Junior Elijah Velasquez takes the handoff from Senior Ben Schauer in the 1600 medley relay during the Richard Harper Memorial Track and Field Meet at Albuquerque Academy. Velasquez ran a 1:58 800 m anchor leg to bring the ‘Toppers in to a State Qualifying time of 3:38.85. Photo by Blake Wood
By RJ MONTAÑO
Los Alamos Daily Post
rjmontano@ladailypost.com
LOS LUNAS – The Los Alamos Hilltopper Boys’ track and field team ran away with the team title at the Valencia Invitational last Friday, topping several class 5A teams on the way.
The Hilltoppers added a new state qualifier in the high jump when Gabe Holesinger cleared six feet, and they increased a state qualifying mark in shot put when Arturo Rodriguez threw for 46.5 feet. Both athletes earned top marks for the invitational.
Head coach Steven Montoya likes what he’s seeing from his team. “Progress has been great. Each and every week we have become a better team. “
The meet was the last regular season competition for the Hilltoppers, who are preparing to host the district meet this weekend. “The approach for districts is different for each event and each athlete,” Montoya said about the district meet being held in Los Alamos. “We will emphasize the three relays that we have not yet qualified by time, and any individuals we feel have the potential to score at state but have not qualified by time.“
The Hilltoppers have a chance to get several more athletes qualified to compete at the state tournament this weekend. “At the district championships, you can qualify for state by finishing in the top two of any event regardless of mark,” Montoya said.
Los Alamos should feel comfortable competing at home, but that doesn’t mean they can take their foot off the pedal. “The fact that the meet is at home is convenient but also a lot of work,” Montoya added.
Team Results Points
1. Los Alamos 103
2. Los Lunas 83.5
3. Moriarty 75
4. Taos 74.5
5. Santa Fe 45
6. Valencia 40
7. Belen 21
8. Socorro 8
9. Hot Springs 4
