STARS OF TAOS COUNTY SHINE BRIGHT

The Taos News is pleased to honor 25 of the top prep athletes from Taos County Schools. Many of the students found in these pages used their talent and dedication to support more than one team or sport; others shone exceptionally in a single sport.

Taos seems to have a disproportionate share of athletes with raw ability and the willingness to put in the work to transform that ability into performance, and an abundance of generous and knowledgeable coaches to help them do it. It is a pleasure to watch them grow and compete, and it is a joy to see the dedicated band of supporters who follow them all over. Reporters from newspapers around the state have remarked to us, with what sounds like a touch of wonder and even of envy, on the Tiger pride that fills the sidelines.

This issue of Taos County All Stars highlights two athletes of the year and 25 more of the outstanding student athletes who inspired us, recognizes two coaches, spotlights some noteworthy moments and shares some of our favorite photos from the year.

Morgan Timms/The Taos News Official starter Jesus Maes creates a cloud of smoke milliseconds after discharging his pistol during one of the many heats at the Taos Tiger Invite at Taos High School April 27.