Hornets, Lancers, And Panthers Oh My!

Snowflake, Saguaro, and Chinle are just a few teams who could surprise spectators this November. 

Saguaro graduated Megan Falls from last year's team but return Gaby Sepulveda (Sr.) and Alanna Hurley (Sr.) who ran under 21-minutes for 5km last season. Saguaro edged out American Leadership Academy for the D3 Section 2 Girls Title last October and having a high-finishing core nucleus will be crucial for the Sabercats to better play their hand at the big dance in November.

Chinle graduated four Seniors from last year's squad and return only two from their team at State Championships last year. One of them is Alisia Honyumptewa (Sr.), ranked third among the top returning girls, but the key will be for the Wildcats to close the gap toward Alisia with some performances close to 21 minutes for 5km if they want to be competitive in the Division 3 Section 4 Girls race at Hidden Cove Golf Course.

Last year, the Snowflake boys' and girls' cross-country teams failed to make it to the State Championships at Cave Creek. Six months later, the Lady Lobos clinched the State Title for the D3 Girls 4x800m Relay against Ganado, Salpointe, and Coconino. Their anchor, freshman Mignon Ritz finished 6th in the D3 Girls 800m and 13th in the 1600m. However, this is cross country where teams need five girls to score, instead four delivering the baton across the finish one at a time. In addition to the other returning sophomores like Maggie Shumway, Caitlyn King, and Ciara Despain, the Lobos have rebuilt their squad full of up-and-coming freshman talent like Hallie Nichols, Rachel Pitts, and Alyssa Hall to fill in the necessary gaps. Out of the top 10 teams 7 of them were in Snowflake's section of Division 3. "I'm hoping we can make it to State, and if we do I'm thinking we have a good shot at a top-ten finish," says Snowflake cross-country Coach Lynn Johnson.