Dream Team
Miyamura High School track runner Niles Thomas stays ahead of Mancos High School’s Ro Paschel during the boy’s 1600-meter run at the Aztec Invitational on April 24-25. (Times photo – Sunnie R. Clahchischiligi)
Miyamura finds right combination in medley race
Miyamura High School track runner Niles Thomas stays ahead of Mancos High School’s Ro Paschel during the boy’s 1600-meter run at the Aztec Invitational on April 24-25. (Times photo – Sunnie R. Clahchischiligi)
AZTEC, N.M.
At Miyamura High School, when a state wrestler, cross-country champion, a standout soccer player and a basketball player come together, good things happen.
It may seem like a peculiar combination, but for the Patriots’ boy’s track and field team it works.
After trying out numerous combinations in the event, the Patriots have found success with Kiona Lucio, David Gustilo, AJ Starkovich and Niles Thomas, when the four qualified for the state meet in the medley relay after running it for the first time two weeks ago.
“It’s like a dream team,” Thomas said.
Thomas, who is a junior state cross-country champion, has spent his last three seasons performing solo in his three distance track events, but found a comfortable place with the medley relay squad.
He said the team started developing about two years ago, but they had their first run through two weekends ago and nearly broke a state record.
Miyamura High School track and field assistant coach John Salaz said the team did so well they proved their ability to perform at the state level.
“We have a medley that can take state,” he said. “We’ve been working on our handoffs, the guys have been getting faster and we’re peaking right now. If we get our handoffs done, we have a good shot at taking state.”
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Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow