TIGERS ATTACK!
Team heads to District Meet this week
THE TAOS TIGERS ATTACK the Raton Tigers’ run defense on their way to a 21-14 victory in their first game back on the field.
It’s been 16 months since the Taos Tigers cross-country team was able to take to the track (Nov. 19, 2019). On Saturday (March 13) the Boys and Girls teams made their way to Santa Fe High School to participate in their one and only meet before the District Meet kicks off Friday (March 19).
Though the student athletes ran their hearts out, both the boys’ and girls’ top runners finished just off the medal stand. For the boys, Eddie Duran crossed the finish line in an impressive fourth place (in a field of 27) with a time of 18:27. On the girls’ side, senior Kelly Tonrey finished in fifth place, the highest finish for the Taos girls.
Coach Bruce Gomez said the team is happy to be able to compete again, despite the numerous unique challenges they are facing. On top of the usual COVID-safe practices, the new sports schedule offers its own challenges to overcome.
“It’s a different sense, having cross-country in the early spring,” said Coach Gomez. The crosscountry season typically occurs in the Fall. “Normally we would have more practice time and a summer of conditioning ... But coming back, there is definitely a sense that it’s a good thing.”
Coach Gomez said the staff is encouraged by the teams and their positive attitude.
“They are really out there encouraging each other,” Gomez said.
BreAnna Taylor, an 8th grader and rising varsity cross-country team star, said the team is excited to be running again.
“It feels amazing. Being in an
environment with likeminded people that have similar goals is necessary to being a successful athlete,” she said. “It means the world [to us to be back on the track]. The feeling of progressing is something that I felt was missing when we were unable to meet as a team and I had to train independently. I also feel like being together motivates us.”
The Taos Tigers cross-country team will head to Santa Fe High School for their District Meet on Friday (March 19).