Friday, March 29, 2024

Dream Team

Dream Team

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)

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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About The Author

Sunnie R. Clahchischiligi

Sunnie Clahchischiligi has been the sports writer for the Navajo Times since 2008. She has a bachelor’s degree in print journalism from the University of New Mexico. Before joining the Times, she worked at the St. Cloud Times (Minn.), the Albuquerque Journal, the Santa Fe New Mexican, Sports Illustrated Magazine in New York City and the Salt Lake Tribune. She can be reached at sunnie@navajotimes.com or via cell at (505) 686-0769.

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