AIA Div. IV: BOYS 5K RUN - STATE FINALS
Benally Shines as Glendale Prep Secures Team Title at AIA Division IV State Meet
The AIA Division IV Boys State Cross Country Championships delivered a strong blend of front-running talent and deep team competition. Valley Lutheran senior Benjamin Benally powered his way to the individual state title in 16:11.30, finishing well ahead of the rest of the field. Behind him, St. Michael's Evans Tracy (16:38.80) and Glendale Prep's Daniel Andersen (16:45.60) led the chase and set the stage for a dramatic team battle.
That battle belonged to Glendale Preparatory Academy, whose remarkable front pack-Andersen (3rd), Luke Webdale (4th), Logan Hartman (8th), James Reamer (11th), and Tanner Janssen (16th)-delivered one of the most dominant scoring spreads of the meet which secured the Division IV team championship.
Perennial contender Hopi followed closely, relying on excellent depth to place five scorers in the top 25, including standout finishes from Alde Kuwanwytewa (6th) and Hunter Bahnimptewa (9th). Hopi's tight scoring earned them the runner-up trophy with 47 points.
The fight for third place was tight, but Round Valley emerged with key performances from Bentley Wilkins (7th), Porter Myers (33rd), and Ryan Rodriguez (35th). Their consistency through the scoring five secured a low enough score to claim the final spot on the podium.