Volcano Vista’s Talen Riley captures his first-ever state crown
Navajo Times | Quentin Jodie
Volcano Vista senior Talen Riley crosses the finish line in first place during the 1600-meter run at the New Mexico Class 5A state track meet on Saturday. Riley won the state crown in 4:18.96, which is a new PR.
ALBUQUERQUE
The New Mexico Class 5A 1600-meter state race came down to the final 200 meters.
Heading into the final lap, Albuquerque Volcano Vista senior Talen Riley trailed Las Cruces Organ Mountain sophomore Daxton Coombs and Rio Rancho Cleveland senior Lucas Espinosa.
But with 200 meters to go, Riley found another gear to get by his two rivals in a riveting finish.
“It was crazy that last stretch,” said Riley, who was seeded third for this race behind Rio Rancho’s Alejandro Casaus and Coombs. “Coming into this race I was feeling confident in myself, you know, that I could go out there and win. I put myself in a good spot with 150 left and I just had to believe in myself that I can finish strong, and I was able to do that.”
Riley, who is half Laguna and half Jemez Pueblo, won the race in 4:18.96, as he established a new PR. With that, he captured his only state crown in his prep career.
To read the full article, please see the May 21, 2026, edition of the Navajo Times.
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