Who better to write about on Valentine's Day than a coach that loves his team. While he did not tell me that directly, one could tell from talking to him that he genuinely had his team's best interest at heart.
Copper Canyon has a very small team compared to the other local teams that they compete against. In fact, many of their opponents have 4 or 5 times the amount of athletes out for track, but that does not dissuade thee Aztecs. Led by seniors Jullian Clark (sprints) and Isela Rodriguez (throws),Coach Jimerson looks for his athletes to send a few more athletes to state this year.
Despite the senior leadership, the Aztecs are a young team. In the queue for the Copper Canyon guys are Dominic Jones who shows potential to turn some heads after coming on late last year, Kendrick Felix whose specialty is in the mid distance, and newcomer Damian Ward who has been pushing Jullian Clark in workouts. Their biggest losses from last year were Hernan Renteria who led the way in the throwing events and long sprinter Josh Sachs. Additionally they lost state qualifier William Calvin to the Sunshine state due to a family move. Taking the void of Hernan Renteria is Junior Ramos who has stepped up to be the leader of the throwing team.
Coach Jimerson stressed the key though was getting people out, "You just have so many more options when you have 60 kids instead of 14." Hopefully talking with the basketball and soccer coaches pays off and gets more Aztecs running this spring. If they get a couple of key athletes out, look out for their 4x100m and 4x400m to turn some heads this spring. The potential is there according to Coach Jimerson.
The girl's team despite also having low numbers features a couple relays (4x100m, 4x400m) that could make it to state. Other than Isela the team is led by Daveona Robinson, who came on late last season, in the sprints. Returning state after her 6th place finish at state in the 100H, Tamia Robinson should also contribute additional points for the Aztecs. The biggest up and comer on the girls side is Mahogany Jimerson, though Makahla Felix returns stronger than last year as well.
The Aztecs goal this season is to build a strong foundation. If they can concentrate on the small things, the big things will come. Coach Jimerson is confident the squad he has now can build the program's success so that they can move the team forward. Milesplit wishes them the best of luck this spring, nothing like watching a David take out a Goliath or two.