Despite snow, tracksters shine at Los Lunas Invite

LOS LUNAS — Even though a snowstorm ended it prematurely, the Los Lunas Invitational Track Meet produced several excellent early season performances, including a few qualifying efforts for the state championships still two months away.

The host Tigers finished second to Centennial in the team standings for both boys and girls.

“For our first meet, we’re incredibly proud of all our athletes and their performances, especially given the challenging weather conditions,” said Celeste Tafoya, LLHS girls coach.

Demetrio Pino cleared the bar at 6-2 for Los Lunas to win the boys’ high jump to qualify for the state meet.

Dominique Armijo took third in the 100 meters, with a state qualifying time of 12.58.

Sophia Cox was a double winner for Belen, taking the 100 meters (11.36) and the 400 meters (59.73) with both times passing the standards for state. The defending state champion Eagles will return to defend their title after winning the 4 x 800 relay in a time of 10:14.15.

The Belen boys had two runner-up finishes — Nehemiah Sanchez (38.4) in the triple jump, and Carson Villella (129.3) in the javelin.

Valencia was led by Marlea Klobuchar, who captured the pole vault (7.0), and Michael Storms III, who ran 11.56 in the 100 meters.

Girls team results (ten teams)

1. Centennial, 69

2. Los Lunas, 59

3. Moriarty, 55

4. Belen, 53

4. Santa Fe, 53

9. Valencia, 7

Boys team results (nine teams)

1. Centennial, 105.5

2. Los Lunas, 73.50

3. Santa Fe, 71

4. Belen, 33

7. Valencia, 7