News Summary

The Alamosa High School cross country teams excelled at the regional championships, with both the boys’ and girls’ teams qualifying for the upcoming state meet. The boys’ team tied for first but fell short in tiebreakers, while the girls placed fourth overall. Noteworthy performances included Ethan Merrick’s individual title and strong finishes from several athletes. Both teams are now preparing for a competitive showdown at the Colorado 3A State Championships, aiming for podium finishes and historic achievements.

Alamosa High School Cross Country Teams Shine at Regional Championships!

In the picturesque town of Alamosa, excitement is buzzing as the Alamosa High School cross country teams delivered standout performances at the regional championships on Thursday, October 24. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams have not only showcased their grit but have also qualified for the state championships. How cool is that?

The Boys’ Team: A Strong Showing

Let’s start with the boys’ team, who put up a commendable fight at the regionals. In a nail-biting finish, they ended up tying with the Manitou Springs squad for first place with a score of 57 points. However, due to a sixth-runner tiebreaker, Alamosa lost the team title. Regardless, this team showed remarkable depth and unity, as several athletes crossed the finish line with personal best times!

The highlight of the day came from Sophomore Ethan Merrick, who led the pack with an impressive winning time of 15:46, clinching the individual regional championship! Following closely was Senior Jeremiah DeLaCerda, finishing in fifth place, showcasing all their hard work is paying off. With a personal best of 16:49, Junior Cael Canaan secured the tenth position, further underlining the resilience and talent within the team.

But the success didn’t stop there! Junior Brody Artaechevarria crossed the line in 17th place, while freshman Jayce Johnson completed the scoring five with a personal best of 17:34, landing him in 22nd position. Other notables include JackDaniel Lopes and McKinnon DiCamillo, who both ran their personal bests and finished in 35th and 36th, respectively. Senior Danny Lopez and Andy Hernandez rounded out the boys’ team, with Hernandez also achieving a personal best of 20:14, finishing 64th.

The Girls’ Team: Rising to the Occasion

On the girls’ side, the team put forth equally impressive results, finishing fourth overall, which earned them a coveted spot at the state meet! Freshman Hannah DeLaCerda led the girls in style, completing the race in ninth place, while Senior Olivia Formisano wasn’t far behind, finishing in 18th. The youthful spirit was palpable, as freshman Braelyn Cisneros achieved a remarkable personal best of 20:49, landing her in 22nd place.

Other stellar performances included Senior Vanessa Villalva, who finished 24th, and Senior Abby Adams, who achieved her fastest time of the season, finishing in 34th place. Meanwhile, Daelyn Jackson came in 45th, with Victoria Gifford and Camryn Zook finishing 46th and 47th, respectively. Finally, Junior Isabella Lopez completed the girls’ lineup in 59th place, completing a commendable effort from the entire team.

Looking Ahead to the State Championships

With their remarkable performances, both teams are gearing up to take on the Colorado 3A State Championships in Colorado Springs on Saturday, November 1. The boys’ team is set to face off against tough rivals, including the defending champions, the Salida Spartans, TCA Titans, and the Manitou Springs Mustangs. The guys last brought home a state title in 2016, and they are hungry to return to the podium this year!

Meanwhile, buzz is surrounding Ethan Merrick, who is on a mission to become Alamosa’s first state champion since Adrian Arnold accomplished the feat back in 1990. Talk about a legacy!

As the excitement builds, fans can catch the action on the championship schedule, which includes Matthew Hollingsworth in the Unified Race at 11:40 a.m., followed by the 3A Boys at 1 p.m., and the 3A Girls at 2:20 p.m. It’s shaping up to be an exhilarating day for Alamosa High School—let’s cheer on our teams!

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