Martinez 9th at State Meet

The young GHS boys’ cross-country team and individual runner, Laila Martinez, ran this past Saturday representing Grants High School at the Western Sky Community Care State Cross Country State Championship. Martinez, a sophomore at Grants High School placed 9th, out of a field of 121 runners competing in 4A, with a time of 19:41.64.

“I was happy with my time I know I can run with them and I plan on improving for next year,” said Martinez of her performance.

“Laila is a terrific kid, hard worker, who is an excellent competitor–she gives her best when she steps out,” said GHS head boys and girls track coach Cody Hayes. “Laila is making a name for herself at young age and I can’t wait to see.”

The GHS boys cross country team qualified for the state after taking 3rd in the district meet last week just behind St. Pius and Belen High Schools.

A total of seven boys ran at the state cross country Championships, with John Paul Miller, a junior placing 40th with a time of 17:54.18.

“John Paul Miller our top runner for two years now–he is a great runner— competing with a strong heart he struggled with injuries in the middle of season,” said Hayes. “Happy to see him bounce back as he did.”

Also competing was Miitra Pino, a senior, who did his best personal run at the state meet with a time of 19:06.68. Also competing for the Pirates were Darious Vallo (19:47.24), Elve Diaz-Castillo (22:14.41), Khori Vallo (22:44.64), Anthony Martinez (23:20.64) and Jayden Patcigo (25:57.12).

“Overall, this is a season that we entered with a lot of questions— new people and a young team– we faced challenges through the season,” said Hayes. “It ended on a high note and I hope we can build from here.”