content Don Vaughan PuBlISHER
Cindy Cowan Thiele EDITOR
Rick Hoerner Tom Yost Dorothy Nobis
| 4 | Best Showing Ever Sixty-two athletes, who participated in the Connie Mack World Series since 2009, have been drafted into Major league Baseball. This set a new record for the annual American Amateur Baseball Congress, or AABC, series, which is in its 51st year and will be played July 31 though August 1 at Ricketts Park in Farmington.
CONTRIBuTING WRITERS
Josh Bishop Curtis Ray Benally CONTRIBuTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
| 8 | San Juan River Balloon Rally Hot air balloons have been romanticized and fantasized about since 1860, when the first hot air balloon lifted off and took to the skies.
Suzanne Thurman DESIGNER
Clint Alexander SAlES STAFF
lacey Waite ADMINISTRATION For advertising information Call 505.516.1230
www.fourcornerssports.com
STORY IDEAS and PHOTOS 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 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. © 2015 Four Corners Sports magazine.
| 12 | Editorial Columnist | 26 | Who took the title? by Rick Hoerner
To win School of the Year we’ll combine the boys and girls overall records from every sport in all three seasons as posted by the NMAA. Scoring will use the track and field scoring system.
| 14 | 51st San Juan Open The 2015 San Juan Open wrapped up on June 26 with Jim Knous outlasting Jimmy Gunn to claim the $15,000 champions check and staking claim to one of the more prestigious golf championships in the state of New Mexico.
| 18 | Catching up with the county New coaches, major league draft, camps and fundraiser
| 28 | Saddled Up San Juan County was represented by five cowgirls and three cowboys at the 2015 National High School Finals Rodeo, held in Rock Springs, Wyoming, July 14 through 20.
| 30 | Summer Sports | 31 | NMAA Board meets | 32 | NASCAR Nellie
| 22 | Athletes of the Year
| 34 | The First Tee
It’s time to pick the 2014-2015 Majestic Media Athletes of the Year.
by Tom Yost
covercredit Curtis Ray Benally
August 2015
Four Corners SPORTS
3
Best showing
ever 62 Connie Mack players drafted into MLB Story by Debra Mayeux Sixty-two athletes, who participated in the Connie Mack World Series since 2009, have been drafted into Major League Baseball. This set a new record for the annual American Amateur Baseball Congress, or AABC, series, which is in its 51st year and will be played July 31 though August 1 at Ricketts Park in Farmington. The local committee began keeping track of the players future last year and discovered that the series has a good showing of
4
Four Corners SPoRTS
August 2015
“strong athletes,” said Kim Stradling. “It’s a real strong draft of kids that come into our tournament.” Not only are the Connie Mack players being picked up by the Major League, many are playing in college, with 25 former Connie Mack players participating in the college world series this year. “It’s not just the pros, colleges are picking up our kids too,” Stradling said.
August 2015
Four Corners SportS
5
the No. 1 draft pick this year played for East Cobb, and while he didn’t make it to the 2014 Connie Mack World Series, he was still a player in the AABC, according to AABC National president richard Neely. “the No. 2 draft pick did play in the Connie Mack World Series,” he said. this “better class of athlete” playing in each game “pretty well guarantees” good baseball for the crowd that pack the park for daytime and evening games, Stradling said.
pletion,” Neely said, “and we expect an even better tournament in 2015.”
“I love how this town comes together and supports the event...” — Brad Campbell
Connie Mack World Series Chairman Brad Campbell said the committee is working on this ongoing issue. “For the last two years we have a program in place for these reserved ticket holders to return tickets they know will be unused, back to us, and we will sell them on a game-by-game basis.”
And, according to Neely, there will be more games to enjoy. the committee added two additional tournament spots this year, bringing the total number of games to 12. this is something the public has wanted for a long time. “We are fortunate this year to add both the champion from the AABC Don Mattingly World Series for High School eligible players, and the continental qualifier from Charleston, S.C.,” Neely said. “this latest tournament fills a void the AABC had in that particular area of the country.” With these additional teams there will be more games during the day, because the tournament will keep its historic schedule of run-
More games will give people a better chance at getting in to see teams play and have a Connie Mack experience, which has been difficult for some over the years because of reserved ticket sales. this makes for overcrowding in the general admission area and sometimes empty seats in the reserved section.
ning Friday to Friday. Neely said there will be three games July 31, Aug. 1 to 3, and then four games on Aug. 4. there will be three games on Aug. 5, two on Aug. 6 and one or two on Aug. 7. “Since we expanded to 10 teams a few years ago, it provided new winners and greater com-
While the committee looked into an electronic tracking system for seating, it proved to be a rather costly and complicated venture. “We hope to have this running for the 2016 series,” Campbell said, adding, “If we find that specific seats continue to go unused, we will generate a better way to make these seats available to everyone.” If you can’t make it out to ricketts park,
'%
$+! ) '*("
#"$$
,)*"&
!/*" $ ! ) (/ $$ +
...
...
6
Four Corners SportS
August 2015
*"&!'% !
*'
"
$+! '%
)*'& $ ) ++ & )"- + ,+/ '% ,)*"& '% $+! " * &+ &&" $ )
&+* )
*"& '') "& +
'%
however, video streaming is available and games are broadcast live on Vertical Radio, 88.9 FM. “Video streaming has been a great addition to the Connie Mack World Series,” Neely said. Every game is streamed on the AABC Web site at aabc.us. Also new this year, there will national exposure for the series with the Friday night games being broadcast on MLB.tv. Neely had attempted to get the baseball network to broadcast the Connie Mack World Series for a number of years, but was contacted in January by the network about broadcasting the Friday night games. Neely thought it was a great idea and signed a contract to allow for it. While the AABC will pay for the broadcasts, Neely is confident about the opportunity. “It’s national exposure. I’ll make it happen,” he said. For the locals who just want to enjoy Connie Mack Week, Campbell said there will be plenty
to enjoy. “As always we have the parade, the opening ceremonies, the different host organizations hosting events for their individual teams,” Campbell said. “We will have the return of both the coache’s Fungo Challenge and the Homerun Derby.” At the ballpark, he said the feeling is electric. “I have experienced competitive tournaments at nearly all levels and I have never seen anything like this. Where else can you get 5,000 fans watching a game between Ohio and Texas without a local player involved? You get the local team playing and the atmosphere is electric and unreal.” The Jumbotron also will be back adding to that experience. The Jumbotron is brought to Ricketts Park during the World Series through a partnership between the committee and Majestic Media. “It gives our stadium the feel of a big league ballpark,” said Don Vaughan, owner of Majestic
Media, which has an agreement with the committee to handle all of its marketing as well as the management of the Jumbotron. “We applaud the committee for bringing in the Jumbotron.” Vaughan said it allows for such things as player interviews, instant replay, kisscam and videos. “It adds another level of excitement and entertainment to the experience.” Connie Mack also allows for the baseball experience outside of the park with its host family program. “This is a very fulfilling adventure and you get to experience the World Series through the eyes of the players. Not to mention the lifelong relationships that are formed,” Campbell said. Campbell said his favorite part about the Connie Mack World Series is the way the community rallies around the event. “I love how this town comes together and supports the event … the outrageous number of volunteers and sponsors it takes to put this tournament on and for it to be successful for more than 50 years,” he said.
August 2015
Four Corners SPORTS
7
San Juan River Balloon Rally
8
Four Corners SportS
August 2015
Wedding, balloonists take to the skies over Bloomfield Story by Dorothy Nobis | Photos Josh Bishop Hot air balloons have been romanticized and fantasized about since 1860, when the first hot air balloon lifted off and took to the skies. Over the years, hot air balloons have been improved and become a sport and an activity that attracts millions of people to balloon festivals, fiestas and rallies. While the shapes of the balloons have changed drastically since that first nylon balloon with no basket, just a seat, lifted off, the romance and the fantasy of them has intensified. When Bonnie Hopkins and Chad Byers decided they wanted a private wedding that wouldn’t be traditional, but would
share their love of adventure and excitement, they decided to get married in a hot air balloon. “My parents were on a balloon chase crew when I was a kid,” Hopkins-Byers explained, “so I have great memories of early mornings and fun chasing adventures. Chad and I wanted something that was just for the two of us. I loved the idea of ballooning and something new and exciting.” “The idea of a private wedding is pretty rare, but was welcomed by all of our family and friends that know us well,” Hopkins said. “I saw an ad for the Bloomfield Balloon Rally and I took a chance and called
the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce.” Hopkins-Byers said she wanted to get married at the rally, but a chamber staff member suggested she call Doug Lenberg, a balloon meister. After several messages and attempts to contact, Hopkins and Lenberg finally connected and the plan for a hot air balloon wedding was finalized. With the wedding vows exchanged, the newly wedded couple enjoyed the rally, along with hundreds of others. “I think the ballooning community is great,” Hopkins-Byers said. “It is so friendly and open and anyone can join in. The pilots and their crews do it (ballooning) because they genuinely love it and they want to
August 2015
Four Corners SpORTS
9
Chad Byers and Bonnie Hopkins wanted something that was just for the two of them. Bonnie loved the idea of ballooning and something new and exciting so they were married at the eigth annual San Juan River Balloon Rally.
share what they love doing.”
pilots and seven new ones, and it was a great mix and diversity of pilots, both in age and gender.”
Janet Mackey is the president of the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. This year marked the eighth year of the rally. “Our first year, we had eight balloons and we’ve grown every year,” Mackey said. “This was our biggest year ever. We had 11 returning
$ " !
! #
10
The rally brings together families and friends for a no-cost event to share, Mackey said. “During the Glow (which is held at night), the pilots will talk to the kids, lift them in and out of the balloon baskets, and give them trading cards,” she added. “They have endless pa-
! ! ! $ "# "$
Four Corners SpOrTS
! !$
August 2015
tience with the little ones and they love to explain the balloon dynamics to them.” “We also hope it will promote tourism,” Mackey said. “When the pilots and their families see our great area of New Mexico, we hope they’ll want to come back.” Scott Eckstein is the mayor of Bloomfield, said the annual rally brings people into
the community, where they stay, enjoy the city’s restaurants and friendly atmosphere and with hopes of return again. “The real benefit to the city is the opportunity we have to share all our community has to offer,” Eckstein said. “We’re proud of Bloomfield and we enjoy visiting with the pilots and watching the balloons lift off and dot the skies with color. It’s a great event and we appreciate the chamber’s hard work in hosting it.” Gwen Alston of The Accounting Firm, Inc., has sponsored the rally since it began. “Our sponsorship began when Doug Lenberg asked if I wanted to sponsor and my daughter and I could have a flight,” Alston said. “I immediately said yes. Since then, my extended family, as well as my employees and their families, have had the opportunity to participate, not only as passengers, but as part of the chase crew.” Getting up early to crew or to ride brings benefits, said Bonnie Hopkins-Byers. “We get so wrapped up in New Mexico’s sunsets, but I prefer our sunrises. Sunrise is so peaceful and calming, and so is ballooning,” she said. “It’s exciting and adventurous, but once you’re up in the air, you don’t have a care or a worry in the world.” “It isn’t easy to find that kind of peace in this world,” Hopkins-Byers added. “Ballooning is an unforgettable experience and you just can’t get that from a few extra hours of sleep.”
August 2015
Four Corners SpOrTS
11
A matter of perspective Defining of hero is not a one size fits all proposition in the past decade Marvel, and very soon Dc, comics will exhaust the movie genre of superhero. it’s interesting to me that in the movies, in comics or on TV the hero is usually a tortured soul who finds their inner hero through turmoil and challenge. Yet in everyday life the term hero is thrown around so casually that the word hero, in this decade, is the equivalent of the word “awesome” back in the 1980s. Everything was once awesome. Now everyone is a hero. According to the good folks at MerriamWebster, a hero is: 1 A: A mythological or legendary figure, often of divine descent, endowed with great strength or ability B: An illustrious warrior c: A man admired for his achievements and noble qualities D: One who shows great courage 2 A: The principal male character in a literary or dramatic work B: The central figure in an event, period, or movement Now at first glance this definition is in-
RickHOERNER Editorial columnist credibly sexist. Then, second of all, it is vague in the qualities that define the term. The definition is full of abstract adjectives describing heroism – “legendary,” “illustrious” and “noble.” How can a word be defined by words that are essentially indefinable? This brings us to the saga that is Bruce/caitlyn Jenner. i am old enough to remember watching the Montreal Olympics in 1976 where Bruce Jenner captivated a nation with a world record decathlon performance. Jenner was the American poster boy of the Olympics appearing on the Wheaties box and turning from athlete to celebrity. Jenner starred in some horribly memorable movies including The Village People’s You can’t Stop the Music, and eventually taking a nearly impossible down turn to reality television and keeping Up With the kardashians. Apparently, though, this is not who Bruce
Jenner is, and now, nearly 40 years after winning the title of World’s Greatest Athlete, Jenner announced to the world that he would become caitlyn Jenner. The change for caitlyn Jenner was as public as everything in the reality TV world seems to be. in April, Jenner was interviewed by Diane Sawyer and revealed that he was a transgender woman. immediately the internet erupted. The lines were drawn right down party lines. Republicans responded as predicted. Rush Limbaugh claimed, “These people have a very serious problem. … [T]hey need help, not encouragement.” Former Secretary of Education William Bennett added, “it’s like American culture is being dragged kicking and screaming not only toward acceptance, but approval.” The democratic response was equally predictable. Jenner was described as “brave” and “a hero” by many, from the president to Democratic frontrunner Hillary clinton. Here is where the real debate began. it would of course be politically incorrect to hammer Jenner for coming out transgender. So the social media battle began on how heroic Jenner really was. Suddenly, memes were posting up all over Facebook about the comparison of Jenner to the military, mostly comparing Jenner to American Sniper chris kyle. How did we get to the point where we argue over semantics and choice of useful definition? Noam chomsky once wrote, “We shouldn’t be looking for heroes, we should be looking for good ideas.” True, perhaps, but we have constantly been in search of the hero. Historical figures are seen as heroic. Even sports figures are seen as heroic. The last-second shot. The player who guts out an injury. Yet now the term has lost meaning. is Jenner heroic? Or would another synonym work better? Does it really matter if someone used
12
Four Corners SPORTS
August 2015
is. And apparently if it doesn’t fit your definition then it must not be true.
“heroic” and meant it as “brave”? Either way the definition works. Using the dictionary definition above, 1-D fits right in. What Jenner did took of great courage, whether you agree with his choice or not.
In 1993, Charles Barkley, who is no stranger to controversial statements, made his famous “I Am Not a Role Model” advertisement for Nike. Barkley states that he’s “not paid to be a role model. … Parents should be role models. Just because I dunk a basketball doesn’t mean I should raise your kids.” Some took to Barkley’s comments as a good thing. Others saw Barkley’s comments as ridiculous. Athletes are automatically role models.
It really is fascinating how one term or another can get so politicized, but really heroism is just like truth, it is completely within the eye of the beholder. Bulls fans see Michael Jordan as a hero for hitting that last second shot over Craig Ehlo in Game 5 of the 1989 playoffs, but in Cleveland probably not so much. The same can be said of Jenner and these ridiculous comparisons to our troops in uniform. The troops that put on the Stars and Stripes deserve every amount of respect given to them and by definition they hit every point. But again this is all a matter of perspective. Imagine that the movie American Sniper had a complete role reversal and the new movie Taliban Sniper told the story of the most decorated marksman in Taliban history with 160 certified kills while protecting his brothers in arms.
I doubt we here in the United States would see that sniper as a hero, but certainly as a villain.
Just as there are different types of role models – and they come in all shapes and sizes – so do heroes.
Even this week as I write this story, the heroic virtues of the Civil War are coming into question. Is the Confederate battle flag a sign of brutal slavery? Or is it just a symbol of a past way of life? Again, that may be in the eye of the beholder, but why chance that something you stand for would grievously hurt other people?
It’s not a “one size fits all” proposition. So whatever becomes of Caitlyn Jenner, one thing is certain. As a society we have to choose words more carefully while simultaneously not taking everything someone else says within the confines of our own definitions.
Yet here we are as we decide not only who is or who is not a “hero,” but what that virtue
It’s no wonder politicians never answer any questions. We’re just too stuck in our ways to understand the nuance of the answers.
# %" (! *!&% &' ! # # !% !# ! # &+)* &+* !* $ ! *!&% !' #!% &%)*(+ *!&% (* &,!% ##. +$') ,. +# ( " & " & & ( &/ ( !##
!# .
-% (
( )!
%*
( $ !% * & %
!! $ !#
" -)!
& ( !% ) * & ( $ % *
August 2015
Four Corners SPORTS
13
51ST
SAN JUAN OPEN
Knous take the win by 2 strokes Story by Tom Yost | Photos by Curtis Ray Benally The 2015 San Juan Open wrapped up on June 26 with Jim Knous outlasting Jimmy Gunn to claim the $15,000 champions check
14
Four Corners SpOrTS
and staking claim to one of the more prestigious golf championships in the state of New Mexico.
August 2015
Knous won with rounds of 68, 63, 65 and 66, shooting 22 under par 262 to win by 2 strokes over Gunn.
Just coming off a wonderful showing at Chambers Bay in the 2015 United States Open, Gunn was the favorite heading into the event, even though he had a tough time deciding whether or not even to play in the 2015 San Juan Open the week after the US Open.
friends and family with me at Chambers Bay, but it was very difficult for them to watch me play. I had my dad with me this week so he got to ride in the cart with me and get a lot closer to the action than he did last week at the US Open.”
“I wasn’t going to come after the US Open,” said Gunn. “But I just love it here. I had my
Gunn started the final round one shot back of Knous and Nick Killpack. Killpack quickly
fell off the pace with two bogeys in his first four holes, while Knous and Gunn finished the front nine tied for the lead at 19 under par. Momentum seemed to be trending toward the 2013 San Juan Open Champion, Gunn when he saved par with a 40-foot putt after an errant drive on hole 10 cost him a penalty stroke because of an unplayable lie.
August 2015
Four Corners SpOrtS
15
“I had been struggling with my driver on holes 9, 10 and 11,” said Gunn. “I should be looking at birdie chances on 10 and 11, but the long par putt on 10 gave me some confidence.” that confidence was soon halted as both Gunn and Knous made a bogey on hole 11.
“We were going neck and neck with birdies,” said Knous. “I had a tough par putt from two and a half feet on 13 which I was glad to make. then we both made birdies on 14 and 15. I stuck it close on 17 and made birdie, which gave me a two-shot lead going into 18.” And even though the two-shot cushion proved to be the difference in the final score, it didn’t prevent Knous from having to overcome nerves and a squirrely tee shot on the 72nd hold.
“I made a terrible bogey on 11 with a pretty easy pin location. the rough was thick and the ball flew a little bit further than I wanted it to,” said Gunn.
“I was pretty nervous on 18 tee box,” explained Knous. “I was aiming at the middle of the green and caught it a little heavy which turned the golf ball over to the left. I am just glad it made it over the water.”
Knous took the lead for good when he hit his second shot to six feet on 12 and then followed that up with birdies on holes 14, 15 and 17 to pull away from Gunn. “I wasn’t surprised at the putt Jimmy made on 10,” explained Knous. “Jimmy is a heck of a putter. I knew there were plenty of holes left to make birdie, so I wasn’t too worried about it.”
San Juan Country Club’s Head Golf professional, Jeff roth, had a great showing once again in his home event, finishing in 11th place over. roth finished at 10-under par with rounds of 66, 71, 68 and 69. “It was a pretty decent tournament, seeing I haven’t been playing much,” said roth. “I got off to a good start on thursday and played pretty decent for the rest of the week.”
"
# !
# #
" "
#
$
#
"
!
"
the San Juan open tournament committee agreed this year to make the course a bit more playable in an attempt to speed up the play and make it more enjoyable for the amateur participants. “the greens were about a foot slower this year and the rough wasn’t nearly as thick,” explained roth, “which made the golf course less penal than in past years and the total scores lower. these pros are so long and so good that they can take this course and make it a pitch and putt.”
! !
Four Corners SportS
!
!" ! ! $ !
&
"
# """ 16
!"
" % !
August 2015
% #
"#
"
#
"
&& ! "
CATCHING UP WITH THE COUNTY New coaches, major league draft, camps and fundraiser Baseball The annual major league baseball draft took place last month with a couple of Piedra Vista Panthers getting that dream call as Dominic Moreno was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 9th round and Jacy Cave was selected by Arizona in the 19th. For Cave, the response was quick. He signed and headed to Arizona to begin rookie ball. In Moreno’s case the Tigers were a bit of a shock as apparently they had had little conversation with Detroit Along with Tyler Archuleta, Phillip Archuleta and Gunner Archuleta — who are not related — have been staples of PV's program for the past couple of seasons. Now, after Phillip and Gunner Archuleta signed their letters of intent on Monday, all three will play baseball at the next level. Gunner Archuleta signed with Lamar Community College in Lamar, Colo., and Phillip Archuleta signed to play at Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colo. Gunner joins the other Archuleta, Tyler, who also signed with Lamar last month. Another Panther, Trey Franks, signed with University of the Southwest in Hobbs. Franks, who saw limited time on the mound while anchoring down first base for Piedra Vista, will join the Mustangs to pitch New Aztec basketball coach Jeremy Archuleta will take over the head job for Aztec basketball this fall. After subvarsity jobs with Farmington, Shiprock, Navajo Prep and Aztec, Archuleta gets his first shot at the head job after the Tigers finished with back-to-back losing seasons.
Dominic Moreno
New Farmington softball coach Farmington High stayed in-house for its new head softball coach hiring Tim Trotter to take over Scorpion softball. Trotter has been the assistant coach for his brother Sean on the Scorpion baseball team. Trotter takes over for Johnny Curry who left the position right after the state tournament. Tim Trotter
18
Four Corners SPOrTS
August 2015
Charly Martin Camp Former Piedra Vista Panther and Seattle Seahawk football player Charly Martin returned to Farmington in June to host his annual football camp at Piedra Vista. Martin officially retired from the NFL and is now looking to stay in football. Martin, who has his degree in broadcast journalism, began covering football for his alma mater West Texas A&M and doing some local television in Washington. For Martin, he must make a choice between taking the long route from local TV to the networks or heading to the front office where he has already had discussions with Seattle, Kansas City, and the New York Jets. A new father last year, Charly is turning the page from playing but staying involved in the game.
August 2015
Four Corners SPorTS
19
Connie Mack The Connie Mack World Series is upon us. The Series begins on July 31 and runs through Aug. 7. This year’s tournament will add a pair of new qualifiers to the bracket,
20
Four Corners SPOrTS
the Mattingly qualifier and the Continental qualifier bringing the total teams in the bracket to 12. Opening ceremonies are on July 31 between Game 1 and Game 2. The Connie Mack Parade is on July 31 at 10:30
August 2015
a.m. through downtown Farmington. For those who may be looking to host a couple of players, the orientation is July 24. To apply to be a host family log onto http://cmws.org/foster-family/
Prep season coming up soon Fall prep sports season is right around the corner. Football practice begins on Aug. 3 while the rest of the fall sports begin a week later. Time to schedule those physicals.
Golf Fundraiser Navajo Prep’s Four-Person Scramble to benefit the Fighting Eagles academic and athletic programs is Aug. 29 at 9 a.m. at Piñon Hills Golf Course. The cost is $375 per team. To sign up call athletic director Mike Tillman at 505.215.3102 or Piñon Hills at 505.326.6066,
1
1
!,)&*%.+* 1
1
!&*
.
1
1
&,.(!*# 1
/// .,$!#/+,'- "+) August 2015
/0
Four Corners SPorTS
21
Athletes of the
Year:
Focus, excel at more than just one sport Story by Rick Hoerner | Photos by Curtis Ray Benally It’s time to pick the 2014-2015 Majestic Media Athletes of the year. this prep year saw the continuing dynasties of piedra Vista Wrestling, Aztec women’s track and Farmington girls tennis continue. Meanwhile, the county’s dominance on the ball diamonds took a detour as piedra Vista’s softball state championship string ended at nine while the baseball team was denied a seventh straight championship title game with an early exit to Artesia. the criteria for Athlete of the year are quite simple. First, you must be a graduating senior. Second, you have to be a three-sport yearlong athlete. third, you have to be a contributing member in all three sports. I realize this takes out a lot of qualified athletes, those such as Aztec track superstar Sarah Root, Farmington’s track and football state champion Avery Rasher and piedra Vista’s five-time state wrestling champion Anthony Juckes. the list will probably contain
athletes you may know, as well as some you normally don’t hear an awful lot about; athletes that are a dying breed, who represent their school all year long. this year’s biggest surprise was that a school the size of Farmington High did not have a single three-sport athlete, and Aztec and Kirtland Central had no female three-sport athletes. peyton Kee the list of young ladies includes a series of athletes from different sports. piedra Vista’s peyton Kee has been an integral part of three panther sports immediately following her transfer from Lamar, Colo., in the summer of 2013. that fall she finished third at the district cross country championships, helping the panthers to the district title. Also, Kee immediately was in the mix with the Lady panther basketball team and finished her career with a stellar performance for the panther track team. As can be the case with many athletes who participate in multiple sports, Kee’s senior season was filled with a host of injuries –but that wasn’t enough to stop Kee from pursuing athletics in college. next year she will be heading to Fort Lewis College to continue her career in track.
peytonKEE piedra Vista High School
22
Four Corners SpoRtS
August 2015
the eagles volleyball team that played in this year’s finals and the softball squad that made it to the state tournament’s second round. adrian Vigil as with the ladies, the number of boys participating in three sports in their senior year is dwindling. this year’s male athletes of the year is led by Bloomfield’s adrian Vigil. For the Bobcats, Vigil has been the personification of athletic excellence. on the football field Vigil was the first offensive option for the no. 4 ranked Bobcats leading Bloomfield to the state quarterfinals. on the mat Vigil was a member of the 2014 state championship squad. ramsey Baker Joining Kee at PV is ramsey Baker. Baker added “three-sport athlete” to her list of accomplishments that include Honor Graduate and Student Body President. Baker has been on the Panther varsity volleyball team competing in three consecutive state title matches, was also a three-year member of the Lady Panther basketball team and an important cog in the rise of the Panther tennis team. navajo Prep’s Vanisha Sam and Leisha yazzie were part of the always solid basketball program, and while Sam hit the track on the cross country and track teams, yazzie was a member of
this season in track Vigil stepped to the top of the podium three times as a member of two relay teams – the 4x100 and the 1600 meter sprint medley – and winning the 300-meter hurdles.
ramSeyBAKER Piedra Vista High School
aztec was led by three seniors who participated in a wide spectrum of sports. Justin Slavey was a member of the district championship football team, wrestled, and threw for the track team finishing 4th at the state meet. Gray Smith played for the tiger soccer team, ran cross country and ran track. Jared diswood ran cross country and track for the tigers and played basketball.
adrianVIGIL Bloomfield High School
August 2015
Four Corners SPortS
23
brandon Fleming Piedra Vista had a pair of threesport athletes in Joaquin Sais and brandon Fleming. Sais played for the Panther soccer and basketball teams and ran for the track team. brandon Fleming joins his brother Justin, who graduated in 2012, on this list. brandon is one of those athletes who will rarely, if ever, see his name in print. However, he epitomizes what athletics should be for developing young people. Sports gave him a sense of purpose and achievement as he participated in cross country, wrestling and track.
brandonFLEMING Piedra Vista High School
Jacob belin Jacob belin was a stalwart at Kirtland Central for their football team’s return to district prominence, taking the helm at quarterback while also carrying the load rushing the football. belin also wrestled for the broncos and played on the Kirtland baseball team. belin’s football teammate Isaac decker was also a three-
sport athlete for the broncos, playing basketball as well as throwing for the track team. our athletes of the Year show that the concept of having to focus on one sport is just not necessary from a playing, coaching or parenting point of view. The four women and eight men who have put their needs behind the needs of their school should be commended for participating in multiple sports. once upon a time there would be a multitude of athletes sporting lettermen jackets with as many pins as they could fit, but today athletes and families have fallen victim to the push of specialization for scholarship. This is nothing more than a trap. Lebron James was a two-sport athlete in high school; Farmington legend duane Ward, also a two-sport athlete; and Farmington Mayor Tommy roberts can say the same.
,%''" / ,!- 0 " ! $" &- 0 /(+", "+' %," $ %)- (*," -.
24
Four Corners SPorTS
August 2015
%) 0
,(%)#.*) 01
"(").-
jacobBELIN Kirtland central
The last pro this town produced, charly Martin, played three. Multi-sport athletes have a lower account of injury. according to a survey by ohio State, one-sport athletes tend to be less active as adults.
$ "!' &#!$ (%$
That doesn't even include the possibility – and more likely probability – of burnout. of course there may be one sport to focus on, but you can help your whole school and community by participating in multiple sports and/or multiple activities. It is high school after all.
(
) ! "
' %#
Get out and have some fun. Do all you can with the opportunities that high school offers. It’s only going to come around once in your life.
$ "!' &#!$ (%$ " $!
$
'$ ' $"# $&) !%'$ ! " # !)
( *
&& &!
' %#
%' &) !%'$ ! %& % " ! %
" # !) %& $! $ ' &'$ " # !) #$"( $% " $
August 2015
!%'$ ! $ '$ ' ! !
Four Corners SporTS
'$ ' $( %
25
Who took the title? 5th Annual All-Sports Four Corners Sports Magazine School of the Year
To win School of the Year we’ll combine the boys and girls overall records from every sport in all three seasons as posted by the NMAA. Scoring will use the track and field scoring system. The district champion receives 7 points, the runner-up gets 5, third place gets 3, and fourth place gets 2 points. State champions get a bonus 7 points, a state runner-up gets a bonus of 5 and a final four gets the school a bonus of 3 points. Only team totals will be counted with the regular season district records counting unless there is a postseason district playoff. Then the tournament champion will be considered the district champion. In sports that have no regular season head-to-head competition, such as cross-country, the district championship meet will be used for accumulating totals.
trict 1AAAA, but there were a couple of runnerups and some final four participants. District champions in the fall included Aztec football, PV volleyball, Farmington boys soccer, Aztec girls soccer, PV boys cross country and Aztec girls cross country.
Let’s start with the fall of 2012 where no state championships were brought back to Dis-
Boys Soccer: Farmington 12
Football: Aztec 10 PV 5 Farmington 3 Kirtland 2 Volleyball: PV 12 Farmington 5 Kirtland 3 Aztec 2
PV 5 Aztec 3 Girls Soccer: Aztec 12 Farmington 5 Kirtland 3 PV 2 Boys Cross Country: PV 10 Farmington 5 Aztec 3 Kirtland 2
Girls Cross Country: Aztec 7 Kirtland 5 PV 3 Farmington 2
Fall Totals Aztec - 37 Piedra Vista - 37 Farmington - 32 Kirtland - 15 In the winter season the district state championship was in wrestling but not much else as basketball was down this season. Kirtland again reigned supreme in girls basketball while Farmington topped PV in boys basketball in the game of the season and wrestling was all about the state champion Panthers Boys Basketball: Farmington 7 Piedra Vista 5 Kirtland 3 Aztec 2
26
Four Corners SPOrTS
August 2015
Girls Basketball: Kirtland 7 PV 5 Aztec 3 Farmington 2
Wrestling: PV 14 Aztec 5 Farmington 3 Kirtland 2
Here are this year’s final totals: Final Totals Piedra Vista - 133 Farmington - 96.5 Aztec - 86.5 Kirtland - 48
Winter Totals Piedra Vista - 25 Kirtland - 12 Farmington - 12 Aztec - 10
So Piedra Vista will have the honor of being crowned the inaugural Four Corner’s Sports Magazine All-Around Sports Champion
In the spring, District 1AAAA was dominant – to say the least – with state champions in boys and girls track and softball; runner-ups in softball; baseball; boys and girls tennis and boys track; a third place in girls track and a pair of fourth place finishes in golf by PV and Kirtland Central. Softball: PV 14 Aztec 10 Farmington 6 Kirtland 2
Just a month and a half until we start it all over again.
Baseball: PV 12 Farmington 5 Aztec 3 Kirtland 2 Boys Tennis: Farmington 12 PV 5
Girls Tennis: Farmington 12 PV 5
Boys Golf: PV 10 Kirtland 5 Farmington 2.5 Aztec 2.5
Girls Golf: Kirtland 8 Aztec 7 PV 3 Farmington 2
Boys Track: PV 14 Farmington 10 Aztec 3 Kirtland 2
Girls Track: Aztec 14 PV 8 Farmington 3 Kirtland 2
Spring Totals Piedra Vista - 71 Farmington - 52.5 Aztec - 39.5 Kirtland - 21
#OneCall Connects
505-325-9600 Located at 111 N. Behrend Farmington, NM 87401
August 2015
Four Corners SPorTS
27
Saddled up San Juan County sends 8 to National Finals Rodeo; 5 to NJHFR Story by Dorothy Nobis | File photos San Juan County was represented by five cowgirls and three cowboys at the 2015 National High School Finals Rodeo, held in Rock Springs, Wyoming, July 14 through 20. Lindsey Ashcroft, 2015 Miss New Mexico High
Holly McGlasson will compete in the cutting event for the third year in a row. McGlasson, who will be a senior at Aztec High School this fall, has been working with a new horse. She’ll be judged on her ability to separate a cow from a herd. McGlasson added that she’ll be watching her competition and will let her horse do what he does best.
bull rider in Rock Springs. He’s been practicing his riding, but also keeping a positive mental attitude – both of which he hopes will earn him a title. Jesse Rogers will represent New Mexico in team roping and in trap shooting. And while he looks forward to the team roping event, his heart is set on retaining the trap shooting title he won in 2012. The 2013 graduate of Bloomfield High School will join his best friend, Casey Carviso of Fort Wingate, in the team roping event.
School Rodeo Queen, will compete against 44 other state queens for the national title. Ashcroft, who will be a senior at Bloomfield High School this fall, will display her horsemanship, speech, and modeling abilities during the competition. This is the first time to compete for the NMSHR queen and she said she’s excited to support all of the contestants from New Mexico, especially the Four Corners team.
Haley Wolfe will also compete for Arizona, in the barrels event. Wolfe, who lives in Flora Vista, has been running barrels since the sixth grade and believes she’s ready for national competition.
MacKenzie Kemple will be in the pole bending event. Kemple said she’s enjoyed making new friends in Arizona and hopes to do well in the event. She attends Piedra Vista High School.
28
Four Corners SPoRTS
Baillee Wiseman is another barrels competitor and is looking forward to her first appearance in the National High School Finals Rodeo. The Piedra Vista High School senior said she’s focused on being in the top 20, but hopes to bring home a title. Jacob Spencer, a sophomore at Bloomfield High School, is anxious to show his talents as a
August 2015
Justin Hamilton has tried for several years to make it to the National High School Finals Rodeo and this year, that dream has come true. An Aztec High School graduate, Hamilton said while making the finals is his ultimate goal, just participating is reward enough. The San Juan County participants will enjoy a trade show, volleyball tournament, dances talent contest and meeting competitors from 41 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia during the ten-day event.
The National High School Rodeo Finals is sponsored by the National High School Rodeo Association, which has headquarters in Denver. The NHSFR has a board of directors, one from each of the 41 states and provinces. Tabbed as the “World’s Largest Rodeo,” the NHSFR brings together about 1,500 contestants, who hope to win not just titles, but prizes and scholarships worth thousands of dollars. National Junior High Finals Rodeo The NSHFR also sponsors the National Junior High Finals Rodeo, which was held in Des Moines, Iowa, in June. McKenzie Watkins of Bloomfield placed eighth in the All Around Cowgirl competition, fifth in the Girls Breakaway Average, and fourth in the Girls Goat Tying Average. Also competing in the NJHFR were Denton Faver of Aztec participated in team roping and breakaway; Cooper Ferrari of Aztec, competed in team roping and chute dog event; and Cami Reed, also of Aztec, competed in pole bending; and Olivia Morehouse of Farmington competed in barrel racing. Farmington and San Juan County were
hosts to the National High School Finals Rodeo in 2002-2003 and again in 2008-2009. While hundreds of area residents volunteered for both events and the participants and their families were gracious guests, the cost of hosting the rodeo caused local leaders to re-think bidding for the event again. In spite of the crowds that filled the bleachers during the 2008-2009 rodeos, the Tres Rios
High School Rodeo Association, the local organization that brought together leaders from throughout the area to oversee the rodeo, decided the financial costs to the community weren’t worth the revenue it brought in. "In good conscience, I just don't think I see that benefit versus the loss that we incurred," said then Farmington Mayor Bill Standley after the vote to not bid on the event again.
August 2015
Four Corners SpORTS
31
aztecSPEEDWAY
SUMMER SPORT IN FARMINGTON riverfest5K
sassyRUN
knotholeDAY
30
Four Corners sports
August 2015
NMAA Board meets Group discusses eligibility guidelines the New Mexico Activities Association’s Board of Directors met in regular session on Wednesday, June 3rd in the NMAA Hall of pride and Honor. Sally Marquez gave her Director's report which included information on Spring Championships, the Compete with Class Sportsmanship Initiative and plans for the future, Board member departures and openings, and the NMAA Foundation Golf tournament and Fun run fundraisers. Business Manager Shari Kessler-Schwaner presented the NMAA Financial report which included information on revenues and expenses from the Fall and Winter Championship Seasons and a report on championship ticket sales from all events held during 2014 - 2015. Deputy Director Dana pappas presented the NMAA Activities report which included information on the 20 activity events that took place since the February Board Meeting, the upcoming rodeo Championships, the success of the three music contests held in April, the collection of state activity dates for 2015 - 2016, and the rising concern among activity groups regarding transfers and eligibility for their student participants.
use of Drones (UAS). • Voted in favor of a proposal regarding the day/time of championship games in football. • Voted in favor of a proposal to adjust the NMAA definition of “past history” in football. • Voted in favor of a proposal regarding how a host site is determined for various state football playoff games when schools have no past history. • Voted in favor of a proposal to modify the current “mercy rule” in the sport of football for Class 8 Man through 6A. • Voted in favor of a proposal to modify competition limits in middle school wrestling. • Voted in favor of a proposal to change the misconduct progression rule in the sport of soccer. • Voted to approve the NMAA budget for 2015-2016. the next NMAA Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for September 23.
Deputy Director Dana pappas presented the NM officials Association report which included information on the success of cross assigning officiating crews during State Basketball, the recent revision of the NMoA Constitution, the extreme shortage of officials in the sports of baseball/softball, and the upcoming State officials Clinic to be held in July. Sally Marquez then went over several discussion/informational items with the board. these items included an update on the Colorado Association’s decision to allow New Mexico 8th graders to participate with their teams at events in their state, information on the 2016 - 2018 classification and alignment schedule/timeline, possible amendments to the NMAA’s ejection policy for fighting/excessive contact, open enrollment choices and eligibility, a potential option for sport programs to move up in class upon request, and overall record as a criteria point within selection/seeding. the Board of Directors took action on the following items: • Voted in favor of a proposal to modify the tie-breaker process used during selection/seeding. • Voted in favor of a proposal to require alumni games to be played prior to a team’s first game. • Voted to table a proposal to modify scholastic eligibility guidelines that would determine eligibility using semester grades only. • Voted in favor of a proposal to add a new bylaw regarding academically ineligible participants. • Voted in favor of a proposal to establish a policy regarding the
August 2015
Four Corners SportS
31
For the love of Junior NN finds even more reasons to love Dale Earnhardt Jr. NASCAr Nellie loves Dale Earnhardt Jr., in case some of you with your heads in the sand haven’t figured out by now. NN loves Junior for a gazillion reasons, and just this very day, she discovered 300 million more of ’em. Junior, according to one of those sites on the Internet (NN will be forever grateful to Al Gore for inventing the Internet, just so’s ya know. How in the world did we keep up with the latest “news” before Alrighty Al came up with the idea for a gazillion Internet sites that would keep us “informed” about stuff we didn’t know we needed to be informed about before?), is the richest in dollars of all NASCAr drivers in the whole wide world.
jealous of the beautiful Amy for a gazillion reasons and the most recent 300 mil ones. And Junior did it in a sweet, romantic way. NN has never considered Junior romantic (NN always watches the pre-race thingeys to see how he interacts with Amy and NN swears she saw him shake Amy’s hand instead of giving her a kiss once or twice or for three years. For reals – NN thinks Junior isn’t real big on pDA (public Display of Affection for those of you who can’t keep up with Wiki) and for a while, NN thought Junior might think pDA was a bad thing and didn’t want the eleventeen million fans who watch him during every prerace thingey to think he was overly affectionate, so he stayed with the handshake and a side hug.
Junior’s “estimated worth” is a measly $300 million, which is certain to double, triple, quadtriple, and super-quad-triple before he leaves the sport. Junior isn’t the sport’s most popular driver for the eleventeenth year in a row without reason. Ya see, Junior may have $300 mil, but his fan base is, like eleventeen times bigger than that. Junior rules NASCAr. other drivers may wish they ruled NASCAr. they may on occasion actually think they rule NASCAr. they may think fans like them better than anybody and they may actually think the fans in the stands come to see them, themownselves, race. None of that is true. Anybody who has been to a NASCAr race will attest to the roar of the fans when Junior passes a car – any car – let alone wins a race. When Junior wins a race, Junior Nation doesn’t leave the minute Junior crosses the finish line. Nope. they wait until they see their general in Victory Lane and then they let out the Junior Nation roar once again, making the Earth shake and poor ole Donnie trump think he actually has a chance to win the presidency. Whatever. Not that some of those ’nother NASCAr drivers don’t deserve some additional dollars in their bank accounts or a fan base of more than 23 or to be a second-or-third most popular driver. It is just that Junior is the bomb. In spite of his fame and his family’s fortune (which the nice website stated is not included in his personal 300 mil wealth – thanks, Al, for keeping the Internet honest and for creating Wikipedia, which is the gospel for the truth as those Wiki people like to know it), Junior lived in a double-wide mobile home for years before
32
Four Corners SportS
he upgraded to a bigger home and his own little city, that includes a bar, a post office and a Dollar Store (according to Wikipedia). Junior is humble, kinda dorky in an “aw shucks” kinda way, and always has something nice to say about people (unless someone treats him wrong on the track, in which case Junior will call a spade a spade or a dumb driver a dumb driver or a schmuck a schmuck). Because NN wants what is best for Junior, she was kinda glad to hear he had proposed to the beautiful, blonde, thin, prob’ly fun and friendly and prob’ly all the ’nother drivers WAGS (Wives and Girlfriends for those of you who, because you haven’t seen it on Wiki or heard Donnie trump or Al Gore mention it, don’t know what WAGS means) are extremely
August 2015
Junior proposed in Germany, in a church, with a ring that NN guesses he had to have three of his biggest and best security people carry because it was that big. Whatever. the Wedding, which NN is pretty sure she won’t be invited to after that one time when she sneaked into Junior’s double wide and pretended she was lost and needed some of Junior’s “belongings” to help her find her way again. Junior said he’d never had anyone need his deodorant or his toothbrush or his “delicates” to find their way home again and NN be darned; the law enforcement people agreed with him, so he has a lifetime restraining order against NN, which keeps her in the nosebleed seats at the track and her photoshopped photo in the possession of every one of his security people. NN knows the photo was shopped on accounta she shaved her mustache before that photo was taken and had the wart on her nose removed by an expert in Mexico, who had a little too much tequila before the surgery and after he removed said wart, he attached it to her left ear, where it has left NN with selective hearing. Whatever. Junior wanted the proposal to be “good enough” for Amy and he figured a thousandyear-old church in Germany was good enough. NN thinks he’s prob’ly right, and also believes all the German angels are now Junior fans, too. Just sayin’. . . .
So good things are happening for Junior. He won the Coke Zero 400 (NN still wonders why there isn’t a Sweet Cherry Pie Wine 425 .) in Daytona, he’s in the top five in the standings, he finally got a Platinum Capital One credit card and he never, ever has to worry about his automobile insurance rates going up, no matter what (NN, herownself, is jealous over that. Seems NN’s automobile insurance carrier doesn’t care that the gas pedal stuck or she hadda answer her cell phone on accounta it was her bookie and she always puts all of her betting money – 20 bucks, on accounta NN doesn’t have 300 mil in the bank or investments or in a box under the bed – and it wasn’t her fault that the car ahead of her decided to stop at a red light when it was still red/yellow when NN saw it) and is engaged and planning to be a daddy. Feelin’ the love here, people, feelin’ the love. For those of you who don’t read Wiki and don’t know that Junior is the sports’ most popular driver for the eleventeenth year in a row and don’t (NN shudders here and is forced to down another glass of SCP wine) care where Junior ranks or who he marries or where he lives or how much money he makes, NN does know there are other drivers/happenings in
NASCAR with drivers who wish they were the sports’ most popular driver and had 300 mil to play with. NN has never EVER been a Kyle Busch fan. Never, EVER. Well almost never, ever. Since Boohoo Busch got married and became a dad, he has mellowed and isn’t quite as arrogant and insufferable as he useta be. Thank goodness. And even NN has a soft spot for proud new daddies, so when he won the race at Sonoma, NN shed a tear or two when he went to Victory Lane. One of those tears was prob’ly when the Devil Kitten saw something in NN’s eye and took a swipe at it (the expert in Mexico says it will heal quickly if NN drinks a shot of tequila before she watches future NASCAR races, which was verified by Wiki, just so’s ya know), but she was happy for Kyle and his lovely wife Samantha and for both of Kyle’s fans. It was a Kodak moment if NN ever saw one, but there was nary a Kodak camera in sight. Whatever. So NN is happy for Kyle and she is forever thankful that the horrific crash Austin Dillon had at Daytona didn’t end his career or his life. And, of course, Junior, the sports’ most popu-
lar driver, kept asking about Austin (who drives the Number 3 car for Richard Childress and – again, for those of you who don’t go to Wiki for all your important information – Junior’s dad, Dale Sr., drove the 3 car for RCR) even during his victory laps, which explains why he’s the sport’s most popular driver forever and ever, amen. NN wishes Tony Stewart would win a race, hopes that Chase Elliott continues to improve, loves it when Aztec’s Alex Kennedy makes any NASCAR race, and hopes that someday, some way, somehow, she, NN, will be allowed in the pit area of the one NASCAR race she’s allowed to attend without her probation officer. NN did NOT know streaking was prohibited in the pit area at Phoenix, and was just getting a little exercise before she put on that driver’s suit that somehow ended up in her shower stall in the training room in the driver’s private area. NN is not the “repeat offender” those law enforcement people say she is. Sometimes, that wart that was moved to her ear keeps her from hearing law enforcement people telling her to stop, then when she stopped and they found out she was naked, they told her to run, Forest, run. Whatever.
August 2015
Four Corners SPORTS
33
SUMMER PROGRAMS Corporate Challenge and Golfball Drop in August; 2nd year for Junior League The summer has been flying by at The First Tee of San Juan County, Nm. With summer programming currently happening at Riverview Golf Course in Kirtland, Civitan Golf Course in Farmington and Aztec municipal Golf Course in Aztec, youth participants are receiving much needed life skills and character value instruction through the game of golf. That being said, the end of summer event to showcase all that The First Tee offers will be held on Aug. 8 at Riverview Golf Course.
TomYOST The First Tee
youth participants the opportunity to experience a friendly introduction to competitive golf. With one practice per week at various courses, and one match per week, the youth participants are experiencing team golf at its finest and learning rules, etiquette, teamwork, sportsmanship, respect, courtesy and perseverance.
We start with The Corporate Challenge, where community businesses play against one another for the Corporate Cup, the traveling trophy currently held by Animas Credit Union. After the Corporate Challenge, the Golf Carnival will be held from noon until 2:30 p.m., featuring Foot Golf, SNAG Golf, hitting water balloons, a lively putt-putt course setup and free giveaways for all youth in attendance. Parents will receive updates on events, clinics and camps that are offered by The First Tee of San Juan County, Nm.
The ultimate goal of the PGA Junior League is to take the next step from recreational golf to competitive golf in an attempt to generate a greater interest in the game.
Finally, the day will conclude with the Golf Ball Drop, when the helicopter from San Juan Regional medical Center will drop thousands of golf balls on the driving range to determine the winner of our summer raffle. Golf balls can be purchased at Riverview Golf Course or by contacting the office at 505.334.4291. The grand prize in the golf ball drop will be $1,500. PGA Junior League The Second season of the PGA Junior League has once again proven successful. With expansion from 50 players in 2014 to 80 players in 2015 – including teams from Southwestern Colorado – the team golf competition from area golf courses is giving
34
Four Corners SPoRTS
August 2015
The quality of golf becomes better and the players then graduate to individual competition and, it is hoped, high school golf teams in the area.