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Relay champs welcome new member on Belen Eagle squad
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BELEN — Despite losing a key member of the defending 4A state champion 4 X 800 girls relay team, Belen is preparing to make another run at the title.
Seniors Lisette Sanchez, Sara Martinez and Avery Carter return to the lineup, while sophomore Genevieve Sanchez takes the spot held last year by Angelica Romero, who graduated.
Genevieve Sanchez, no relation to Lisette, admits to a little pressure, but, “It’s an honor because these girls are so fast, and I really look up to them. I trust them, and I feel like they trust me.”
On March 8, the Eagles earned a spot in the 2025 state championship with a qualifying time of 10:14.15 at the Los Lunas Invitational, the first meet of the year.
“She’s a very strong runner,” Lisette Sanchez said of Genevieve. “We know what we’re capable of, we know we’re all strong.”
The state championship isn’t until May 16-17, so there is time to smooth over any bumps that may develop along the way.
“The hardest part for this relay,” which is two laps around the track for each runner, “is finding the pace, and pacing yourself,” says Carter. “It’s not like a jog. It’s also not a sprint.”
The fourth member of the squad is Sara Martinez, who takes the baton for the final leg.
“I’m glad that they trust me to run the spot,” Martinez said. “I think it’s kind of a fun role, but it’s a little bit scary.”
Los Alamos will likely be a top threat to a successful repeat performance for BHS, with the Hilltoppers also returning three runners after a razor thin runner-up finish in 2024 behind the Eagles, 9:53.94 to 9:54.33.
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After the Los Lunas meet, Martinez was optimistic.
“We all have very strong work ethic and it’s just a good group of girls. I definitely think we have a good chance,” of winning state again.
Lisette Sanchez was more direct.
“We know what we’re doing and were just here to take it again.”
Jim Burke Invitational
Belen’s annual track and field meet, the Jim Burke Invitational, will not be held this year.
According to Steven Contreras, Belen Consolidated Schools athletic coordinator, BHS is hosting the District 5-5A track meet May 9-10, so the coaches decided not to hold the Burke Invitational. However, Contreras says the Invitational will return in 2026.
