Admiral Robert Phillips, HelenAnn Phillips and August Ovaska. Courtesy/SF Striders

SFS News:

The Santa Fe Striders are excited to announce the recipients of the 2026 Santa Fe Striders Scholarships for cross-country and/or track athletes.

The Santa Fe Striders Scholarship is an athletic scholarship based on athletic accomplishments with criteria for academics and community service.

The Santa Fe Scholarships are funded by Admiral Robert and HelenAnn Phillips and the Corrida de Los Locos race. This is the third year the HelenAnn Phillips Inspiration Scholarship has been awarded.

Since 2021, the Santa Fe Striders have awarded $30,500 to runners. 

August Ovaska, Los Alamos High School

August Ovaska is a graduate of Los Alamos High School. He will be attending Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University to major in Business Data Analytics. He was a three-year qualifier for the District and NMAA 4A State Cross Country meets.

August was selected for the Academic All-District teams from 2022 to 2025. In track, he qualified for four years for the District Championship meets and three years for the NMAA 4A State Track & Field Championship meets. He has earned six State medals.

Michael Maestas, Española Valley High School

Michaels Maestas is a graduate of Española Valley High School. He will be attending the University of New Mexico to major in biology and eventually attend medical school. He was a two-year qualifier for the District Championship meets and one-year for the 2025 4A NMAA State Track Championship meet.

Michael was named team captain during his senior year. Additionally, he was a member of the National Honor Society and completed more than 100 hours of community service.

Brandyn Encinias, Pecos High School

Brandyn Encinias is a graduate of Pecos High School. He will be attending Adams State University to major in criminology, with the goal of becoming a game warden. He plans on competing in the cross-country, indoor, and outdoor track programs.

Brandyn was named The Santa Fe New Mexican Small Schools Male Athlete of the Year for the 2024-2025 season. He led the cross-country team to two state championships.

Additionally, Brandyn was the 2026 2A NMAA State Champion in the 3,200-meter run. He also helped the sprint medley, 4×400-meter, and 4×200-meter relay teams win the 2026 2A State Championships and set meet records. Brandyn has earned more than 8 State medals.