Girls cross-country preview

Window Rock, Gallup girls have plenty of talent

MCGAFFEY, N.M.

It’s been 38 years since a Window Rock girls’ cross-country team has hoisted a state champion trophy.

There’s a possibility that the Lady Scouts may end that drought this fall based on a number of factors.

The Scouts return six lettermen from last year’s second place team, including state runner-up Chamique Duboise. Window Rock also added Navajo Pine transfer Annoesika Laughlin, the 2014 New Mexico Class 2A girls state champion, to the lineup.

“With the strong performance we had at state last year we have some high expectations,” Window Rock Steven Fabina said.

Fabina said they put in a lot of miles during the offseason so they are way ahead of last year’s schedule.

Nonetheless, he feels the sectional and state race is going to be a dogfight to the very end with teams such as Chinle, Page, Tuba City and Ganado.

“It’s like that every year and all those teams all have excellent programs with great coaches,” Fabina said.

Last Saturday, the Scouts participated in the McGaffey scrimmage and although there were no times or placement kept, Fabina was pleased with what he saw.

Gallup coach Galen Martinez was hoping to see the same but he felt that his girls came out slow.

Still, Martinez remained optimistic about his team repeating as district champs.

“We should be strong,” Martinez said of the girls’ squad.

Gallup returns six runners – Deedra Cadman, Jessica Ramirez, Wynona Martin, Winona Martin, Ginnete Nez and Shenoah Begay – that placed fourth at the New Mexico Class 5A state cross-country meet.

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