my kids."

Key returnees include Amber Reano and Reno Tsosie.

McDonald said the seniors on the team have stepped up to lead the team.

Navajo Pine, Rehoboth, Gallup Catholic, Tse Yi Gah and To'Hajiilee coaches didn't not respond by press time.

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