District 1-2A track meet closes with familiar champions, emerging contenders

By Lee Begaye
Special to the Times

RAMAH, N.M.

The District 1-2A track and field championships concluded with new faces stepping into the spotlight while one of New Mexico’s most accomplished distance runners reflected on the closing chapter of a historic career.

Laguna Acoma senior Tagoya Pedro entered the meet as a three-time defending state champion in the 800-, 1600- and 3200-meter runs, owning nine state titles across the three events since his freshman year. But during what may have been his final 3200-meter race, Pedro stepped off the track midway through the event, signaling a shift in focus as he prepares for the final state meet of his high school career.

“The focus and desire just isn’t there anymore,” Pedro said of the 3200 meter race. “I used to like the 3200, but I’ve kind of fallen out of it and gone more toward the mid-distance races. That’s where my heart is now.”

Pedro still captured the 800 title in 2:04.17 seconds while choosing not to compete in the 1600. Laguna Acoma teammates Carter Patricio claimed the 1600 in 5:18.71, while Nicholas Vicente won the 3200.  Pedro said the state meet will likely mark the end of his time competing in the 3200 meter in 11:25.87. “I’m a little disappointed, but this is probably my last 3200-meter race,” he said. “I’ll compete in the 400, 800 and 1600 meter at state.”

Pedro reflected on the race that first established his name statewide, pointing to the 2023 state championship 1600 final when, as a freshman, he upset favored teammate Lucas Williams.

“He was seeded first, and I was second,” Pedro said. “I didn’t have a great season that year, but on the last lap I went for it. That race put me on the map.”

Now preparing to continue his running career at Adams State University, Pedro acknowledged the challenge awaiting him at state, particularly from Pecos standout Brandyn Encinias.

“Last year Brandyn was close to beating me, and I expect him to challenge me again,” Pedro said. “He’ll also be my future teammate at Adams State, so I’m looking forward to competing one more time before college.”

Pedro signed with Adams State in November after drawing interest from several collegiate programs.

“I’m thankful our mother and father creators blessed me with the opportunity to take my talent to the next level,” Pedro said. “The coaching staff focuses on development, and they are one of the top Division II programs. I knew it was the right fit.”

While Pedro’s legacy already stands among the state’s best distance runners, other athletes emerged during the district meet.

Hózhó Academy senior Cross Malcolm dominated the sprint events, winning the 100-meter dash in 12.02 seconds, the 200 in a personal best 23.91 seconds and the long jump with a leap of 18-01.  Malcolm said competing against larger schools throughout the season helped prepare him for the postseason.

“I feel like I’ve had better competition at some of the bigger meets,” Malcolm said. “Running against schools like Miyamura has helped prepare me more for state than district.”

As a member of Hózhó Academy’s first graduating class, Malcolm also reflected on the emotional significance of the season.

“It’s kind of sad,” he said. “We’ve been there since fifth grade and never really had upperclassmen ahead of us. Now we’re the first class finishing it out.”

Rehoboth Christian senior Thijs Meester captured the 400 district crown in 55.54 seconds, while Ramah sophomore Uriah Begay won the 110-meter hurdles in 19.66.

Hózhó Academy senior Kaleb Bowannie claimed district championships in the 300-meter hurdles and triple jump, while Rehoboth sophomore Simon Frederiksen cleared 6 feet in the high jump for a personal record heading into state competition.

“It feels really good,” Frederiksen said. “I’ve never been a district champion before. Competing with Kaleb has pushed me all season.”

Frederiksen said his progression through the season helped build confidence entering state.

“My first meet, I jumped 5-8 and that was a PR,” he said. “Then I felt myself kind of drop, so I talked to different coaches and kept practicing. Last meet, I cleared 5-10, and now 6 feet. That felt really rewarding with the technique I’ve been working on.”

He also credited teammate and reigning state champion Ellen Zwiers for helping refine his approach.

Laguna Acoma won the boys 4×400 relay and 4×800 relay, while Ramah captured the 4×100 relay title and Hózhó Academy won the 4×200.

In the field events, Kolin Touchine won the shot put with a throw of 40-01, while Isaiah Bennett captured the discus at 114-03.50. Jaydan Tucson won the javelin with a throw of 143-03.

In the girls event, Rehoboth Christian’s Aliyah Sanchez swept the 100- and 200-meter races, while teammate Marvah Toddy won both the 800 and 1600 runs.

Rehoboth’s Ellen Zwiers captured titles in the 100-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles and high jump while also helping the Lynx win the 4×200 and 4×400 relays.

“I’ve been doing well this whole season,” Zwiers said. “District gives you a little taste of what state feels like with the pressure and unpredictability.”

Ramah won the girls 4×100, 4×800 and sprint medley relay titles. Laguna Acoma’s Nannette Chino swept the shot put and javelin, while Hózhó Academy’s Raine Miller won the discus. Adrianna Rios captured the long jump title and Hozho Academy’s Ariel Garcia won the triple jump.

With district championships decided, attention now shifts toward the Class 2A state meet, where returning champions and rising contenders will take the track one final time this 2026 season.

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