Budding rivalry

Miyamura’s Thomas, Albuquerque Academy’s Lesansee pick up state titles

ALBUQUERQUE

When Miyamura High School junior Niles Thomas and Albuquerque Academy sophomore Jordan Lesansee run, they carry the weight of their people on their shoulders.

Thomas, who won his first state cross-country state title last year, earned his first state track and field title in the 1600-meter run with a time of 4:22.61 last weekend at the 2015 New Mexico Activities Association State Track and Feld Championships. Lesansee won his first state track and field title in the 3200-meter race with a time of 9:28.07.

Thomas, who is Navajo and Zuni, and Lesansee, who is Zuni and Jemez Pueblo, both expressed their gratitude to represent their Native communities shortly after their races.

“I’m sure my coach is happy, my parents, Gallup and the Navajo Nation, too,” Thomas said. “I’m just thankful to be Navajo and have these strong legs to run with.”

Thomas qualified for the 1600-meter run, 3200-meter run and the 800-meter run. In the 800, he placed second with a time of 1:58.08. In the 1600, he defeated Lesansee, who placed second with at time of 4:24.68. Lesansee sought vengeance in the 3200 and defeated Thomas, who had a time of 9:30.77, for second place.

Lesansee said he was thankful for his family, teammates and coaches.

“It’s intangible. It’s hard to describe. I’m beyond happy, I’m just blessed to have this opportunity,” he said. “I’m happy to always run for my tribes, run for the Indian community.”

The two have known each other for quite sometime but their friendship and rivalry began to grow as they both became members of Wings of America. They bonded on a trip to Colorado earlier this year for a Wings of America event.

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