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Four Corners SportS
MAY 2014
content Don Vaughan PuBlISHER
Cindy Cowan Thiele EDITOR
Debra Mayeux Rick Hoerner Tom Yost CONTRIBuTING WRITERS
Josh Bishop CONTRIBuTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Suzanne Thurman
|4| National School Program The First Tee of San Juan County, N.M., is making a big impact throughout the community with their life skills and character values educational programs through the game of golf.
| 20 | Play ball! In the fall of 2000 Piedra Vista moved into District 1AAAA and was given the daunting task of having to compete with Class AAAA powerhouse Farmington.
DESIGNER
Shelly Acosta DeYan Valdez Aimee Velasquez SAlES STAFF For advertising information Call 505.516.1230
www.fourcornerssports.com
STORY IDEAS and PHOTOS Please send to editor@majesticmediausa.com We’ve got more photos than we can use. Check out the photo gallery for each issue at www.fourcornerssports.com Majestic Media 100 W. Apache Street Farmington, NM 87401 505.516.1230 www.majesticmediausa.com Four Corners Sports magazine is published once a month by Majestic Media. Material herein may not be reprinted without expressed written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed by the contributing writers are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or Four Corners Sports magazine. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or ommissions. © 2014 Four Corners Sports magazine.
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Where are they now? When Bryant Funston left New Mexico State university in 2005 little did he know that he would be the last Division I basketball player from the San Juan County. But Bryant’s sports career had always been a bizarre journey.
| 10 | The Senior Games The 31st annual San Juan County Senior Olympics kicked off April 15 with a Basketball Free Throw. Activities for participants 50 years of age and older continue through May16 throughout the region.
| 14 | Paralympian visits Fresh off a silver medal win in Sochi, Russia, paralympian Alana Nichols made a stop in her hometown of Farmington in late April to visit with family and friends.
| 16 | On the Green When the city of Farmington made the phone call to hire Joel Atson for the vacant Head Golf Professional position at Piñon Hills Golf Course, the 28-year-old was surprised.
| 18 | Best of the best Each spring the best track athletes in the state meet at uNM for the Marilyn Sepulveda Track Meet.
| 23 | Torch Run
| 24 | Editorial Column with Rick Hoerner
| 26 | Tennis anyone? Future tennis champions will have an opportunity to hone their skills this summer for less than $3 a lesson.
| 30 | The First Tee Sports and youth development are becoming hot topics these days due to overbearing parents, injuries/concussions and the “one-sport” mentality that so many teams have adopted.
| 31 | Letter of intent On April 16 Piedra Vista Panther All-State post player Kaleigh Graham committed to Metro State College in Denver.
| 32 | Online Processing Fishing season began April 2 in New Mexico, and anglers had to get used to a new system for accessing fishing licenses.
| 33 | Fishing Report | 34 | 10 Questions
The Four Corners law Enforcement Torch Run raised $22,600 for Special Olympics during the April 4-5 Chili’s Tip A Cop event in Farmington.
with Jacob McCasland
covercredit Josh Bishop
May 2014
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Golf in schools keeps growing stronger Story by Tom Yost | Photos by Josh Bishop The First Tee of San Juan County, N.M., is making a big impact throughout the community with their life skills and character values educational programs through the game of golf. Perhaps the biggest impact that is being made is through the National School Program, which is being taught by physical education teachers at nine local elementary schools throughout San Juan County.
the Cy Cooper Company, elementary schools throughout the region are given the opportunity to acquire age-appropriate golf equipment, lesson plans and training for the physical education teacher at that particular school. Throughout the year, The First Tee Nine Core Values and Nine Healthy Habits are taught through a golf unit which teaches youth the basics of putting, chipping, pitching and full swing.
Through sponsorships from Merrion Oil and Gas Foundation, the Stockham Family Foundation and
“The National School Program allows students at Bluffview Elementary School to have exposure to a
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“The program is set up to introduce the skills of golf to all grade levels here at the school.” — Charles Thompson PE TEachEr aT Mccoy ElEMEnTary in azTEc
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lifetime physical activity,” explained Kathy Lund, Physical Educator at Bluffview Elementary in Farmington. “Some students at Bluffview may not have this opportunity without the National School Program. Having the equipment available at school allows the entire school population to play the game of golf. The National School Program not only teaches students the game of golf and the skills involved, but it also teaches them skills to help them in the game of life. The Nine Core Values give them lifetime skills they will need to become successful and productive citizens later in life.” The Nine Core Values encompass the foundation for The First Tee Life Skills Program and include: honesty, integrity, respect, confidence, perseverance, judgment, sportsmanship, responsibility and courtesy. The Nine Healthy Habits teach participants the importance of making healthy choices for themselves and others within their community. The Nine Healthy Habits are: energy, play, safety, vision, mind, family, friends, school and community. “In my classroom, we are always talking about the Nine Core Values,” stated Animas Physical Education Teacher, Shelby Edmiston. “These values help create a positive environment in the classroom and make students want to be their best. For example, I just finished a yoga unit and we focused on the two core values of having confidence and perseverance. Holding the poses in yoga can be very difficult, but my students believed in themselves and did not give up. I was amazed at the impact these two words had on my students. These values help make learning fun for everyone!” The National Schools Program has now grown to nine elementary schools within San Juan County, including Animas, McKinley, Bluffview, Central Primary, Blanco, Ruth N. Bond – with the recent addition of McCoy and Lydia Rippey in Aztec, and Atsa Biyaazh in Shiprock. The three schools recently added have allowed the program to be taught in every major city and town in San Juan County. The Physical Educators at those schools are extremely excited to be bringing the program to their students. “I am excited about being able to teach The First Tee program for McCoy Elementary School students,” said Charles Thompson, PE Teacher at McCoy Elementary in Aztec. “The program is set up to introduce the skills of golf to all grade levels here at the school. Over the past few years we have had the program for one day and the students really liked
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Partners Assisted Living Services
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Farmington High’s Class of 2000 – Bryant Funston Story by Rick Hoerner When Bryant Funston left New Mexico State University in 2005 little did he know that he would be the last Division I basketball player from the San Juan County. But Bryant’s sports
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career had always been a bizarre journey. When Funston arrived at Heights Junior High for his eighth grade season after living in Indonesia for the bulk of his childhood, he barely knew the game of basketball. Table tennis was
May 2014
more his expertise. It was apparent that Funston had a knack for the game, with solid size and physical play. Upon arriving at Farmington High, Funston played a year of Junior Varsity before playing varsity for legendary coach Marv Sanders in 1999 and 2000. As far as
You can look at Bryant’s business and website at www.buildpeakcompete.com learning the game of basketball, Funston considers himself quite lucky, “I’ve been very fortunate in my sporting career to play for some legendary coaches. Marv Sanders was the second winningest coach in New Mexico history and Lou Henson was No. 6 all time in college wins when I played for him.” After enrolling at New Mexico State Funston tried out as a walk-on for the basketball team. Through injuries and ineligible players, Funston eventually saw the court, a perk few walk-ons – especially those with high GPAs – ever get. Funston remembers his first year with Final Four coach Lou Henson as a time where discipline mattered and the small details were emphasized. “A couple months into my first season we were scrimmaging against the first team and I was having a great practice. I had gotten a couple steals, had held our team’s best scorer to one basket, and had just chased down my 3rd or 4th rebound. I looked up, saw my teammate flying toward our basket, and let loose with a one-handed pass that was right on the mark for an easy dunk. Coach Henson stopped the scrimmage and I thought I was about to get some praise. Instead he waved off the basket. Why? Because one-handed passes were not allowed. Same with jumping to pass. Not allowed. It’s about doing all those small things right and learning from mistakes in the past to make sure they don’t repeat in the future. I never threw another one-handed pass, and still pay great attention to doing the little things right.”
* Funston 25 May 2014
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The
Senior Games
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Annual senior Olympics promotes fitness Story by Debra Mayeux | Photos by Josh Bishop The 31st annual San Juan County Senior Olympics kicked off April 15 with a Basketball Free Throw. Activities for participants 50 years of age and older continue through May16 throughout the region. The Senior Olympics are sponsored by the Bonnie Dallas Senior Center in Farmington, which not only organizes the multiple events, but also handles registration and the awards picnic at the end of the festivities. The activities are tailored for mature adults and include both active and passive participation in competitive sporting events. The focus is to encourage exercise, while providing an enjoyable experience. There are
a variety of events for all athletic abilities, including shooting, miniature golf, dance, bowling, cycling, tennis, table tennis, archery, golf and running.There also are other types of competitive events including pool, dance, cribbage, pinochle, dominoes, croquet, shuffleboard, duplicate bridge and horseshoes. Seniors paid a $7 registration fee and were able to participate in any and all events thanks to the BP America Production Company, which sponsored the annual event. All participants received a T-shirt and an invitation to participate in the annual dance contest and the awards picnic.
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The series of activities culminate with the May 16 picnic at Bonnie Dallas Senior Center to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments. Awards are presented for first, second, and third place in all events. “We hope the Senior Olympics will encourage participants to meet new people and promote fitness at the same time,” Bonnie Dallas Senior Center Administrator Larry Bomberger said. “Some of our seniors even go all the way to the Nationals.” For more information about the Senior Olympics, call the senior center at 505.599.1380.
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Coach Holman Memorial Tournament
Proceeds beneďŹ t education fund for his children On Monday, June 16, Nike and Ultimate Team Sales will host a golf tournament for the late San Juan County basketball coach Kevin Holman. The proceeds of the tournament will benefit the education fund for Kevin’s children Quinn and Griffin. The tournament is looking for 136 golfers to compete in the tournament. Cost to play is $100, which
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includes 18 holes, range balls, a new Nike polo shirt, and dinner for a whole team for $400 During the dinner there will be an auction of sports memorabilia including an autographed Chicago Bears helmet from Brian Urlacher as well as items from the Seattle
May 2014
Seahawks and Nebraska Cornhuskers and other donated items. If you are interested in participating in the tournament or would like to sponsor a hole to help with the education fund, please contact Rick Hoerner at 505.215.2533. Come out for a good time and a good cause.
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what they were being taught. Now we will be able to make it into a regular unit for all students in grades 1 through 3. The nice thing about the program is that they supply all of the equipment and information that needs to be taught and how to teach it to the students. The equipment is grade appropriate and can be used inside or outside.” Leticia Crisp, Physical Educator at Atsa Biyaazh Community School in Shiprock, is looking forward to implementing the Nine Core Values across her entire school. “I am hoping the Nine Core Values will have a big impact on the students in my school,” stated Crisp. “I have many ideas as to how to incorporate the Nine Core Values into all parts of my school. I believe my students will really embrace the Nine Core Values and apply them to all parts of their lives. My job is to show them how they fit and how to apply them to their lives. I am very excited to take on this task. With this first step, I am hoping the number of bullying incidents will decrease in our school. My plan is to have the students make
posters of the Nine Core Values and place them in different areas of the school. I also plan on introducing the Nine Core Values at the beginning of the year and reinforcing them in ALL of my lessons, not just golf.”
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Thanks to the Merrion Oil and Gas Foundation, six more elementary schools will be participating by the fall of 2016. That will bring the total to 15 elementary schools – which will affect over 7,000 young people per year.
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Paralympian home for a visit Alana Nichols raises funds for Peach’s Neet Feet Story by Debra Mayeux | Photos by Josh Bishop Fresh off a silver medal win in Sochi, Russia, paralympian Alana Nichols made a stop in her hometown of Farmington in late April to visit with family and friends. Nichols, 31, lives in Wheat Ridge, Colo., and is a dual sport athlete for Team U.S.A. in the Paralympics. She competes in both wheelchair basketball and alpine skiing. She competed in the Sochi Winter Games and brought home a silver medal in downhill skiing. It was her sixth medal in the Paralympics Games. Her first medal was a gold in the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing as a member of the Women’s Basketball Team. Nichols grew up playing sports in high school. “I was a three-sport athlete,” she said. She participated in basketball, volleyball and softball.
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“I had an incredible childhood,” she said during a fundraising event on April 26 for Peach’s Neet Feet at the San Juan Country Club. Nichols is the daughter of David and Susan Nichols, and she was raised by her grandparents, Dave and Joan Vilven. The event was organized by Matt Camacho, who complimented Nichols and Madison Steiner, founder of Peach’s Neet Feet, on their accomplishments. “There are two women who are out there globally representing the Four Corners area. What they are doing is amazing,” he said. Nichols, while in Sochi, crashed into Stephani Victor during the super-G, but she was not seriously injured. She talked with friends at the event about the scar she would have on her chin. Despite the crash, she was able to go on to win the silver in the downhill race. She said
May 2013
“There are two women who are out there globally representing the Four Corners area. What they are doing is amazing.” — Matt Camacho
“We have an incredible amount of potential, regardless of abilities.”
she was happy to come home with a medal. Also during the event, Nichols shared a little bit about her childhood and then explained how she ended up in a wheelchair.
Getting her to Sochi, Russia, was a “process,” according to Nichols, who said that even with a corporate sponsor she has needed assistance from family and friends. She credited everyone in Farmington for her success.
“I was able to start snowboarding at a young age,” she said. Nichols began hitting the slopes in the eighth grade, but when she turned 17, she kicked it up a notch and attempted backcountry skiing. She called herself a “daredevil,” saying she attempted a back flip, over-rotated and hit a rock. She was paralyzed from the waist down. Two years later, Nichols was introduced to wheelchair sports and athletics. “I began in wheelchair basketball and was able to go forward and win a gold in Beijing,” she said. After that win, Nichols decided to try her hand at downhill skiing. “I got back on the horse that knocked me
“There is power in community, when people come together because they really believe in something,” Nichols said. She promoted Peach’s Neet Feet, comparing the non-profit organization’s work with the support she needed from friends and family to succeed in her Olympic dreams.
off,” she said. Nichols went to the Vancouver Paralympics in 2010 and came back with a gold in downhill and giant slalom, a silver in super-G, and a bronze in super combined.
May 2014
“When I first broke my back, I felt incredibly lost, without support,” Nichols said. “I needed a little push – someone who believed in me, and I’m here to tell you even a pair of shoes can make a difference.”
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“I would like to help grow the tournament program and the junior golf program at Piñon.” — Joel Atson Head Golf Professional
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Joel Atson is new golf pro at Piñon Hills Golf Course Story by Tom Yost | Photos by Josh Bishop When the city of Farmington made the phone call to hire Joel Atson for the vacant Head Golf Professional position at Piñon Hills Golf Course, the 28-year-old was surprised. “I was extremely surprised that I got the job,” said Atson, “but I was also very excited.” Atson was born in Shiprock, and grew up in Kirtland, where he played golf for Kirtland Central High School on one of the better boys’ golf teams that Kirtland has fielded. After high school, Atson moved to Albuquerque and worked at Tanoan Country Club for PGA Member, Dal Daily. “Tanoan is where I found out about the business side of the golf industry,” explained Atson. “The love for the game is why I continued the path into golf, but professionals like Dal and Jeff Roth were the ones who pushed me further into the business side.” After working a stint at Tanoan, Atson moved back to Farmington and worked at Riverview Golf Course in Kirtland, as well as San Juan Country Club in Farmington, before taking a position at Piñon Hills Golf Course in January. The timing proved to be perfect for Atson, as long-time Head Golf Professional, Ty Hamer, accepted a job in Fort Morgan, Colo., opening up the position for Atson. Chris Jones, the General Manager at Piñon Hills Golf Course liked Atson’s work ethic and mix of background experience from the various courses where he previously had worked. “Joel has a great personality and is good with people,” explained Jones. “He is a good player, which people like, and is a very good merchandiser as well as a strong teacher. It helped that he had the two-month interview starting in January. He worked a couple of months and the timing was just right – he was a good fit.” Atson loves the golf business because of the various – and vast – number of people he gets to meet and with which he can interact on a daily basis. And while he will be learning a lot from this new challenge, Atson wants to make a positive impact as the new Head Golf Professional. “I would like to help grow the tournament program and the junior golf program at Piñon,” stated Atson.
SarahROOT aztec high School
Best of the Best
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Area track athletes compete at Marilyn Sepulveda Invitational Meet Story by Rick Hoerner | Photos by Josh Bishop Each spring the best track athletes in the state meet at UNM for the Marilyn Sepulveda International Track Meet. The Sepulveda meet brings the best times in the state together without consideration for class. With just enough entries to fill the eight lanes, every race is a final and every attempt in the field must be at its best. San Juan County was well represented at the Sepulveda Meet with a total of 31 individuals competing in 26 different events. Four athletes – PV’s Beau Clafton, Farmington’s Devin Hull and Bailey Carter and Aztec’s Sarah Root – qualified in three separate events to lead the field.
On the track Clafton and Hull finished 2nd and 3rd in both the 100 and 200 meters, finishing just behind Valencia’s Joshua Burbank. Aztec’s Nate Ruteledge finished 4th in the 400 meters while Piedra Vista distance runners Harrison Fleming and Timberlin Henderson finished 6th in the 1600 and 3200 respectively. In the hurdles, Aztec’s Josh Harris placed 4th in the 300 meters and 7th in the 110 meters.
competed in the long jump where he finished 5th, two spots behind Aztec’s Ryneal LewisAdams. Greg Passerelli of Aztec finished 6th in the pole vault. Defending state champions Christian Mackey of Kirtland Central finished 2nd in both the shot put and discus behind Volcano Vista’s Mike Budick, still making Mackey the favorite in Class 4A. Bloomfield’s Gabriel Aguirre also placed in discus, coming in 6th.
The county athletes showed strong in the field events as well with Beau Clafton winning the javelin at 181 feet 10 inches. Farmington’s Avery Rasher won the high jump with a leap of 6 feet 6 inches. Rasher also
The ladies of San Juan County were not to be outdone and were especially impressive in the field events. In pole vault, San Juan
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Knothole Day marks the start of youth baseball Story by Rick Hoerner | Photo by Josh Bishop In the fall of 2000 Piedra Vista moved into District 1AAAA and was given the daunting task of having to compete with Class AAAA powerhouse Farmington. The Farmington tradition of Knothole Day now became a battle between crosstown rivals and more than likely a matchup for the district championship and a top seed at the state tournament. On Knothole Day every ballplayer that suits up for the summer gets a chance to have their team introduced and to high-ďŹ ve all of the Scorpions on one baseline and the Panthers on the other. The players are then welcomed to an afternoon of lunch and a usually beautiful day at the ballpark watching our local pastime. For the high schools, they get a chance to play in front of a full house before August. The origin of Knothole Day comes from a man known for a far more socially signiďŹ cant innovation of the game. While Dodger executive Branch Rickey is known as the man that
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brought Jackie Robinson to the Majors to integrate professional baseball, he was also the man who popularized the concept of Knothole Day. Knothole Games or Knothole Gangs were part of baseball lore with ballparks being sur-
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As early as the 1880s, baseball teams such as the New Orleans Pelicans were offering Knothole days to “youths of sound behavior.” The St. Louis Cardinals, under the direction of Rickey, began their first Knothole Gang in 1938, a tradition he continued with the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1940s and ’50s. In Farmington, Knothole Day is the official beginning of youth baseball, a tradition that goes back to the days of Lefty Fox as head coach at Farmington High, and continuing today. Initially, Knothole Day included the opening ceremonies for the Farmington Amateur Baseball Congress with the Scorpions welcoming the new baseball year. As it has been since 2001, Knothole Day was a battle for the district championship between the crosstown rivals. Piedra Vista (17-9, 6-0) captured their 5th consecutive district championship and was awarded with a No. 1 seed by the NMAA for the state tournament with a 10-2 win over the Scorpions. Wyatt Weaver, a rare knuckleballer at the high school level, pitched a complete game for the win. Kody Russell had two RBIs to lead a balanced Panther offensive attack.
The No. 1 seeded Panthers look to advance to their fifth consecutive state championship game hosting Moriarty in the first round. With the tough schedule Farmington continues to play, the Scorpions were seeded No. 6, putting them on the same side of the bracket as the defending state champion St. Pius Sartans and
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The best of three first round series begins on May 9 with the remaining eight playing a single elimination tournament beginning on May 15.
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County schools placed four athletes in the top nine. Aztec’s Morgan Smith finished 2nd with an 11-foot vault. Sierra Lanier came in 5th while PV’s Cassie Crowell placed 7th followed by Bloomfield’s Louisa Maestas in 9th. In the long jump, Aztec’s Sarah Root finished 3rd with Farmington’s River Hess coming in 8th. Root also finished 3rd in the triple jump with Farmington’s Bailey Carter placing 8th. At the high jump pit, Kayli Farmer of Aztec placed 2nd with a jump of 5 feet 4 inches. Just like with the boys, the girls were extremely competitive in throwing events. Piedra Vista’s Kaleigh Graham won the shot put with a toss of 39 feet 9 inches. Kayli Farmer won the javelin with a throw of 141 feet 7 inches with teammate Rikki Newland placing 6th. Newland came in 5th in the discus followed by PV’s Taylor Christensen in 6th. On the track, a banged up Zhianna Flores finished 8th in the 200 meters, but did manage to finish 2nd in the 30-meter hurdles followed by Farmington’s Bailey Carter in 5th. Sarah Root won the 100meter hurdles with a time of 15.38 seconds, while Carter came in 5th. Aztec’s Jessica Kresl placed 6th in the 800 meters. Over the years the Sepulveda Classic has been the measuring stick for track athletes on how they fare against the best the state has to offer. San Juan County’s best athletes look to be up the challenge as they prepare for district and state.
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No. 2 seeded Goddard. The Scorpions also start at home with a series against soon-to-be district rival Miyamura.
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May 2014
Torch run Law enforcement raises more than $22,000 for Special Olympics The Four Corners Law Enforcement Torch Run raised $22,600 for Special Olympics during the April 4-5 Chili’s Tip A Cop event in Farmington. Several local police officers volunteered to work as celebrity servers that weekend at Chili’s, where they performed several tasks including greeting and seating guests, waiting on
and bussing tables and serving beverages and meals. They also sold T-shirts and other merchandise with the Law Enforcement Torch Run logo. This allowed the officers to raise the funds to support state and local Special Olympics athletes and events. “I would like to give a special thank you to the citizens of Farmington for coming in and
May 2014
donating to this event,” Farmington Police Chief Mike Hebbe said. “At the end of the day, it was the community of Farmington that really rallied together and raised more than $22,000 over a two-day event, and that is really something.” The money was given to Special Olympics officials and athletes during an April 23 event at the Farmington Police Department.
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The Last …
RickHOERNER Editorial columnist
As we move into May, proms are in the books and graduations are just around the corner. For the seniors – and apparently a lot of teachers as well – everything is “the last.” The last Homecoming, last spring break, last prom, last sporting event are all fading to the past.
choir and Student Senate continued to give her those attributes as well. Just as it does for many others, choir gave her the opportunity to experience success that sports didn’t. in choir she was part of three state championship squads and an All-State choir participant three more times.
“The Last” has been a big theme lately as my youngest gets ready to join hundreds of other students walking across the graduation stage to young adulthood. This concept has been a mixed blessing around the house, especially for my wife who watched her daughter dress for her last prom, play her last game, perform her last concert and run her last race. However, it also means the last sports fundraiser, the last team package to purchase and the last “When is this going to end?” banquet.
She learned commitment and leadership in the Student Senate where she was the Student Body President with an increased sense of self worth and sense of responsibility to get things done for the betterment of her classmates.
Just last week i wrote that the “just glad to make the team athlete” is all but gone. While there are a few three-sport athletes left, there are more who are looking to athletics as a way to help pay for college or more. if you have read this column over the last three years or so you should know that my belief is that participation in athletics is more essential than success. Of course it is always good to win, and if you aren’t interested in winning why bother? But the intangibles that athletics provided my children are really where the value of sport is in a public school setting. That being said, academics of the high school are skewed as well. in the new era of common core, inflated 5.0 Advanced Placement grades and a college readiness attitude that everything else is of little to no worth, we have all but discounted the value of work ethic, community service and the arts. That is why i am so incredibly proud of my daughter who chose to experience as much as possible in her limited high school life and work toward what i believe is the real value of a public education – the ability to learn how to learn and serve above her own needs. My daughter kira is, first of all, a great kid. i know every parent says that – and probably
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That is all a father can hope for from sports and activities, that your child learns a sense of togetherness, pride, empathy and work ethic. My daughter was a terrific teammate and considerate of her opponents. She embodied all that sports are supposed to provide for our youth. championships are great, but do they complete your high school experience ? is the career of a PV wrestler or softball player more valuable than those who never hoisted the blue trophy, but gave all they had every sports season every year?
should – but she really is. She has taken advantage of nearly every opportunity the public school system offers. in high school alone she participated in four sports, choir, student senate, New Mexico Girls State and honor society. All in all, a great high school experience She will finish up her athletic career in track this month and complete a career of 13 varsity letters. Now my kid is not the one you are going to read about in The Daily Times or Max Preps, nor are colleges calling her for an athletic scholarship, but in all honesty she got out of athletics exactly what i hoped for – a boost in self-confidence and a chance to be part of something bigger than herself. She learned how to work through injury, much more than i would wish on anyone, and she learned that success early doesn’t always mean it comes later as well.
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For my daughter, the overall high school experience meant everything, and i’m sure there was more she still would have loved to try. in the ever-changing school dynamic, a politician’s claim of what they are doing for education takes priority over those that actually work in the field. Remember that high school isn’t just about academics or learning how to get a job. it is about experiences – both good and bad – that build character and natural intellectual curiosity. i thank those that have given my daughter just that, from all her teachers and coaches to activity sponsors and friends. i truly thank all of you. So here’s to one last “last,” just days before graduation from high school, and here’s to all the graduates who lived their high school experiences out to the fullest, whether in the spotlight or the shadows. May what you learned on the fields and courts of high school carry you throughout life.
Funston
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9 larly easy for an athlete who had trained to increase strength in his upper body, but now had to lose that mass to become a competitive cyclist. After finishing well into the 80s in his first Ironhorse race, Funston began to look at training differently, so he began using his time to train and do research on training techniques.
With his college career over, Funston did what most athletes do to stay involved – they coach, first looking in Farmington and then returning to Las Cruces where he began a short teaching career, but never got the chance to coach. After reaching the conclusion that teaching was not really for him, Bryant moved with his new wife, Kristin to Memphis. Here, Bryant “ditched the mountain bike I’d been using for summer basketball cross-training, bought a road bike, and gave the Ironhorse a go.”
Today, Bryant Funston trains athletes as part of a company he co-owns called BPC Performance Coaching. BPC does customized workouts for close to 60 athletes, manages two different cycling teams that have grown to 50+ members, and travels around the United States training and racing. “It’s always great to wake up knowing that you are helping people reach their goals,” Funston says “For some, that’s dropping 50 pounds. For others, it’s qualifying for the Ironman World Championships.” That, balanced with the responsibilities of fatherhood and spouse, makes Funston a very busy man.
Although Funston was always fascinated from a young age, the move to Memphis gave him a chance to reinvent himself as an athlete. “Growing up, we had good family friends who were talking about completing the Ironhorse Bicycle Classic,” Funston recalled. “The goal was always to beat the train to Silverton, which takes about four hours. I couldn’t believe that people were actually capable of riding a bike that far over those mountains, so naturally I wanted to give it a try.” The transition to biking was not particu-
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in his life, both as a developing young man and now as his adult career. “My adult life is consumed with sports. The company I have co-built with my business partner in Memphis is all about improving sport performance. If not for sports, I would not have the job and business that I love. I get paid to work with athletes, ride my bike, and help people meet their sporting and fitness goals.” Funston said. It doesn’t get much better than that as an athlete looking to make sports a career. “In college, I knew I wanted to be a coach. If you had told me that it was going to be a cycling, running, and triathlon coach, I would have called you a liar. Although I would not have guessed this path, I am very fortunate that sports continue to give me so much,” Funston added. In the future, Funston hopes to return to the Southwest, perhaps Durango, and continue his coaching business. “We are also getting started on developing endurance specific products to help athletes further improve within their given sports,” he added.
Funston realizes the importance of sports
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McGrath hosts annual youth camp June 2 to 5 Story Debra Mayeux | Photos by Josh Bishop Future tennis champions will have an opportunity to hone their skills this summer for less than $3 a lesson. Farmington High School Tennis Coach Pat McGrath will offer his annual tennis camp for youth ages 6 through 16, and the cost is $40 for 12 hours of training.
The camp will run June 2 through 5 at the Farmington Tennis Complex on 30th Street. McGrath began coaching the girl’s high school tennis team nearly 21 years ago. He began offering the summer tennis camp his second year of coaching. “We started with 25 kids at Lions Court and it’s gotten bigger and bigger each year,” he said.
May 2014
There were 90 children who participated in the camp last year, and McGrath expects upwards of 100 this year. The students will learn all of the strokes and how to score a tennis match. “It is open to all skill levels. Most of my tennis team started at these camps,” he said,
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wheadding that upper-level students we be drilled at their skill level. The camp is open to both boys and girls, and some of the high school-level tennis players will help out on each court. “They know how to teach,” McGrath said. The camp has been wildly popular, and McGrath believes that is because of when it is offered. It is the week after school lets out for summer, and it is two weeks before the annual Citizens’ Tournament. “The camp gets the kids excited about tennis,” he said, adding the game is a lifelong sport that can be enjoyed. “It’s a cheap sport,” McGrath said. “All you need is a can of tennis balls and a racket for $30.” Most people need someone to play against, but the tennis complex has walls which a player can bounce a ball off for simulated play. Camp participants need to wear tennis shoes and bring a tennis racket, sunscreen and water. There is no shade at the tennis complex, so students need to be prepared for lessons, which run from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration begins June 2, the first day of camp. For more information email McGrath at mcgrp4015@yahoo.com
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THE FIRST TEE
Variety if the spice of life Sports and youth development are becoming hot topics these days due to overbearing parents, injuries/concussions and the “onesport” mentality that so many teams have adopted. the true tragedy is that the combination of these topics plus the elimination of physical education in our classrooms is resulting in the next generation being underdeveloped in various ways. the one-sport mentality and the decreased physical education time at school are the two that raise the most serious concerns with me as a golf instructor. Besides, there have always been overbearing parents who think that their child is going to develop into the next greatest athlete and while injuries/concussions seem to be increasing, I believe that society has finally caught up to the inherent risks that have been there all along. So let me raise the discussion on why letting your child play only one sport is actually hindering the development of your child and how physical education needs to increase in our schools instead of being taken away. tHE NEED For morE pHYSICAL EDUCAtIoN physical education and the arts (music and art) are being slowly weaned out of our children’s education curriculum. With an increased focus on test scores, math and reading have now consumed our educational system. Unfortunately, the decision makers are forcing policies on our children that are actually detrimental to those said test scores
they get older and can make their own decision.
tomYOST the First tee and – more concerning – their overall development. research is finding that a lack of physical activity causes a decrease in blood flow to our brains which inhibits our ability to focus and learn. In addition, playing aids in the creative and imaginative aspect of childhood development which is critical for the development of the “whole” child. our children need the consistent and constant motor skill development that they receive by licensed physical educators in our schools. this, coupled with the pandemic of childhood obesity rising daily, should be an alarm in our schools that is reaching Defcon 1. With a decrease in physical education, our students are underperforming both physically and academically. tHE oNE-Sport mENtALItY repeat after me, “Insert name of your child here, is Not going to make it to the professional level at the current sport he/she is playing in right now.” Now, I realize there are anomalies and local products that have proven this statement wrong, but they are so few and far between that it isn’t worth ruining your child’s development on the .00000000000000001 percent chance that they will make it to the professional ranks. the beautiful thing that many leaders in youth development are finding through research is that each different athletic endeavor builds different coordination levels that can build upon one another to actually enhance the sport they choose to play when
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take for example the game of golf – the best of all the sports in my non-biased opinion – is a combination of coordination, strength, balance, rotation and mental fortitude. Having your child play baseball, basketball, tennis, soccer, dance, softball and/or volleyball – or any other sport here – will help your child develop the brain connectivity in all of those areas in different ways. Just playing golf would only develop those certain areas in one concentrated way. Never mind the development of learning how to play a team sport versus an individual sport and the brain development that goes along with learning each skill. Baseball scouts and managers are starting to look at the history of sports played by a youth for each potential baseball draft pick they make. A red flag is immediately raised if that player only played baseball growing up and nothing else. “Why?” you may ask? It all comes back to learning skills that build upon one another to form a complete individual. It is important for them to learn new skills, learn to adapt, and learn to succeed/fail with something more than just one game or sport. Unfortunately, parents are choosing the select, travel team route for their kids in many sports, which doesn’t allow for participation in other activities. But probably the most important reason for having your child become active in a myriad of different skills is that it gets them out of their comfort zone. they will meet new people who may become friends for life, they may fall in love with the new sport or activity – which wouldn’t have otherwise happened in the one-sport model – and they won’t burn out of the one sport that they are playing ALL tHE tImE! If you are over the age of 40 and played youth sports, I can promise you two things that led to your overall development – physical education in school more than once a week and playing multiple sports growing up during your childhood. Yet, this is what is happening to our kids today – and it is unacceptable.
Letter of intent Kaleigh Graham signs with Metro State College Piedra Vista Panther All-State post player Kaleigh Graham on April 16 committed to Metro State College in Denver. Graham, who is a rare ďŹ ve-time letterman in basketball, completed a stellar career at Piedra Vista where she led the Panthers in scoring and rebounding her senior year. She was the 2014 District 1AAAA player of the year and was selected to the North All-Star team as well as representing New Mexico in the ArizonaNew Mexico All-Star series. This spring Graham won the Marilyn Sepulveda Classic shot put competition featuring the best of the best without regard for class. Kaleigh Graham, center, signs with the Metro State Roadrunners alongside her parents Kristy & Jeff Graham, Head Girls Basketball Coach Joe Reed and Athletic Director Kelly Thur.
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Online processing New system handy as long as you have Internet service Story by Debra Mayeux | Photo by Josh Bishop Fishing season began April 2 in New Mexico, and anglers had to get used to a new system for accessing fishing licenses. New Mexico Game and Fish converted the licensing system to an online process that requires payment by credit card and a purchase by computer, tablet or smart phone. The licenses may be purchased by logging onto wildlife.state.nm.us or by calling 1.888.248.6866. The setup has streamlined the licensing process for both fishing and hunt-
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ing within the state, but some have said there is a problem accessing the site from remote locations, such as Navajo Reservoir, where cell phone service is limited.
toll-free number for a correction.
While the licenses might not be available at the lake site, there are off-site properties, such as Abe’s Fly Shop, that sell the licenses on a computer set up in the shop. An employee at Abe’s said nine out of 10 of the licenses go through without a problem. Some of the licenses have incorrect information on them, and then the applicant has to call the
T.J. Massey, of San Juan River Outfitters, said while there are no problems when the computers are working, there are reliability concerns at the dam. Navajo Dam historically has had Web server problems, and if someone drives out to the lake only to find the server down, they will not be able to get a fishing license.
May 2014
Most of applications, however, are going through processing just fine, the employee said.
* License 35
Fishing REPORT Summer is almost here so it's time to get the fishing gear out and head to the San Juan River. Current flows on the San Juan River below Navajo Lake are 250cfs. Water clarity has improved greatly over the past few weeks making dry fly fishing a possibility in the afternoons. Look for midge clusters to form in the afternoon hours. With the hatches being best from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. don't be in a rush to get to the water. Some of the best nymph rigs to try are: Size 22 red larvae followed by size 24 black zebra midge. Size 22 root beer midge larvae followed by size 22 olive midge. The best dry flies have been: Size 22 single black CDC midge. Size 18 griffith’s gnat. Fishing in the Catch and Keep area has been fair using worms and salmon eggs!
T.J. Massey San Juan River Outfitters www.sanjuanriveroutfitters.com 505.486.5347
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Born: Sept. 13, 1999, Farmington, N.M. High School: Piedra Vista High School College: University of New Mexico Drafted in the 38th round (1158th overall) by the San Francisco
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Giants in 2010 (did not sign)
In your second year in the Giants organization, what is your goal for this season? My goal for the entire season is to stay healthy first and keep myself in a good shape, so that the only thing left to worry about is getting better as a pitcher. When it comes to pitching, my goal is to attack the strike zone more consistently with at least two of my pitches – and I hope three by the end of the year – and staying healthy so I can stay on the mound more to work on what I need to be successful. After your senior year of high school the Giants drafted you, but you decided to go to UNM. How do you look at that decision now? I look at it as a good experience and a major gain of knowledge in the entire system of advancing in baseball. At UNM, baseball did not go as smoothly as I would have liked, but getting to experience school was much more enjoyable than I thought it would be. As far as baseball, it may have benefited me a little more to go pro right out of high school, but who knows what could have happened. All that matters now is that I’m in the same position I would have been. Just maybe not as far up in the system as I might have been signing out of high school. Looking back on your high school career, what best prepared you for the professional baseball life? I would have to say going to show case tournaments more than anything, and getting to play against the best players around the country. Playing in Farmington is great and some of the best baseball memories I have are there, but the jump from there to pro ball is a really big one.
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Was there anything you would have done differently in your high school career? Not at all. I loved every bit of high school and summer baseball in Farmington. Getting to play with my brother and best friends all the time is definitely the highlight of my baseball memories. I wouldn’t change any of them.
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Your parents attended every game you played, it seemed. How important was their support? Huge. It’s always nice, when you’re at a tough point in your
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JACoBMCCASLAND
Drafted in the 26th round (792nd overall) by the San Francisco Giants in 2013
May 2014
career, to know that you have parents like them in your corner. They always support my brother and me, which is really nice.
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How have you grown as a pitcher since turning pro?
Well there are many things, but the most important is learning that you don’t have to blow fastballs by everyone, because you can’t. Professional hitters can hit 100-mph fastballs. The main thing I’ve learned is that it’s better to throw to location with movement than just to be wild and throw hard. It’s also important to keep them off balance by throwing off speed pitches for strikes at the right times.
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You were quite a hitter in your youth. Do you sometimes wish you were an everyday player and getting a few at bats?
Absolutely. Being a pitcher can be pretty boring at times when you’re not playing. I miss hitting a lot. I try to hit batting practice when I can, but many of the hitting skills have, sadly, been lost after four years of not hitting.
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Your brother Morgan also went on to play at the collegiate level. What advice did you give him when he headed to college?
I’m not really sure if I did give him any. I know he can take care of himself and he’s doing really well. Hopefully he can be playing professionally along with me soon.
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Currently, you are in the Giants organization with former PV teammate Shilo McCall. Has that made the transition to the pros easier ?
I think it has a little bit for both of us in some way or another. I know that after three years of college I was ready to get out and get to playing professional baseball. It has definitely been easier, so far, with him being here. Almost every time I pitch he’s in the outfield playing defense behind me, which is pretty cool.
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Were you starstruck at all at spring training this year? If so, who were you dying to meet?
not too much, I mean you have to look at is as you’re as good as anyone here. We’re all
professionals. I have met several of the guys on the big league club, such as Ryan voggelsong and angel Pagan. they are both great guys, but if you didn’t know it they would seem like any other guy walking down the street. I would say it’s more exciting person-
ally to know that you’re so close to that level on which those guys play every day, it gives you something to be excited about. I wouldn’t say I’m dying to meet anyone, because we see most of those guys around the complex quite often.
“I’ve talked to the shop owners, and not one of them has had a problem yet. You can print your license in our office or at home.” — T.J. Massey
the year with a $4 Habitat Management access validation and a $5 Habitat Improvement Stamp, which is mandatory on all uSDa forest Service and BLM properties.
License continued from 32 “I’ve talked to the shop owners, and not one of them has had a problem yet,” Massey said. He still has advised people to get their license on their home computer before heading out to the lake. “You can print your license in our office or at home.” new Mexico Game and fish has not reported any problems on its website, and, according to Department fisheries Chief Mike Sloane the season ahead looks to be a good one. “Spring has sprung, and warmer temperatures mean thawing ice, emerging insects, hungry fish and great fishing,” Sloane said. new Mexico waters offer all types of fish, including bass, tiger muskie and walleye in
San Juan RIveR OutfItteRS
non-residents pay $56 for an annual license or $24 for a five-day license and $12 for a one-day license. Children under 11 and seniors over the age of 70 can fish free. a junior license is $5, and a senior license for ages 65 to 69 is $8. non-resident children can purchase annual licenses for $15.
local reserviors and Rio Grande Cuttthroat, Gila and Rainbow trout in high mountain streams, according to the Game and fish.
Game and fish also provides a game-hunting and fishing combination license for $30.
anglers who live in the state should plan to purchase their licenses prior to heading to the lake proper. the licenses are $25 for
Licensing information, as well as the ability to purchase licenses, can be found on the Internet at wildlife.state.nm.us.
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