content Don Vaughan
| 18 | Mile High
PublISHER
Cindy Cowan Thiele EDITOR
Rick Hoerner Dorothy Nobis Tom Yost CONTRIbuTING WRITERS
Josh bishop Curtis Ray benally CONTRIbuTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Suzanne Thurman DESIGNER
Devotion Fans of the Denver broncos are avid in their love of their team. In November of 2014, the website Playbuzz listed “23 Things All Denver broncos Fans Know to be True.” While we won’t go into all 23 of them, there are several that stand out, stand up and stand for a broncos fan.
| 26 | From kitchens to canyons For 15 years Cheryl Sitton was recognized as one of the best caterers in the area. bread From the Heart, Sitton’s catering business, was sought after and appreciated for decadent desserts, amazing cookies, and great dishes that were perfect for any occasion.
Clint Alexander Tonya Daniell SAlES STAFF
lacey Waite
|4|
ADMINISTRATION
www.fourcornerssports.com
Please send to editor@tricitytribuneusa.com Majestic Media 100 W. Apache Street Farmington, NM 87401 505.516.1230 www.majesticmediausa.com Four Corners Sports magazine is published six times a year 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 omissions. © 2016 Four Corners Sports magazine.
| 16 | Dynamic Duo Farmington High School has seen its share of great golfers throughout the years. Whether you are talking about billy Dunson or luke Tanner, the Scorpions have had great teams as well as great individuals. The tradition continues well into the 21st century, with two representatives from the 2016 squad who are among the best in the state of New Mexico at the 5A level.
It’s late afternoon in Durango, Colo., and Marco Zuniga Founder of the Colorado Running Ranch, and Sean Meissner, affiliate running coach for CRR and Sharman ultra Endurance Coaching, are lacing up their running shoes for an informal business meeting.
For advertising information Call 505.516.1230
STORY IDEAS and PHOTOS
POSITIVE, CONSISTENT COACHING
|8|
2016 Road Apple Rally Nick Gould, 38, has been racing and riding mountain bikes since the age of 15.
| 12 | The First Tee
| 24 | Editorial Columnist by Rick Hoerner
| 25 | County Notes
by Tom Yost
| 14 | Brains and Brawn
| 30 | NASCAR Nellie
The Aztec Highland Games celebrated its sixth year Oct. 1-2 as one of the premiere Celtic festivals in the Southwest. There were upwards of 60 participants from as far away as Wisconsin competing in a variety of challenges to match brains and brawn.
NOVEMBER 2016
Four Corners SPORTS
3
Positive, consistent coaching
Colorado Running Ranch: Altruism at Altitude Story and photos by Ben Brashear It’s late afternoon in Durango, Colo., and Marco Zuniga Founder of the Colorado Running Ranch, and Sean Meissner, affiliate running coach for CRR and Sharman Ultra Endurance Coaching, are lacing up their running shoes for an informal business meeting. If only all business meetings were conducted in running shoes. the two are discussing the inaugural four-day CRR running camp slated for october 2016 and its first appeal to the running public. Meissner stands to leash-up his two dogs, Milo, a rescue Rottweiler mix, and Ardy, a Border Collie that wears a ceaseless smile. Zuniga tucks his long ponytail underneath his CRR ball cap and sliding on his sunglasses, both man and canine stride out the front door toward the trail system that is test tracks. Less than half a mile away is the Hog’s Back and the heart of test tracks. Zuniga points out the steep ridgeline where he got to play a role in Wes Walker’s ode to running in the short film, the Gift. the trail system comprises steep switch-backs and several deep ravines that wind like spider veins throughout the loose Mancos Shale. Meissner leads the way up a mellow section of trail known as Star Wars, a shaded ravine that will offer some reprieve from the August heat. “take it easy on me,” Zuniga calls up to Meiss-
ner. “I did a bunch of hill repeats yesterday and my quads are trashed.” the idea for the Colorado Running Ranch has been something that Zuniga toyed with for some time starting in 2013. However, it was not until 2015 and the opportunity to host a running camp for the Young Vets, a youth leadership program based out of the Bay Area, Calif., that the ranch took shape – a high-end destination running and training camp for those looking to train at altitude with an altruistic focus at its core. Zuniga had finished constructing the custom 4,000 square-foot ranch home and improving the 2,000 sq. ft. guest home near trew Creek, Colo. and was leasing it out on Airbnb. However profitable that may have been, like a glowing neon sign that read “Destiny,” it was the home’s proximity to a seemingly endless trail system, combined with Zuniga’s passion for mountain running and his business sense instilled long ago through several familyowned mechanic shops, tire Connection, that he realized what he wanted to be doing with his life – instilling positivity and building confident community leaders through running. In 2015, the Young Vets, a student-athlete program, reached out to Zuniga. His high altitude running camp would be the first stop of
NOVEMBER 2016
Four Corners SpoRtS
5
strong enough to be competitive – that is until he started consistently running down the varsity seniors. After proving himself to his coaches that first year, Zuniga realized his ability and true inclination was for distance trail running.
several during their six-week leadership development summer program. The program accepts up to ten low-income students rising into their junior year in high school across the nation. They aim to educate student-athletes in business education, college preparation, community leadership, and life skills ranging from nutrition to finances. Working with the Young Vets was not something that Zuniga had originally anticipated, but he says that with his own struggles and accomplishments growing up, the partnership was a perfect match.
“My difficulties growing up and my success as a businessman, and persistence help me relate to the kids who come in with the Young Vets – but man, these kids and their stories range from watching their friends being murdered at the age of twelve, to suicide, to broken homes,” Zuniga says. “They really have no hope other than drugs or violence and becoming a part of the societal problem as a whole. After I had the first camp in 2015, I had three kids write me afterward and they told me that I changed their lives,” he continues. “I knew then that this what I need to do with my life.”
Zuniga has earned the moniker “Mr. Positivity” at his Wednesday night group runs. It’s not something that has always been easy to come by, positivity, but is something he says he has had to cultivate over the years. “Yeah, I’m gonna be that guy, you know. The world needs more positivity. I’ve been there down in the dirt and super depressed, but I’ve learned to just look at both sides.” Growing up in El Paso, Texas, Zuniga was not one for want. His family owned several automotive repair shops with a number of city contracts. His struggle came once he started competing in high school cross-country. Zuniga was the only runner representing Cathedral High School and was training with notable running coach Sam Walker. Walker had a reputation for having trained under Joe Vigil and having been on the University of Texas at El Paso team with the likes of Gidamis Shahanga and Suleiman Nyambui, seven-time NCAA champion and 1980 Silver Medalist in the 5,000 meter. Walker, while coaching Zuniga, was also training with Alan Culpepper who would later go on to the Olympics. Despite such a resume, area high school coaches considered Walker’s methods unorthodox and contradictory to their own, which set Zuniga up for his first hard life les-
6
Four Corners SPORTS
son – to reach your goals, you may have to fight the system. Zuniga was on the podium at nearly every cross-country meet, but competing as a team of one was, according to the other coaches, messing with team scoring. Their solution was to allow Zuniga to run, but his finishes would not count. In spite of this he remained persistent and loyal to Walker, “When I race, I can still hear his voice,” Zuniga says. “Walker taught me I could be myself and express my potential through running. At State, all my buddies came together to form my ‘team’ so that I could qualify.” Zuniga would continue on to compete at the collegiate level while attending University of Texas El Paso. There, to his dismay, he faced similar scrutiny. The coaches questioned his 99 pound frame and told him that he was not
NOVEMBER 2016
At the core of CRR is the Young Vets program and Zuniga’s heart. “My true dream is to have kids’ camp all summer and getting kids here that have never seen the mountains. You know how it is, we go up there hundreds of times and it takes our breath away – and man, to see someone experience that for the first time, it pumps me up,” he says. Slated for the rest of the year, Zuniga will cater to runners looking to get out on supported multiday adventures into the Weminuche Wilderness, people who need a coach to work on running form, a nutrition plan or simply to get healthy. He says that CRR is concurrently reaching out to elite collegiate athletes outside of the running discipline. “We’re not really catering just to the elites like another Nike Running Project, but we’re going to go after the collegiate athletes –
* Running Ranch 34
2016 Road Apple Rally Nick Gould ekes out win over 15-year-old Quinn Simmons Nick Gould, 38, has been racing and riding mountain bikes since the age of 15. He moved to Durango from Maine to attend Fort Lewis College and race collegiately. After graduating from college, Nick turned pro and has been competing internationally, nationally, and regionally ever since. He is the manager of the Ska/Zia Mountain Bike Race Team and a coach of the Fort Lewis College Mountain Bike Team.
win the 30-mile pro category.
Gould’s experience paid off this year at the 2016 Road Apply Rally when he edged out fellow Durango cyclist Quinn Simmons to take the title.
Today the routes of this world famous mountain bike race present a 15-mile loop for beginners and the traditional 30-mile Road Apple Rally Route. The routes run through the Glade Run Recreation area.
Simmons turned in a time of 1:44:21.It was not enough to overtake Gould who won with a time of one hour, 44 minutes and 17 seconds to
8
Four Corners SPoRTS
The Road Apple Rally is the longest running Mountain Bike race in the United States. When the race began in 1981, pink ribbons were tied to trees to mark the trail, and the bike riders shared the area with the horsemen.
The race attracts pros and amaturs alike.
NOVEMBER 2016
This celebrated mountain bike race features five divisions: Beginner Pro Expert Sport Single Speed The Beginner course is a 15-mile loop, all others ride the full 30-mile Road Apple Rally course. Both courses feature whoops, where "you spend more time in the air then on the ground"! Course terrain also includes short climbs, flats, sandy arroyos and sharp corners.
Quinn Simmons
Nick Gould Place Name Men PRO Overall 1st Nick Gould 2nd Quinn Simmons 3rd Randy Flores 4th Brent Winebarger Women PRO Overall 1st Ava Hachmann CAT 1 Overall Male 1st Gaige Sippy 2nd Jerry Garcia 3rd Doug Kast 4th Nicholas Martinez 5th Josh Snow CAT 1 Overall Female 1st Angela Des Cognets 2nd Kim Bear 3rd Beth Olsen 4th Betsy Richards M CAT 1 EXPERT 1-19 1st Josh Snow M CAT 1 EXPERT 30-34 1st Nicholas Martinez M CAT 1 EXPERT 35-39 1st Randy John Jr M CAT 1 EXPERT 40-44 1st Doug Kast 2nd Jacob Gonzales 3rd Brandon Cunningham M CAT 1 EXPERT 45-49 1st Gaige Sippy F CAT 1 EXPERT 45-49 1st Angela Des Cognets M CAT 1 EXPERT 50-54 1st Jerry Garcia 2nd David Mount
Time
OA Place
Bike MPH
1:44:17 1:44:21 1:48:57 1:53:02
1 2 3 4
17.26 mph 17.25 mph 16.52 mph 15.92 mph
2:16:48
1
13.16 mph
1:55:54 1:56:27 1:59:06 1:59:07 1:59:18
1 2 3 4 5
15.53 mph 15.46 mph 15.11 mph 15.11 mph 15.09 mph
2:08:10 2:24:06 2:26:42 2:36:48
1 2 3 4
14.04 mph 12.49 mph 12.27 mph 11.48 mph
1:59:18
5
15.09 mph
1:59:07
4
15.11 mph
2:07:59
9
14.06 mph
1:59:06 2:01:23 2:10:19
3 7 11
15.11 mph 14.83 mph 13.81 mph
1:55:54
1
15.53 mph
2:08:10
1
14.04 mph
1:56:27 1:59:22
2 6
15.46 mph 15.08 mph
Ava Hachmann
Place Name F CAT 1 EXPERT 50-54 1st Beth Olsen F CAT 1 EXPERT 55-59 1st Betsy Richards M CAT 1 EXPERT 60-64 1st Jan Bear F CAT 1 EXPERT 60-64 1st Kim Bear M CAT 1 EXPERT 65-69 1st Ralph Winebarger M CAT 2 SPORT 1-19 1st JD Brantingham M CAT 2 SPORT 20-24 1st Kellian Rusk 2nd Armando Mondragon 3rd Jordan Glaze F CAT 2 SPORT 20-24 1st Jasmine Htoon M CAT 2 SPORT 25-29 1st Bryan Klock 2nd Corey Smith M CAT 2 SPORT 30-34 1st Shaun Pettigrew 2nd Sherwin Yazzie 3rd Thomas Massad M CAT 2 SPORT 35-39 1st Chad Gaines 2nd Chris Conley 3rd Scott Bankhead M CAT 2 SPORT 40-44 1st Jan Grande 2nd Robert Stump 3rd Shane Valdez F CAT 2 SPORT 40-44 1st Tamatha Risner
NOVEMBER 2016
Time
OA Place
Bike MPH
2:26:42
3
12.27 mph
2:36:48
4
11.48 mph
2:08:15
10
14.03 mph
2:24:06
2
12.49 mph
2:07:58
8
14.07 mph
2:11:44
12
13.66 mph
1:57:26 2:04:31 2:26:41
2 6 35
15.33 mph 14.45 mph 12.27 mph
4:00:40
3
7.48 mph
2:11:01 2:18:55
10 26
13.74 mph 12.96 mph
2:08:16 2:12:02 2:13:36
9 14 16
14.03 mph 13.63 mph 13.47 mph
2:04:30 2:18:22 2:19:56
5 23 27
14.46 mph 13.01 mph 12.86 mph
1:58:22 2:11:42 2:31:09
3 11 45
15.21 mph 13.67 mph 11.91 mph
2:20:14
1
12.84 mph
Four Corners SPORTS
9
Place Name M CAT 2 SPORT 45-49 1st Scott Simmons 2nd Barry Hanson 3rd Matthew Arviso F CAT 2 SPORT 45-49 1st Michelle Blankenship M CAT 2 SPORT 50-54 1st Michael Dietzman 2nd Joel Richards 3rd Joseph Fortin M CAT 2 SPORT 55-59 1st Jeffrey Keller 2nd Robert Perls 3rd Jeff Culler M CAT 2 SPORT 60-64 1st Robert Burns 2nd Vaughan Kendall M CAT 2 SPORT 65-69 1st Michael Hicks 2nd John Gillett 3rd Dan Dunn M CAT 2 SINGLE SPEED 35-39 1st DJ Claassen M CAT 2 SINGLE SPEED 40-44 1st Luis Ferrer M CAT 2 SINGLE SPEED 45-49 1st Tony Prete 2nd Jeremy Yeager
10
Four Corners SPORTS
Time
OA Place
Bike MPH
1:52:23 1:59:12 2:11:50
1 4 13
16.01 mph 15.1 mph 13.65 mph
2:27:31
2
12.2 mph
2:05:28 2:06:08 2:16:19
7 8 18
14.35 mph 14.27 mph 13.2 mph
2:18:34 2:21:41 2:22:10
24 29 30
12.99 mph 12.7 mph 12.66 mph
2:26:54 2:54:24
36 53
12.25 mph 10.32 mph
2:16:23 2:27:43 2:29:33
19 38 42
13.2 mph 12.18 mph 12.04 mph
1:52:28
1
16.0 mph
2:13:20
4
13.5 mph
2:11:40 2:18:55
2 5
13.67 mph 12.96 mph
NOVEMBER 2016
Place Name 3rd Michael Freund M CAT 2 SINGLE SPEED 50-54 1st Scott Bristol 2nd Steven Smith CAT 2 Clydesdale 1st James Junes 2nd William Cockrell 3rd Isaac Atencio M CAT 3 BEGINNER 1-10 1st Wyatt Coor 2nd Logan Smith 3rd Nathan Hakes M CAT 3 BEGINNER 11-12 1st Barron Bronson 2nd Nathan Williams 3rd Robert Jr. Grona F CAT 3 BEGINNER 11-12 1st Alyssa Smith M CAT 3 BEGINNER 13-14 1st Camble Cillessen 2nd Jalen Junes 3rd Reily Amos F CAT 3 BEGINNER 13-14 1st Holly Conley 2nd Bella Danek 3rd Nalia Kast F CAT 3 BEGINNER 15-16 1st Morgan Fortin
Time 2:25:05
OA Place 6
Bike MPH 12.41 mph
2:12:22 3:08:06
3 8
13.6 mph 9.57 mph
2:30:32 2:44:46 2:57:08
1 2 3
11.96 mph 10.92 mph 10.16 mph
1:28:04 1:28:05 1:55:50
37 38 55
10.22 mph 10.22 mph 7.77 mph
1:09:28 1:15:23 1:59:24
14 23 57
12.95 mph 11.94 mph 7.54 mph
1:38:21
16 9.
15 mph
1:06:15 1:13:57 1:38:23
4 19 46
13.58 mph 12.17 mph 9.15 mph
1:27:02 1:28:42 2:01:22
13 14 19
10.34 mph 10.15 mph 7.42 mph
1:35:29
15
9.42 mph
Place Name M CAT 3 BEGINNER 19-24 1st Dean Eaton F CAT 3 BEGINNER 19-24 1st Grace Wallace M CAT 3 BEGINNER 25-29 1st Travis Sisco M CAT 3 BEGINNER 30- 34 1st Jake McBride 2nd James Falke 3rd Martin Olsen F CAT 3 BEGINNER 30-34 1st Heather Wendeborn 2nd Stephanie Gaines 3rd Shorell Dixon M CAT 3 BEGINNER 35-39 1st Zach Stradling 2nd Nik Paniagua 3rd Tony Lake F CAT 3 BEGINNER 35-39 1st Amy Coor 2nd Ann Kalcich 3rd Melody Dalley M CAT 3 BEGINNER 40-44 1st Andrew Gephardt 2nd Brian Peterson 3rd David Coor F CAT 3 BEGINNER 40-44 1st Angela Prince 2nd Lisa Haws
Time
OA Place
Bike MPH
1:07:05
7
13.42 mph
1:24:44
12
10.62 mph
1:07:45
10
13.28 mph
1:02:23 1:07:01 1:18:08
1 6 26
14.43 mph 13.43 mph 11.52 mph
1:19:15 1:23:39 1:23:48
6 8 10
11.36 mph 10.76 mph 10.74 mph
1:07:08 1:09:32 1:13:46
8 15 18
13.4 mph 12.94 mph 12.2 mph
1:11:25 1:43:19 1:43:19
2 17 18
12.6 mph 8.71 mph 8.71 mph
1:15:19 1:24:12 1:28:07
22 36 39
11.95 mph 10.69 mph 10.21 mph
2:04:13 2:04:14
20 21
7.24 mph 7.24 mph
NOVEMBER 2016
Four Corners SPORTS
11
Local high school golf update teams have some great momentum heading toward spring the fall portion of the nmaa high school golf season is complete, with many local teams hoping to use the momentum and success of the past two months to springboard them into the spring – and eventually the state championships in may.
PV Piedra Vista High School Boys Golf team became the first 6a school (largest classification) to qualify for the class 6a State championship at Spring river Golf course in roswell. Gaining qualifying legs twice at riverview and once at Piñon Hills, the Panthers are young but hungry after finishing in third place in the 5a State championships last year. led by the sophomore quartet of tyler and trey diehl, river Smalley and Spencer Payne, Piedra Vista’s entire varsity squad consists entirely of under-classmen.
FHS Farmington High School’s Boys team also became the first 5a school to earn the necessary amount of team legs to compete in the class 5a State championships at the canyon club in albuquerque in may. led by seniors zack Holesinger and taton yazzie, coupled
tomYOST the First tee
with sophomores danny carpenter and dallas trosky, the Scorpions have a wonderful mix of youth and veterans to field an extremely balanced squad.
other standouts on the girls side, aztec High School is twothirds of the way to making it to the class 5a State championships. led by sisters linda and izzy Peralta, the lady tigers should be able to gain their third and final leg for state. individually, meghan Graff of Farmington, Sydney Schumacher of Piedra Vista, and linda Peralta of aztec have punched their ticket to the state championships.
United States first win against europe since 2008 if you have a pulse and happened to tune in to watch the ryder cup this year, then your
Piedra Vista High School
Four Corners SPortS
Farmington High School
ryder cup madness
tyler and trey DIEHL
12
zackHOLESINGER
NOVEMBER 2016
lindaPERALTA aztec High School
meghanGRAFF Farmington high School
,%''" / ,!- 0 " !
$"
level of heart-racing excitement was probably at an all-time high. The americans finally put together a dominating performance against the europeans at hazeltine national golf Club in minnesota. The United States team, led by Patrick Reed, won the competition by a score of 17-11. The first two days of team competition saw the U.S. jump out to a commanding three-point lead heading into the singles matches on Sunday. In what looked and sounded like an english Premier League soccer match, the level of golf that was put on display at the highest level of pressure was astounding. Reed defeated Rory mcIlroy by one hole in the match of the day. Incredible golf shots were hit, one after the other, as each player seemingly topped the other throughout the afternoon. The other incredible match saw Phil mickelson tie his match with Sergio garcia. mickelson made 10 birdies in 18 holes, while garcia almost matched him with nine birdies. It was an incredible display of “anything you can do I can do better,” and just exemplified how great the level of golf was. This win by the United States marks their first against europe since 2008, when they won at Valhalla golf Club in Kentucky. In 2018, the matches move to europe where the americans haven’t won since 1993.
&- 0 /(+", "+'
-.
%) 0
"(").- 0 %," $ %)-
(*,"
,(%)#.*) 01
NOVEMBER 2016
Four Corners SPoRTS
13
Brains And BRAWN Aztec Highland Games brings in competitors from as far away is Wisconsin Story by Debra Mayeux Photos by Josh Bishop The Aztec Highland Games celebrated its sixth year Oct. 1-2 as one of the premiere Celtic festivals in the Southwest. There were upwards of 60 participants from as far away as Wisconsin competing in a variety of challenges to match brains and brawn. “Our festival is growing slowly, but it is growing,” said Jessica Polatty, even coordinator. “Every year we get more athletes.”
14
Four Corners SPORTS
This year there were 12 competitors in the men’s master class. “We even had men in their 70s out there throwing well,” said Karen Casgrain, who was in charge of the athletic events. “It was a really competitive field.” The games were at Riverside Park in Aztec, and they included everything from a hammer throw to a caber toss, with five judges watching and scoring on Saturday and four judges on Sunday.
NOVEMBER 2016
The Saturday results are as follows. In the Men’s A group, the overall first-place winner was Chad Thompson, with Andrew Heaton in second place. dave Shafer came in third, while Bryce George came in fourth. In the Men’s B group, Andrew Wooster came in first and Brett Burchfield came in second. Tim Haisman came in third with Scott Burchfield in fourth.
Lambright in men’s over 200 lbs. novice; Brett Burchfield overall first place in Men’s C Group; Cory Black, first place in men’s over 200 lbs. masters. The Highland Games for the third year in a row also hosted the Four Corners’ Regional Championship with teams from all over the Southwest Region. “New Mexico won the first two years. This year it went to Arizona,” Pollaty said. Pollaty looks for the Aztec Highland Games to continue to grow, as interest has been piqued by people following the contestants and the headliner band on social media sites, she said. This year, the Vermont-based band Prydein was the headliner act. Prydein was formed 20 years ago, when Aron Garceau and Iain MacHarg met at the University of Vermont in an experimental music program. Garceau played guitar and MacHarg the pipes, so, “Why not form an American Celtic Rock band,” they thought, and they did. When they started the band, Garceau was a classical guitarist studying music education, and MacHarg loved the pipes. MacHarg travels to Scotland each year to compete in the Pipe Band World Championship, where he was named the fourth best player in the world at last year’s competition. Garceau said when the two met, in 1996, no one had really thought about putting bagpipes with rocking guitar riffs. Shortly thereafter, it became a popular trend in rock music. “Most of the piping on our albums is very traditional,” Garceau said of Prydein. “It’s my job to try to figure out how to make the arrangements not so traditional.”
In the Men’s Masters competition, Stan Dickey came in first, followed by Lee Fugal in second, with Joe Kozimore in third, Craig Smith in fourth and Charles Thacker in fifth place. Women also compete in the Highland Games, and in the Women’s Open Group there were seven participants. Heather MacDonald came in first, Mikalea Lovato in second, Cindy Johnson in third, Kara Bonham in fourth, Becca Bishop in fifth, Allison Hawn in sixth and Jerrie Lanier in seventh. In the Women’s Masters, Edie Lindeberg came in first, Katy Horgan in second, Denise Ryan in third, Michelle Crownhat in fourth and Lind Hughes and Donna Thompson tied for fifth. On Sunday, participants received certificates as overall first-place winners in their category of competition. Those winners are Emily Lambright in first place for women’s lightweight; Hazel George in women’s novice; Thomas Cowman overall first place in men’s under 200 lbs. novice; Brandon
One thing that is different about Prydein is the instruments are “tuned sharp” to match the pipes. “We are sharp of all of the notes a piano tuner would tune,” he explained. “We tune so we can play with a pipe band.” The other musicians in the band are Andy Smith, on bass, and Dan Houghton, who plays pipes and also flute, bouzouki, mandolin and anything else he can get his hands on. Garceau said they all have jobs other than being full-time band mates, and they are pretty much “home bodies,” who enjoy living in Vermont. “The secret for us is we only do this when we want to. We hunker down here and only go out to play to large groups of people,” he said. Aztec was the farthest Prydein had traveled thus far as a band, and the trip helped them gear up for their biggest journey - to Scotland next year during the international bagpipe competition. Pollaty said watch for the Aztec Highland Games to only get better. “It’s a great hometown event,” she said.
NOVEMBER 2016
Four Corners SPORTS
15
Farmington HigH ScHool’S
Dynamic Duo meghan graff, Zack Holesinger carry on Scorpion great golfing tradition By Tom Yost Photos by Curtis Benally Farmington High School has seen its share of great golfers throughout the years. Whether you are talking about Billy Dunson or luke tanner, the Scorpions have had great teams as well as great individuals. the tradition continues well into the 21st century, with two representatives from the 2016 squad who are among the best in the state of new mexico at the 5a level. meghan graff on the girls side and Zack Holesinger on the boys side have shown the wherewithal and grit necessary to overcome
16
Four Corners SportS
so much adversity that the game of golf can deal on a daily basis. Each has a chance to finish their careers at FHS with individual state championships – but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. in order to see where they could go, we must first see where they came from.
meghan graff graff, a 17-year-old senior, started playing golf seriously her sophomore year and has ba-
NOVEMBER 2016
sically played on varsity ever since. “my dad got me into golf,” said graff. “He was an awesome golfer when he was my age. i told him i didn’t want to, but he kept being persistent to try it. and when i finally did, i fell in love with it.” graff’s scores started in the low 100s, but kept getting progressively lower. She played extremely well at the beginning of her junior year, but then fell into a slump in the spring
and didn’t play as well as she wanted to at the 5A State Championship at Piñon Hills last May. “I started well last year and then went into a major slump,” explained Graff. “I told myself that I couldn’t play like that anymore and really dedicated myself to working hard this summer so that I could do what I am doing now. And it has paid off for sure.”
“Meghan has reached the caliber of player she is through hard work, natural talens and her ability to follow instructions.”
— Stephanie Jaquez FHS Girls Golf Coach
The Farmington High School Girls Golf Coach, Stephanie Jaquez, agrees whole-heartedly. “Meghan has reached the caliber of player she is through hard work, natural talent and her ability to follow instructions,” explained Coach Jaquez. “She most definitely has a military mindset when it comes to guiding her through the nuances of a golf course. When her game is firing on all cylinders it’s exciting to give her advice concerning a shot and see her execute it to perfection.” Graff is now in the mix as an individual qualifier to play for the Class 5A State Championship next May at the Canyon Club in Albuquerque. Her qualifying scores this year have consisted of three scores in the low 80s at Hillcrest Golf Course, Dalton Ranch Golf Club and Riverview Golf Course. “It has taken a lot of practice for me to become as good as I am today,” reflected Graff. “Just this past summer I worked on my game every day. I was taking golf lessons from Joel Atson at San Juan Country Club and I also became a Unified Partner for Special Olympics in golf. I gained a lot of patience in my game from that experience and it really steadied me and my focus.” Coach Jaquez has seen in Graff a more solid and steady player this year and is impressed with the example she is setting with the other young ladies on the team. “Meghan has developed into an exceptional leader,” explained Jaquez. “She is always willing to help other players with their game and is a fabulous role model. We have several young players on the team and I have witnessed her approach to helping them with patience and kindness that is far beyond her years.” Graff has set goals for the year which include finishing in the Top 10 at the Class 5A State Tournament this May, and staying levelheaded throughout each and every round.
“To become a contender at the state tournament I am going to have to continue to practice a lot,” said Graff. “I am going to try to fix my slice and also work on staying out of trouble on the course.” Another Class 5A state contender just happens to be Graff ’s teammate on the boys side of the Scorpion Golf Team.
Zack Holesinger Much like Graff, Zack Holesinger grew up with a father that played golf, but didn’t start to take it serious until 8th grade. “My dad got me into golf and would take me out when I was little,” said Holesinger. “I didn’t really have fun with team sports. The individual aspect and being held accountable for your own score was what interested me in golf.” In a common theme among all great golfers, Holesinger works hard at the game and does all the right things needed to get better. “Practice is what made me the player I am today,” explained Holesinger. “I take golf lessons, work on putting, look up videos for new drills, and I play with better players.” Some of those better players have had a big influence on Holesinger’s golf career, including a couple of college golfers who now call Farmington home. Holesinger lists Luke Tanner and Leighton Peavler as big reasons
“He (Zack) is a natural leader and expects his fellow team members to play with the same honesty and integrity he exudes.”
— Stephanie Jaquez FHS Girls Golf Coach
why his game is where it is today. Tanner played Division II golf at Fort Lewis College in Durango, while Peavler walked on and played Division I golf at Southern Illinois University. Coach Jaquez listed all of the intangibles that have made Holesinger a contender for this year’s state championship. “Zack has a big heart and is totally selfdriven by a love for the game,” explained Jaquez. “He has all the qualities any great player has: a strong work ethic, dedication, honesty, integrity – but most importantly, he has passion.” Coming off his third place finish in the Class 5A State Championships last May at Piñon Hills, Holesinger has set his sights on winning the individual state title this year at the Canyon Club in Albuquerque. “I shot 82 in the first round at state last year and followed that up with a 72,” said Holesinger. “I know I can compete this year because I don’t usually shoot any scores in the 80’s.” “The keys to winning state this year at the Canyon Club are hitting it straight and having a great short game because of the small greens,” added Holesinger. “I need to continue working on hitting the ball straighter to handle how narrow the golf course is.” But no matter how Holesinger concludes his storied career at Farmington High School, his passion for the game and his work ethic are already leaving a lasting legacy in the golf program. “Zack’s influence concerning the younger golfers is priceless,” said Jaquez. “He is a natural leader and expects his fellow team members to play with the same honesty and integrity he exudes. As a coach, there isn’t a better role model for these young men, or a man I am more proud of. He is in constant communication with his fellow teammates and is the weld that binds the seam of the Scorpion golf team. His high standards and expectations of success –not just as an individual, but as a team – is the legacy he will leave behind for future Scorpion golfers to follow.” And that legacy is yielding wonderful results as the Scorpion boy’s golf team just recently punched their ticket to the Class 5A State Championships in May, as a team, for the first time in Holesinger’s varsity career.
NOVEMBER 2016
Four Corners SPORTS
17
Mile high devotion Area Denver Bronco fans committed to the orange and blue Story by Dorothy Nobis Courtesy photos Fans of the Denver Broncos are avid in their love of their team. In November of 2014, the website Playbuzz listed “23 Things All Denver Broncos Fans Know to be True.” While we won’t go into all 23 of them, there are several that stand out, stand up and stand for a Broncos fan. • God is a Broncos fan – how else would you explain sunsets that are blue and orange? • John Elway is a god among men – Elway spent his entire 16-year career with the Broncos and led his team to six AFC Championship Games and five Super Bowls, including back-toback victories in 1997 and 1998. • The Mile High Salute is the greatest touch-
18
Four Corners SPORTS
down celebration of all time. • In order to love the Broncos, you must hate the (Oakland) Raiders – there are no exceptions to this rule. • No matter what the “official” name is, the stadium the Broncos play in will always be known as Mile High Stadium. • The Orange Crush Defense was the best defense during the late 1970s and was one of the top defenses of its time. • The word “Omaha” means something completely different to Broncos fans. It is no longer a quaint Midwestern city. • No matter what, Broncos fans will always bleed orange and blue.
NOVEMBER 2016
To verify these “Known to be True” statements, seven local Bronco fans were asked the same questions about their beloved team. Scott Eckstein, Linda Poulson Rogers, Doug Echols, DeeAnn Durbin, Sherry Work, Nate Duckett and Travis Spruell were invited to participate. Q. How long have you been a Bronco fan and what made you root for the Denver Broncos? A. “I have been a serious fan since about 1990. I remember sitting in the stadium when Steve DeBerg was playing. My true fanship started after Elway pulled off “The Drive”
against Cleveland.” – Doug Echols
“I have been a Broncos fan since birth. Being born in Colorado, my parents knew from the get-go that I would be raised properly. plus, the Broncos are the superior NFL team.” – Linda poulson rogers “Interestingly enough, I was raised in Denver, but my first favorite team was the Chicago Bears. I attribute this to the character-filled bears 1985 Super Bowl team and the ‘Super Bowl Shuffle.’ Quickly, though, my father had me whipped into shape and the next season our beloved hometown hero, John Elway, led his team to the Super Bowl after beating the Cleveland Browns in an epic come-from-behind victory. the week before the Super Bowl, Dad took us to Mile High Stadium for the Broncos Super Bowl rally. they introduced the team, the three Amigos (Vance Johnson, Mark Jackson and ricky Nattiel) had an awesome highfive routine and they read the poem, “the Drive,” written to commemorate the AFC championship game. It’s a memory I will never forget.” – Nate Duckett “As long as I can remember. I remember when, as a young girl, I had a John Elway No. 7 poster in my room.” – DeeAnn Durbin “I have been a Bronco fan my entire life. I grew up in Colorado and any good Coloradoan knows that the Broncos are life. Besides that, I grew up with the best quarterback of all time playing for the home team – John Elway, who was a big inspiration and role model.” – travis Spruell “Since 1972, when I moved to Denver. I came as a (Chicago) Bear fan from Illinois. I went to a Bears/Broncos game and came out rooting for Denver!” – Sherry Work “I’ve been a Bronco fan since 2000.” – Scott Eckstein Q. Do you have any superstitions you do before a Broncos game?“ A. I am not superstitious, although I often wear a cap during the game.” – Doug Echols “I proudly display the Broncos flag. I never miss a game – never!” – Linda poulson rogers “At the beginning of each season, I buy a new Bronco hat. I will wear this hat every game that season as long as the Broncos are
NOVEMBER 2016
Four Corners SportS
19
winning. If they slip up, start losing, or we need to revive some lost energy, I switch hats for the next game. I always wear one of my Bronco jerseys every Sunday. For playoff games, I wear my Broncos throwback yellow candy-striped game socks.” – Nate Duckett “of course – tons! First of all, we have to be at our house to watch it, unless we have tickets to the game. Another one is every time the Broncos score, we give our dog a milk bone. She loves game day!” – DeeAnn Durbin
fluence, both as a player and executive with the team, we’ve been to seven Super Bowls and won three, won seven conference championships and 11 division titles. that’s pretty outstanding. terrell Davis. He was the missing piece that finally brought the Super Bowl to Denver. Steve Atwater. He played with reckless abandon. He was tough, athletic, hit like a freight train, and every receiver who came across the middle knew he was going to be pounded if he caught the ball. Von Miller – the quarterback killer. I hope he’s a Bronco for his whole career. He has amazing speed and football skills.” – Nate Duckett
“I don’t have any superstitions, just pure anxiety!” – travis Spruell “Elway, peyton, Demaryius thomas because he is a great player, CJ Anderson because he can run and Von Miller because he makes the game so fun when he sacks the other quarterbacks!” – DeeAnn Durbin
Q. Share your favorite Broncos players. A. “My all-time favorite is, of course, John Elway. I also really liked terrell Davis – he was a great player, a classy guy and came up with the Mile High Salute. Shannon Sharpe was a great player and kept it fun. Von Miller has brought back the old orange Crush and Steve Atwater played the game as it was meant – he hit hard and he hit clean.” – Doug Echols “Number 77, Karl Mecklenburg. He is the Albino rhino for a reason. I like that he played with intensity. Number 7, John Elway, is a true Bronco classic. I love that we won two Super Bowls while he was the quarterback, and you never counted the Broncos out while he was on the field. Number 58, Von Miller – I love his story. originally not thought of as possibly the best defensive player in the league, he is competitive and fierce.” – Linda poulson rogers “John Elway. Let’s face it, he’s the greatest Bronco ever. Under his in-
“John Elway, for obvious reasons. He turned the team into what it is today. I will never forget the ’98 Super Bowl when he dived for the end zone and was hit hard, spinning him around. As an old man in the league and after watching him slide for the past 15 years, I knew he wanted a win, and at that point I knew the Broncos would be champions. Ed McCaffrey – he was an all-out defensive player and John Lynch, another top performing defensive player.” – travis Spruell “John Elway, of course, and randy Gradishar, who was such a great guy, and Von Miller, which goes without saying.” – Sherry Work “tim tebow – I thought he was highly underrated. He was very exciting to watch and his unorthodox way of playing quarterback and the come-from-behind victories made for great football games. I also very much appreciate his unashamed faith. Von Miller because he was the Super Bowl 50 MVp for a reason. He was very instrumental in the Denver Broncos win over the Carolina panthers in Super Bowl 50, with sacks and strips on (Carolina quarterback) Cam Newton. And Champ Bailey, one of the greatest cornerbacks of all time. Bailey totaled 522 tackles, 34 interceptions and three return touchdowns during the 10 years he played for the Broncos.” – Scott Eckstein Q. What makes Broncos fans better and more fanatic than fans of other teams? A. “Bronco fans are there and loud when times are good and when times are hard. they create a sense of community at the stadium.” – Doug Echols “We are just simply the best and most loyal fans. I would love the Broncos no matter what. And the coolest people are Broncos fans!” – Linda poulson rogers “I think any team has its die-hard fans. the Broncos just have about 70,000 of them!” – DeeAnn Durbin “For the most part, Denver fans are friendly. I go to a lot of games and I rarely see Broncos fans giving fans of the opposing team a hard time. In the stadium, Broncos fans really get into the game. they are loud and proud.” – Scott Eckstein Q. Who is your least favorite NFL team and why? “I hate the raiders – because they are the raiders!” – Doug Echols “Easy call – the raiders. I am a certified raider Hater. It is a requirement that Bronco fans loathe the silver and black. period.” – Linda poulson rogers
20
Four Corners SportS
NOVEMBER 2016
“the raiders, because they’re the raiders. the patriots run a real close second, though. It’s way more fun to beat tom Brady than it is to beat the raiders. the raiders ‘love the hate,’ as their fans say, so I’m obliged to give it to them.” – Nate Duckett “raider Hater!” – DeeAnn Durbin “I hate the patriots.” – travis Spruell “I am a raider Hater – forevermore!” – Sherry Work “Likely the oakland raiders. First of all, they share the AFC West with the Denver Broncos, which really accelerates the rivalry. plus, there is a history of Broncos/raiders rivalry.” – Scott Eckstein Q. Do you think Denver should have kept tim tebow? A. “tim tebow was a ‘one season wonder.’ Bringing in (peyton) Manning was a great way to get rid of tebow. He was a great college quarterback and that was good for one season.” – Doug Echols “I liked tebow. I thought the decision to let him go was not a good one. He could have trained with two of the best quarterbacks of all time – John Elway and peyton Manning.” – Linda poulson rogers “Lots of emotions for tim. My family especially liked tim and was hopeful the Broncos would keep him. But the media killed him and once peyton (Manning) came, well tim had to go.” – Nate Duckett “tim tebow was all hype. He was an inspirational person, but he was not a good quarterback. If he would have transitioned to a different position, like a running back or a receiver, I think he would still be in the NFL.” – travis Spruell
NOVEMBER 2016
Four Corners SportS
21
“No on tebow. I trust Elway to make sure we get what we need.” – Sherry Work
“the atmosphere is the best part of the game. the smell of the concession stands, the roar of the crowd, the anticipation of the next play and the synergy between the team and the fans.” – travis Spruell
“I think he (tebow) would have made a great second string quarterback to peyton Manning. Under the mentoring of Manning, I think tebow could have eventually been an awesome quarterback for the Broncos.” – Scott Eckstein
“the camaraderie and tailgating with my son, Destry, and his family and the pure excitement!” – Sherry Work
Q. What’s the best part about attending a Broncos game?
“the energy in the stadium. It’s almost indescribable, but the fans really get into the games and the announcers make it exciting. Going to a game really does appeal to all of your senses.” – Scott Eckstein
A. “Broncos fans really get into the game. the chant of ‘In-com-plete’ is really fun and really gets into some quarterbacks’ heads. It started as a way to get into (former Cleveland Browns quarterback) Bernie Kosar’s head. I think Bernie still has nightmares!” – Doug Echols “Being with 76,000 equally crazed Broncos lovers is a thrill unlike any other. the pregame show, the excitement, the yelling and the camaraderie.” – Linda poulson rogers “Screaming for your team in an orange sea of 76,000 people. tailgating with my brother and his family. High-fiving total strangers every time the Broncos make a play or score a tD. Yelling ‘You suck, Brady’ at the patriots games and acting like that’s the coolest thing ever!” – Nate Duckett “Like any sport, it is just so much more fun when you can spend it with over 70,000 of your closest friends. Everyone gets along with other Broncos fans and has a great time getting that stadium as loud as possible.” – DeeAnn Durbin
Q. How do you celebrate after a Broncos win?
A. “I celebrate with my Bronco tie. I always wear it after a win. When I worked for the city of Farmington, I learned that (then) Mayor Bill Standley had one big character flaw – he was a dang raiders fan. We would bet on each Broncos/raiders game and the loser would wear the winning team’s tie to the next Farmington City Council meeting. My Bronco tie was worn by the mayor many times, while I never wore his tie!” – Doug Echols “trash talking to all of my friends who dislike the Broncos. rubbing it in at work on Monday morning to the Cowboys fans (when) their team lost!” – Linda poulson rogers “My younger brother and I keep a running message going during the whole game.” – Sherry Work “I typically post the score and plenty of pictures on social media. Broncos fans love it and fans of other teams ignore it.” – Scott Eckstein Q. How much money have you spent on Bronco memorabilia since you became a Broncos fan?
A. “I have a few hats and some shirts and one jacket. Most of what I have were gifts from family and friends, because they know the gifts will be appreciated.” – Doug Echols “thousands of dollars. I have jackets, jewelry, headrest covers, blankets, purses, coffee mugs and jerseys.” – Linda poulson rogers “Wow – I don’t want to think about that – over a few thousand easy. We’ve bought everything from the foam Bronco head to signed footballs, expensive jerseys, and paper plates.” – DeeAnn Durbin “probably around a thousand dollars or more. I’ve bought a fair amount of clothing, including jerseys, jackets, t-shirts and hats. I have a few helmets, several signs, footballs, blankets and various other things.” – Scott Eckstein Q. What has been your biggest disappointment with the Broncos?
“the losses to Seattle, Washington, and San Francisco in the Super Bowls.” – Doug Echols “the AFC semi-final loss a few years ago in Baltimore. they should have won that game!” -- Linda poulson rogers “the Josh McDaniels era.” – Nate Duckett
* Broncos fans 33 22
Four Corners SportS
NOVEMBER 2016
OH SAY CAN YOU SEE in this horrific election cycle, it would be easy to drift off and think how incredible it would be if one of your favorite movie presidents was actually running. After all i would vote for Dave kovic in “Dave” or Jed Bartlett on “The West Wing” or even Terry crews as President Dwayne camacho in “idiocracy”. However my favorite movie President is Michael Douglas who portrays widowed President Andrew Shepherd in “The American President”. His speech at the end still gives me chills and every time i hear the name colin kaepernick i think about this part of the speech when it comes to the First Amendment: “America isn't easy. America is advanced citizenship. You gotta want it bad, 'cause it's gonna put up a fight. it's gonna say "You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours. You want to claim this land as the land of the free? Then the symbol of your country can't just be a flag; the symbol also has to be one of its citizens exercising his right to burn that flag in protest. Show me that, defend that, celebrate that in your classrooms. Then, you can stand up and sing about the "land of the free”. Enter colin kaepernick and those who have joined him Unless you’ve been living under a rock the past two months, you’ve seen Mr. kaepernick first sitting during the National Anthem then after meeting with a Green Beret who played in the NFL for a time, kneeling during the Anthem. Others soon followed. Some kneeling, some raising their fists like Tommy Smith in 1968. First let’s get one thing perfectly clear. kaepernick is not protesting the national anthem, but if you look to Facebook it seems kaepernick is disrespectful to the country, isn’t worthy of the money he earns for not standing and is somehow contemptuous towards the military. kaepernick has said none of this and has actually tried to make it perfectly clear that it is not about the military or that he doesn’t love his country. So why is he doing it and why all of the sudden ? After all, he has been in the league six years now. kaepernick told NFL Media after the first preseason game that he did not tell the 49ers of his plans and that he was"not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,”. Even going as far as to declare that police were getting paid leave while getting away with murder.
24
Four Corners SPORTS
RickHOERNER Editorial columnist Of course the backlash was immediate and kaepernick has been booed everywhere the 49ers have played this season including at home. The question is, “What are fans booing ?” The message has become lost in the messenger. Why kaepernick protested in the first place is being lost in hyperbolic patriotism. So how has the NFL, NcAA and every other professional league got so wrapped up with the flag and the military ? Simple. The military. So in turn you paid for it by the millions. Actually, consider what you are
watching when you turn on a sporting event. it’s a giant production of a marriage between sports and Americana with flyovers, staged anthem performances and giant flags. it wasn’t always this way. Until the beginning of World War i , the anthem was rarely if ever played before the first recorded time that it was played at a sporting event in 1862. According to author Marc Ferris of “StarSpangled Banner: The Unlikely Story of America's National Anthem,” The history of the anthem starts back at the War of 1812 and includes four verses, though we only play one. For such a perceived song of absolute sanctity, the music’s origins stretch back to an old bawdy British drinking song. The hand over the heart came about in 1942 as the salute used for the pledge changed from what looked like a Hitler salute. As the military stood at attention, eventually so did the crowd. There was even an expectation that the anthem would not be a performance, but that the whole audience would participate in the singing. That would rarely, if ever, happen today.
NOVEMBER 2016
Sports for a cause kaepernick is not the first and likely will not be the last to use the sports platform of the national anthem to bring attention to their cause. Before Tommie Smith and John carlos became civil rights heroes, they were thrown out of the Olympic Village in ’68, stripped of their medals and were nearly unemployable for decades. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf lost a promising NBA career after refusing to stand during the national anthem and the NBA suspended him. Eventually, a compromise was reached where he would stand and pray while the anthem played, but the damage was done. kaepernick and the rest of the players protesting are within their First Amendment rights and that should not be disputed. You may not like it, nor do you have to, but it is their right. Over the years, especially since 9/11, the anthem is a show of force. it honors war. it glorifies winning. Although it seems to be revered just at sporting events and at every level. it doesn’t begin your work day. it doesn’t start the movie or begin any Broadway show even Hamilton. This divide seems to be unique in a combative presidential campaign season. According to the Marist center for Sports communication, for the first in their polling history the trend isn’t based on sex or age or even race when it comes to the public’s view of kaepernick and the anthem. This time the poll falls nearly perfectly on party affiliation. When asked if athletes should be require to stand during the national anthem, over 70 percentof Republicans polled said it should be mandatory with 77 percentsaying it’s disrespectful to the freedoms the flag represents. Meanwhile 72 percent of Democrats believe that protesting is exactly one of the freedoms that our symbols represent and nearly 67 percent of Democrats believe athletes should be socially active in politics. Fictional President Shepherd was right. America is advanced citizenship and sure isn’t easy. While it seems that we are divided as ever as a country, that just isn’t true. We are and probably always will be divided by something. Founding Fathers didn’t agree abolitionists and the South didn’t either. civil Rights Act The civil Rights Act completely flipped the two parties’ platforms through the next millennium. compromise, that was once the cornerstone of American democracy, now is labeled as betraying your values. We used to listen and try to solve problems. can we rise to that again?
CATCHING UP WITH THE COUNTY Boys and Girls Club, signings, games to watch Story by Rick Hoerner
Boys & Girls Club News
end zone pylons to supplement their flag football program which last season consisted of over 220 participants.
Paperwork
Tyra Garcia Piedra Vista softball speedster Tyra Garcia has signed her letter of intent to continue playing at Feather River College in Quincy, California
News
Almost time to head inside. Winter sports practices begin on October 31. Make sure all the paperwork and physicals are complete before wrestling and basket-ball get under way.
Bebe Jaquez
Club of the year In September the Farmington Boys & Girls Club was recognized as the 2016 New Mexico Club of the Year. Executive Director Maria Rodman was named Rookie of the Year as the best new executive director The Club would like to thank all those who participated in the annual BBQ Fund-raiser. The Club served well over 4,000 people in a great evening of community support.
Basketball registration Boys and Girls Club Basketball registration for boys in grateds 4 and 5 and for girls in grades 4 to 8 runs through November 6. Register online at www.bgcfarmington.org or at the Club. Volunteer coaches and paid officials are needed for the season. Contact Rick at 505-215-2533 for more information.
Piedra Vista senior volleyball player Bebe Jaquez set a school and tournament record for the Panthers during their tournament scoring 20 consecutive serves in pacing PV to a semifinal win over Kirtland Central in the Panther Invite
Volleyball District Tournaments Begin on November 1st with Aztec and Kirtland on top in 5A, Navajo Prep currently in the district lead in 4A, and Piedra Vista more than holding its own in 6A currently just behind Cleveland.
Boys Basketball
Golf
Farmington hosts Grants on November 22
Both Piedra Vista and Farmington golf teams completed their third qualifying leg at the PV Invitational at Pinon Hills.
Bloomfield and Shiprock begin their seasons in Bloomfield on November 29
Both teams will be ready for the state tournament in the spring.
Piedra Vista opens its home season on December 2 hosting Albuquerque High
Jay Collins back in New Mexico
Bloomfield hosts Los Lunas at home on December 3
On November 11, former Farmington Scorpion basketball All-Stater Jay Collins returns to New Mexico as an assistant basketball coach with Idaho State as they play the Lobos in the Pit
Signings Ashley Keinitz
The Club received 100 jerseys and 50 flag football flags along with a scoreboard and
Volleyball District Tournament
Navajo Prep boys kickoff their season November 19 hosting Bosque
All-Stars Football Grant
This summer the Farmington Boys & Girls Club received the All-Stars Football Grant sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings.
Games to Watch Football Playoff Football Playoffs are just around the corner with the first round beginning on November 12
Piedra Vista track thrower Ashley Keinitz has agreed to continue her track career, signing with Fort Lewis College.
Kirtland Central and Shiprock boys renewal their rivalry on December 6 in Shiprock The Marv Sanders Invitational begins on December 8
Girls Basketball Navajo Prep begins early with a home game against Dulce on November 17 Piedra Vista opens its season against Miyamura on November 19 Farmington High’s first home game is against Cleveland on November 22 Aztec opens up at home against Santa Fe Capital on November 28 Kirtland doesn’t have a game at home until Shiprock on January 3.
NOVEMBER 2016
Four Corners SPORTS
25
From kitchens to canyons Cheryl Sitton’s ‘retirement’ filled with health, fitness and the great outdoors Story by Dorothy Nobis Photos by Curtis Ray Benally For 15 years Cheryl Sitton was recognized as one of the best caterers in the area. Bread From the Heart, Sitton’s catering business, was sought after and appreciated for decadent desserts, amazing cookies, and great dishes that were perfect for any occasion. Sitton had been cooking since she was young and has always enjoyed it. But the catering idea didn’t come until a Wednesday Night Supper event at Sitton’s church, First United Methodist, needed help with that supper. “The Wednesday Night Suppers was the glue that helped keep our church together,” Sitton said. “We served about 200 people, and I enjoyed it.” With 200 people enjoying Sitton’s cooking
and baking, it was inevitable that some of those people would also ask Sitton to cater for them. “I did that part time for two years, but then people wanted more,” Sitton explained. “I knew I needed to stop (catering) altogether or do it full time.” After much thought, Sitton asked her dad for a loan and began remodeling the attached garage of her home into a commercial kitchen. “I promised my parents that if I didn’t make a payment, they could always stay in the kitchen when they came to visit,” she added with a laugh. It wasn’t difficult for Bread From the Heart to be financially successful, however. “I took every job that came my way,” Sitton admitted. “In two years, I had more business than I could handle.” While baking was her specialty at the begin-
ning, her customers wanted more. “They wanted ‘real meals’ and I had prices that were decent, so the catering took on a life of its own.” With three children of her own – Stephen, Michael, and Kristen – Sitton hired kids (including her own) to help deliver meals and clean the kitchen. The business continued to grow and to prosper. Sitton’s daughter, Kristen Burciaga, said her mother’s catering business helped her and her siblings in more ways than one. “Growing up, she always took care of us first,” Burciaga said of her mother. “She made sure we made it to soccer or band or church youth group or whatever activity we had going on. She made sure we always had food in our bellies and she tried to have a sit-down family dinner every night.”
NOVEMBER 2016
Four Corners SporTS
27
“I’ve also done the Law Enforcement Ride. I only did half of that ride because it’s a killer, going up 4,000 feet and I do it because (son) Michael is in law enforcement and I do it to show my support and solidarity.”
— Cheryl Sitton Rachel Sitton is married to Sitton’s son, Michael, and helped in the early days of the catering business.
wasn’t easy, but she did it and she opened her amazing catering business that helped put us through college.”
“A first, it was helping Michael with deliveries while we were dating,” Rachel said. “But that soon turned into lots of dish washing, and eventually I started helping Cheryl cook. Cheryl not only fed bellies, she fed hearts and spirits. She put herself into every recipe, and her sugar cookies and cinnamon rolls can easily satisfy your very soul!”
When a leak in her commercial kitchen forced her to put her catering on hold for several months, she began to re-evaluate her business. “I was cleaning up the mess (from a leaking roof) and God and I had a ‘come to Jesus’ moment,” Sitton said with a laugh. “I decided I didn’t need a two-by-four hitting me in the head to realize I was burning out. The joy wasn’t there anymore. I loved my customers, but the desire to cook and bake just wasn’t there anymore.”
“I admire her for going back to school to get her degree once we were all in school,” Burciaga said. “I know it
The Best Local Search!
In Prin Print. t. Online Online.. Digit Digital. al. DirectoryPlus.com 28
Four Corners SpoRTS
NOVEMBER 2016
Sitton’s husband, Roger, supported her when she wanted to open her business, but wasn’t disappointed when she decided to close it. “I was all for her starting her business,” Roger said. “It was what she liked doing, and she was tired of working for other people. I really didn’t have any strong feelings about her closing. We didn’t need the money anymore and she was getting burned out dealing with customers.” “When Cheryl decided to retire from catering, it was a hard decision,” daughter-in-law Rachel said. “She loved cooking, but it was becoming a job and she didn’t want to lose the joy she got out of it.” With the kitchen closed and time on her hands, Sitton returned to another love – the outdoors. “I’ve always loved being outside,” Sitton said. “My mom taught me to cook and sew, but my dad taught me to love the outdoors.” With a father who was a full colonel in the
Army, the family moved frequently, which offered Sitton the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in many places. “We went backpacking in Montana, snorkeling and sailing in Hawaii, where I learned to swim. I was on a synchronized swim team in Hawaii when I was 13.” With time on her hands, Sitton began hiking and backpacking with friends. “We’ve hiked the Grand Canyon and (daughter) Kristen flew in from Florida to go with me on a Grand Canyon trip. Roger (her husband) loves to hike and last year, we hiked in Zion National Park. We decided to hike in our own backyard because we’re so close to so many great hiking trails.”
ued. “She wants everyone to succeed and be fruitful. Her family is most important to her and she is a devoted wife and mother.” Kristen Burciaga said her mother always enjoyed working out, whether it was running, swimming or hiking. “We went on our first backpacking trip together in 2005. It was extremely hard, both mentally and physically, and without her encouraging me the entire way, I probably would not have made it,” Burciaga said. “We also got to hike the Grand Canyon in 2011 and that was one trip I know not many people get to do with their moms. I’m very thankful we had the opportunity to do it together.”
Kristina Lefever has known Sitton for years. “Cheryl and I first met at First United Methodist Church in Bible study,” Lefever said. “We had health and fitness in common and we started running together and started a women’s devotion/running group. I have young kids and she became Aunt Cheryl.” “Cheryl is kindhearted, loving and passionate about Jesus and others,” Lefever contin-
“Cheryl has blossomed into something amazing,” Rachel Sitton said. “It is so much fun to listen to her stories. With her, it’s always an adventure, from spiders in her tent while hiking to the hilarious bike rides she goes on with friends. Cheryl is a constant motivator for me to get off my butt and do something. When life tells you that you can’t, Cheryl stands tall and says ‘Watch me!’”
* Sitton 32
NOVEMBER 2016
Four Corners SPoRtS
29
Stop the presses it’s Junior’s birthday Nellie thinks Columbus Day should be renamed as Dale Earnhardt Jr. Day NASCAR Nellie is a little slow writing this column, much to the chagrin of NN’s editor/queen. NN was forced to delay the writing of this highly respected and often-copiedbut-never-ever-as-good-as-NN’s column on accounta today is Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s birthday. Junior’s birthday is so important to our world and especially Junior Nation, that the day is celebrated by many as a national holiday. The day is listed on the calendar as “Columbus Day,” but NN knows that Columbus would be a Dale Jr. fan if he were alive today. Columbus, NN is certain, would be
30
Four Corners SPORTS
NOVEMBER 2016
more than happy for The Donald or The Hillary to rename Columbus Day “Dale Earnhardt Jr. Day” in honor of Junior’s birthday. It could be the one positive thing The Don or The Hill do to reunite the country. Just sayin’… So Junior, the Sport’s Most Popular Driver for 13 years in a row (and voting is now taking place, so if you want to do what Columbus would want you to do and do it for our country and Junior Nation, please go online and vote, for cryinoutloud) is celebrating his Forty-twoth birthday October 10, which is cause for celebration, birthday cake, the day off and 42 glasses of Sweet Cherry Pie wine. NN is already on her 12th glass of SCP wine
and it’s only 9 in the morning. NN is nothing but a happy birthday celebrator and knows the importance of having fruit first thing in the morning. Junior hasn’t been in the 88 car for way too long, and NN is a tad cranky about that. While NN appreciates Jeff Gordon “coming out of retirement” (he was retired, like eight days, for cryinoutloud) to get behind the wheel of the 88 and that nice Alex Bowman sits in the throne seat of the 88 car when Jeff is tired of unretiring, the 88 still belongs to Junior and he will return next year and kick butt, because his head will be clear, his body healed and his determination will be fierce. And he will win a gazillion races, be the Sports Most Popular Driver for the 14th year in a row and The Don or The Hill will have made October 10 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Day. For reals. Junior has been seen at the tracks a coupla times in the past coupla weeks and he looks healthy and happy. He doesn’t look like he’s had side effects from a concussion (his eyes don’t roll back in his head and his head doesn’t spin around and around and around and his speech is as perfect as it ever was (Junior has that NASCAR drawl that can be misconstrued as a bad thing, but when you’re the Sports Most Popular Driver and make a gazillion million dollars and are engaged to a beautiful young woman, you can drawl all you like and it becomes the next big rage and you have people like Kim K and The Biebs and The Don and The Hill and everyone on ET Yesterday trying to drawl just like you). Just sayin’. . . . It is hard for NN to really give a gas can about most of the ‘nother NASCAR drivers, but she watches faithfully every week. NN is glued to the tube when they do the pre-race ceremonies and is more than a tad irritated at drivers and crews who don’t put their hand over their hearts when the National Anthem is being played. NN has been known to say not-nice-things about those unpatriotic people and boo them and pray for bad finishes. NN not only bleeds orange and blue on accounta NN’s from Colorado and if you don’t bleed orange and blue, you are “invited” to leave Colorado and take your whatever blood color with you, but NN also bleeds red, white, and blue blood, and always stands when the national anthem is
played, which is a tad difficult when the NA is played while NN is doing her “duty” in the ladies room. Just so’s ya know. When NASCAR is on at the same time the Broncos are playing, NN switches back and forth which has made NN’s eyes roll back in her head and her own head to rotate several times and force her to drink more of the fruits of the wine to get her head straight again. Sometimes, are those rare occasions when the Broncos eyes are rolling back in their heads and they can’t get their heads on straight, NN keeps the boob tube on NASCAR. When one of NN’s least favorite drivers – Bad Brad and Doozy Dillon and Joker Joey and Crazy Clint – are in the lead or ahead of Junior or anyone/everyone who drives the 88 car, NN switches to Fixer Upper, where Chip and JoJo always win. NN wants to go to Waco and visit Chip and JoJo and spend someone else’s money in Magnolia Market someday. NN is interested in ‘nother things other than sports, ya know. Not much else (well, there are those dating sites for old people NN frequents, even though the dudes who say they’re 60 are actually 99 and are looking for a “date” that is 23. Just sayin. . . .). NN was glad that Jimmie Johnson finally won a race after not being in Victory Circle or Half Circle after 23 races. JJ is in it to win
it, he says, and he prob’ly has a shot at a another championship, but if he wins, NN thinks he should share the trophy with Junior, because Junior woulda won it if he hadn’t had a coupla concussions that put him out of his car. Just so’s ya know. NN doesn’t hate on Jimmie anymore, since he’s a teammate and a friend of Junior’s these days, but it is still hard for NN to walk through the doors of Lowes. NN was a Home Depot devotee when HD sponsored Tony Stewart and has an even harder time walking through the doors at HD since it dropped Smoke and took the sponsorship to Joker Joey. That’s prob’ly why HD can’t afford to sponsor NASCAR cars anymore. NN spent a several hundred dollars of her own money and a gazllion dollars of “friends” money when she “borrowed” “friends” credit cards at HD and would still, except her “friends” ratted her out to law enforcement people who now monitor NN’s spending habits and the only place that will take any credit card NN has is a shop in Vegas, that sells quality jewelry, handbags and luxury cars at discounted prices and who doesn’t care whose credit card you use. Whatever. It’s getting down to the end of the
* NASCAR Nellie 34
NOVEMBER 2016
Four Corners SPORTS
31
Sitton
continued from
29
“I teach aquacize classes at Defined Fitness and have been teaching that class for almost six years. It is a lot of fun and it’s a great workout.”
— Cheryl Sitton
With Roger now retired, the couple enjoys walking and hiking together. They’ve enjoyed the hiking trails around Kennebeck, Colorado, and plan to hike sections of the Colorado Trail, which stretches almost 500 miles from Durango to Denver. With spectacular scenery, the trail offers six wilderness areas and eight mountain ranges, with an average elevation of more than 10,000 feet. Spending time with his active wife is one of the many things Roger likes about retirement. “I enjoy hiking up in the mountains with her the most,” he said. But it’s not just hiking and backpacking Sitton enjoys. “I teach aquacize classes at Defined Fitness and have been teaching that class for almost six years. It is a lot of fun and it’s a great workout. I keep it fun and we do 10 minutes of warm up, 30 minutes of cardio exercise, 10 minutes of exercise bands and we do a ‘warm down.’” Bicycle riding is another outdoor experience Sitton loves. “Lisa Haws (a cycling friend) and I rode through Yellowstone National Park,
32
Four Corners SPORTS
with 62 miles to Old Faithful. I’ve also done the Law Enforcement Ride. I only did half of that ride because it’s a killer, going up 4,000 feet, and I do it because (son) Michael is in law enforcement and I do it to show my support and solidarity.” Other biking favorites include the Tour of the Rio Grande in Albuquerque, the countless biking trails in and around Durango, the trails through the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (NAPI), and anywhere and everywhere Sitton can take her bike and ride. “I like being active,” Sitton said of her passion for the outdoors and all it offers. “My dad always says ‘You go, girl!’ and I’ll keep going until I can’t.” Future trips include hiking and biking the Grand Canyon again and Havasu Falls in Arizona. “I’m not the typical athlete,” Sitton said with a shake of her head. “I’m short and stubby and I’m not fast, but I’m solid.” The desserts that highlighted her catering menu are made occasionally, but Sitton is
NOVEMBER 2016
careful not to overindulge. She enjoys healthy eating and foods that are gluten free. Her favorite cookie recipe these days is a gluten free M&M cookie that she savors a very few at a time. If the outdoors is where Sitton spends most of her time, her heart is in the hands of two little people – her grandchildren, Annie, who is 2, and Xavier, who is 18 months. “Cheryl always swore she wouldn’t be one of those grandmas who dote on their grandkids,” said Roger Sitton. “She totally is though!” With the “foodie” part of her life behind her, Cheryl Sitton finds her motivation and her peace in the outdoors -- running, bicycling, backpacking or hiking. And on her Facebook page is a quote from Hall of Fame quarterback, Steve Young: “The principle is competing against yourself. It's about self-improvement, about being better than you were the day before” – something Sitton has embraced and made her own.
Broncos fans
continued from
“The Super Bowl against the Seahawks that we lost.” – DeeAnn Durbin “The biggest disappointment was the period between John Elway and Peyton Manning as quarterback. In the decade in between, we did not have a qualified quarterback to run the team. The hiring of Josh McDaniels (as coach) was the biggest disappointment as he was a poor acquisition.” – Travis Spruell “That they haven’t won more Super Bowls, but I’m a fan through and through. I’ve stuck with them through some really bad times and I’ll continue to stick with them no matter what.” – Scott Eckstein
22
was Josh McDaniels.” – Nate Duckett “The best was Wade Phillips and the worst was Josh McDaniels.” – DeeAnn Durbin “The worst head coach was John Fox. He didn’t have a clue. The best coach has to be Mike Shanahan.” – Travis Spruell “I really liked Mike Shanahan, who led the Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowl championships, so he is probably my favorite all time coach for the Broncos. My least favorite would be Josh McDaniels, hands down.” – Scott Eckstein Q. Your hope for Denver in the future is. . . .?
Q. Who has been the best Bronco coach and the worst? A. “The best coach was Dan Reeves. He made them a contender. Josh McDaniels was the worst. I rejoice that they canned him.” – Doug Echols “Best is Gary Kubiak. I like what he stands for off the field, he is a former Broncos player and he won a Super Bowl. The worst is Dan Reeves. He had talented teams. His coaching became too predictable.” – Linda Poulson Rogers “The best was Mike Shanahan and the worst
A. “I want them to be competitive. You can’t win them all, but they are headed in the right direction.” – Doug Echols “Just keep winning! – Linda Poulson Rogers “Back to back Super Bowl wins. Von Miller has a Hall of Fame Career. I win season tickets for life!” – Nate Duckett “Back to back world champions!” – DeeAnn Durbin
“My biggest hope is for us to remain a contender. It is expected that we cannot be the best every year, but to remain a good team that continues to make the playoffs on a consistent basis.” – Travis Spruell “To lead the NFL in Super Bowl wins would be great!” – Scott Eckstein Most Bronco fans are delighted with Denver’s new quarterback, Trevor Siemian, who replaced future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning this year. When Siemian injured his shoulder in the October 2 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, backup quarterback Paxton Lynch took over and led the Broncos to a fourth season win. While Echols, Rogers, Duckett, Durbin, Spruell, Work, and Eckstein are diehard Bronco fans, they are joined by the likes of golfer Tiger Woods, actress Kate Hudson, NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, and the creators of the television series “South Park” Trey Parker and Matt Stone, one longtime fan was out of this world. Robin Williams of “Mork and Mindy” fame in the late 1970s, ran onto the field at Mile High Stadium in front of 70,000 screaming and cheering fans for an episode of the then-popular television series!
NOVEMBER 2016
Four Corners SPORTS
33
Running Ranch
continued from
6
basketball, soccer, lacrosse and you know, not just runners because well, runners like you and me, we’re just know-it-alls,” he laughs. “I want to bring in the person looking to change their life and get healthy, and any athletes wanting to step-up their game – and yeah,” he says, “we can tailor a program for the elite runner wanting to go to the Olympics, too.” Helping Zuniga with his vision is seasoned running coach Meissner, once head coach of IRunFar.com and now since 2015 a coach with Sharman Ultra Endurance Coaching. There is also rising star and affiliate coach Christian Gering, who is busy making waves in the ultra running scene with wins at the Grand Canyon Ultra 50K and Moab Red Hot 55K. Gering is working with Navajo Nation youth and hopes to create his own non-profit program under the banner of CRR with the principles of the Young Vets and Wings of America as his foundation. Zuniga has also garnered the support and interest of Jeff Browning and Karl Meltzer, and Jim Wamsley is looking to host a running camp next summer.
NASCAR Nellie
continued from
And it takes almost as long for NN’s neighbors to recover from the colorful language NN uses during the NASCAR season. The neighbors got a petition requesting that NN move to somewhere – OK, anywhere – else, but no one wanted to buy a cute little house that is decorated NASCAR style.
Four Corners SPORTS
CRR will host running camps throughout the year and offers custom-tailored-programs for interested individuals or groups. Cost and further details for the October running camp will be available at www.coloradorunningranch.com. Included in the price is room and board, personal coaching, transportation and trail support. “You have to have your long-term goals and believe in them and you know, if they are real goals they are not going to be easy to attain. My coaching is positivity and constantly building people up. Everyone, for the most part, knows how to run, but they need help with the mental aspect of it. The greatest thing to success is building up the mind,” Zuniga says.
31
NASCAR season, which is sad for NN. It usually takes several months after the season ends before NN’s remembers she can actually turn right when she, herownself, is behind the wheel of her (or on occasion someone else’s luxury) car.
34
At this point, Zuniga says, the thing that has him stressed is trying to find female runners willing to lead a running camp. “I’ve been working with Catherine Ross of Durango, Colo., and I’ve approached Jenn Shelton and I’d like to talk to Hannah Green and Anna Frosty, but there may be issues with sponsors,” he says. “I don’t need the crazy famous runners, just runners that want to help out.”
NOVEMBER 2016
Who woulda thunk it that there are actually people out there who don’t like walls painted like the checkered flag or the number 88 painted on every other wall or FatBoy life-sized decals of Junior, the Sports Most Popular Driver on every wall and the ceiling of the master bedroom? Go figure. NN is considering redoing the theme scheme in the casita, but prob’ly not until Junior wins the championship next year. Then she’ll design a new house that is oval shaped and, instead of a driveway, has Victory Lane. Just sayin’. . . .