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Transcript of Four Corners Sports November 2013
3Four Corners SPOrTSNovember 2013
content| 6 | NEWLEADERSHIPThree new girls’ basketball coaches will
take over the gymnasiums at Aztec High
School, Farmington High School, and
Piedra Vista High School this November
once basketball season begins.
| 10 |
VETERAN COACHRETURNSThe Aztec Boys’ Basketball team was
eager to start its season on Nov. 4, with
two new coaches leading the way.
| 12 |
SUCCEEDING ON THEMAT AND IN LIFEJesus Mendoza’s favorite part about
wrestling is the self-discipline neces-
sary to succeed, which is what he plans
on teaching his wrestlers during his
first season as Farmington High
School’s head wrestling coach.
| 14 |
NOTES FROM THE GREEN
Patrick Gregoire chronicles his trip to
Pebble Beach for First Tee Open
| 18 | TIME TO HIT THE SLOPESMuch to the excitement of the popula-
tion in the Four Corners region, ski sea-
son is upon us.
| 26 | RUNNING FOR THEIR LIVESPeople were running for their lives
Oct. 26 on a 5k course filled with ob-
stacles and terrifying zombies.
| 22 | FOUR CORNERSAQUATIC TEAMSwimming is an excellent opportu-
nity for students to remain active
during the winter, Four Corners
Aquatic Team Head Coach Karen
McCay said.
| 30 | 10QUESTIONS
November kicks off the winter prep sea-
son as basketball and wrestling teams
get their seasons going.
| 28 | DESERTTWILIGHTOn Oct. 5 the Piedra Vista cross
country teams traveled to Mesa,
Ariz., to compete in the Desert Twi-
light Cross Country Festival.
| 31 | PREP WINTER PREVIEW
4 Four Corners SPORTS November 2013
Don Vaughan
PUBlISHER
Cindy Cowan Thiele
EDITOR
lauren Duff
Debra Mayeux
Margaret Cheasebro
Rick Hoerner
Tom Yost
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Josh Bishop
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Suzanne Thurman
Jennifer Hargrove
Michael Billie
DESIGNERS
DeYan Valdez
Shelly Acosta
Aimee Velasquez
SAlES STAFF
For advertising information
Call 505.516.1230
www.fourcornerssports.com
Four Corners Sports magazine is published once amonth by Majestic Media. Material herein may not bereprinted without expressed written consent of the pub-lisher. Opinions expressed by the contributing writersare not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or FourCorners Sports magazine. Every effort has been madeto ensure the accuracy of this publication. However thepublisher cannot assume responsibility for errors orommissions. © 2013 Four Corners Sports magazine.
Majestic Media
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Farmington, NM 87401
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I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t in-trigued by sports.
My family, while vertically challenged – myfather was around 5 foot 8 inches tall and mymother was a towering 5 foot 2 inches – alwaysparticipated in some type of sport.
I grew up in the Midwest so it was inevitablethat my father and brother both played football.In those days, corn-fed Kansas boys had onlytwo “real” sports options. So if you didn’t playfootball then you played basketball. But onweekends we expanded our sports knowledge.
This, of course, was way before ESPN. Thenwe had ABC’s Wide World of Sports.
I still remember the lead in:“Spanning the globe to bring you the con-
stant variety of sport ... the thrill of victory... andthe agony of defeat ... the human drama of ath-letic competition. ... This is ABC’s Wide World ofSports!”
The goal of the show was to showcasesports from around the globe which were sel-dom, if ever, broadcast on American television.It originally ran for two hours on Saturday af-ternoons, later cut to 90 minutes. Usually, “WideWorld” featured two or three events per show.
I always stopped what I was doing to watchthe intro and every time I was amazed by thecrash of the downhill skier.
Ski jumper Vinko Bogatai, whose dreadfulmisjump and crash of March 21, 1970, was fea-
tured from the early 1970s onward though 2006under the words "... and the agony of defeat,"became a hard-luck hero of sorts, and an affec-tionate icon for stunning failure. The fact thathe survived that crash was, in itself, a miracle.
While crashes always catch viewers’ atten-tion, I think I enjoyed that part the most be-cause that was when my brother took his cuealways to remind me that in sports you don’t al-ways win and it is the effort and how you playthe game that counts.
That statement is what propelled me not justthrough sports, but through all aspects of mylife.
I think that while I was drawn to sports tofeel the emotion of being part of a team and totest my own limits, there is a greater sportslesson.
It is the idea that on that playing field we areall even. And if you or your team tried the hard-est and followed the rules of the game, then thebest would be victorious.
I think it is fairness and the spirit of thegame that I and everyone else are inevitablydrawn to.
Sports are the great equalizer. We root asmuch for our favorite team as we do for the un-derdog. The outcome is not set in stone untilthe end of the game and be it competitor, fan,parent or coach, we’re all caught up together in“the human drama of athletic competition.”
FROM THE
CINDY COWAN-THIELE
EDITOR
covercreditPhotography by Josh Bishop
Why we love sports
STORY IDEAS
and PHOTOS
We’ve got more photos
than we can use.
Check out the photo gallery
for each issue at
www.fourcornerssports.com
Please send to
5Four Corners SportSNovember 2013
6 Four Corners SpoRtS November 2013
RobeRtMCCASKILLaztec High School
DannySECRESTFarmington High School
7Four Corners SPoRTSNovember 2013
Three new girls’ basketball coaches will take
over the gymnasiums at Aztec High School,
Farmington High School, and Piedra Vista
High School this November once basketball
season begins.
These new coaches are Robert McCaskill at
Aztec, Danny Secrest at FHS, and Joe Reid at
Piedra Vista.
McCaskill recently moved to Aztec from Albu-
querque, where he was the head coach for
the estancia High School boys’ varsity basket-
ball team. “This is my first year coaching
girls’ basketball,” McCaskill explained. “It can
be a little different because girls are more
enthusiastic and really want to know how to
play the game.”
The Aztec girls’ basketball team begins to
practice on Nov. 4. “our goals are to have the
girls learn a lot. This program is pretty down
right now and we want the girls to learn and
start a foundation for this year.”
McCaskill loves basketball because of the
sport’s “creativity.” He played basketball for
two years at eastern New Mexico University
and two years at North Lake College in Texas.
by Lauren Duff
l eadersh ipAztec, FHS and
PV girls teams
all have new
coaches
JoeREIDPiedra Vista High School
8 Four Corners SporTS November 2013
After playing the sport for many years, he now
enjoys coaching his teams. “Seeing the individ-
ual players become excited about learning
something new and seeing improvement” are
the most rewarding aspects about being a
coach, McCaskill explained.
During the upcoming season, the two games
the Aztec team looks forward to are against Es-
pañola Valley High School and Santa Fe High
School “Those two teams were in the finals for
4A and they will bring most of their team back.
So they are contenders for the state title, and
that is something we are looking forward to,”
McCaskill said.
In Farmington, Secrest also is preparing for a
tough season with the first game against
Joe Reid watches the Piedra Vists Girls Basketball team practicing. – Josh Bishop photo
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Gallup High School on Nov. 26. “I think the girls
are really excited to get going with the sea-
son,” he said about his FHS team.
For 12 years, Secrest has coached for the FHS
boys’ basketball team. He is looking forward to
taking on the girls’ basketball program. “I defi-
nitely want the program to be successful and,
hopefully, they can grow as a family.”
Growing up in Farmington, Secrest played on
the boys’ basketball team at FHS when Marv
Sanders was the head coach. “We won the
state championship so I always have had a love
for the game. It is awesome.”
The best part about being a coach is seeing
“the excitement of the girls. Win or lose, it is in-
credibly awesome to be around team players,”
Secrest explained.
At Piedra Vista, Joe Reid always wanted to be a
coach after he “fell into it” six years ago and
became the assistant basketball coach at the
high school. “I have always loved the game of
basketball and had the chance to be a varsity
assistant coach. We had a lot of wins, and just
to be able to put what I have learned to use on
the court – that is why I do it,” Reid explained.
Piedra Vista Girls’ Basketball has been a
strong program in the area.
Going to the district championships the last
five years, “I have high expectations and so
does the community and the players,” Reid
said.
Los Lunas High School, which is ranked the
number one team in the state, and Santa Fe
High School, ranked number three in the state,
are the two major games this season, Reid
said. “We will be pretty tough. There are many
players coming back, and the girls have been
working this summer.”
Aside from having a busy schedule this season,
Reid said the most rewarding part about being
a coach is “seeing the smiles on the girls’
faces when they win a big game. Also, knowing
they love the game as much as I do.”
10 Four Corners SporTS November 2013
The Aztec Boys’ Basketball team was eager to start
its season on Nov. 4, with two new coaches leading
the way.
Veteran Coach Tony Dinallo and his friend and col-
league Carlton Downing took over the team this year.
Dinallo has spent his life coaching. His entire career consisted of being a
high school guidance counselor and a basketball coach.
Dinallo back to lead Aztec
boys basketball team
by Debra Mayeux
Dinallo chose basketball to coach because of the camaraderie found among the
players. “We have a lot of team sports, but I don’t know if there are any as much
of a team sport as basketball,” he said.
the Michigan native moved to Southwest at the beginning of his career to coach
in Gallup. He moved throughout the state and was coaching in southern New
Mexico when he was asked by former piedra Vista High School principal Hart
pierce to coach the piedra Vista panthers.
“I came up here and opened the school,” Dinallo said. He coached the pV team
for two years and then retired.
After taking one year off, the basketball bug came back to bite Dinallo and he
went to work at San Juan College teaching basketball to men and women. the
program became so popular that in 2012, a group of men and women decided
they wanted to create a college basketball team in Farmington.
“We had the first San Juan College basketball team,” Dinallo said. “It was fun and
invigorating.”
While teaching at San Juan College, Dinallo met Downing, who works in the
Health and Human performance Center. It was Browning who told Dinallo about
the Aztec team and its need for a coach. Dinallo agreed to come over to Aztec, if
Downing would work as his assistant coach.
“I secretly wanted to coach with tony for a long time, and this opportunity
opened up. I couldn’t be more happy,” Downing said.
“they have great kids. they are a great group of New Mexicans. they flat deserve
somebody to come here and build them into the program they deserve,” Dinallo
said. “there comes a time in your life when you want to give something back,
and I feel like we’re giving back to these kids.”
there is joy on Dinallo’s face when he watches the boys play each other during
open gym hours at the high school, and those boys are ready and willing to take
his direction and advice.
“I really like this coach so far,” said Elijah King, and 18-year-old AHS senior. “I like
his strategy. I’m looking forward to playing this year. We have a young team and I
look forward to bringing them up this year.”
troy Choman, a 17-year-old senior, echoed King’s sentiment. “We’ve got some re-
ally good coaches this year;” he said, adding the team “is really going to come to-
gether.”
Downing agreed. “these kids are going to be greatly improved not only as play-
ers but as people,” he said. “We’re expecting good things.”
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12 Four Corners spoRts November 2013
Jesus Mendoza’s favorite part about wrestling is
the self-discipline necessary to succeed, which is
what he plans on teaching his wrestlers during
his first season as Farmington High school’s head
wrestling coach.
Mendoza is looking forward to the season be-
cause he hopes to help his athletes grow. “Watch-
ing an athlete achieve his goals is the thing that
just amazes me,” he said. “When you get an ath-
lete who may be timid or have general issues and
comes out for wrestling and sticks with it, he be-
comes a champion.”
For much of his life, Mendoza has been involved in
wrestling. When he was a fourth grader at Mc-
Cormick elementary school in Farmington, Men-
doza began wrestling at the Boys and Girls Club.
His love for the sport helped him stick with it
through his freshman year at Heights Middle
school.
“He was a very ambitious kid and one of the best
I’ve coached,” said Leonard Mascarenas, who was
Mendoza’s wrestling coach at Heights and now
the assistant FHs wrestling coach.
After Mendoza’s freshman year, he attended New
Mexico Military Institute in Roswell where he gave
by Lauren Duff
Mendoza wants good grades
and ‘top 10 or better’
from FHs wresting time
on the
and in
JesusMENDOZAFarmington High school
up wrestling for a few years.
But since he returned to Farmington, Mendoza has been coaching
wrestling for 12 years. “I’ve been a coach for the Farmington youth
wrestling program for 12 years and the last four years, I coached for
tibbetts Middle School.”
Mendoza also was the assistant coach for Cecil Linnens, who was the
former head coach for the FHS wrestling program.
the wrestling season begins on Nov. 4, and Mendoza is ready to begin
practice and watch his athletes compete. But even though Mendoza
hopes to do well this season, his number one goal is for his wrestlers to
achieve above a 2.5 grade point average in school. “I want to push my
athletes and set the standards higher,” he explained.
“He cares so much about the kids and their grades. If they have prob-
lems he will be there to help them,” Mascarenas said.
Along with pushing his wrestlers to exceed in school, Mendoza said he
wants to place in the “top ten or better at state and I want to be within
the top two in districts.”
Even though the wrestling program at FHS is strong, Mendoza wants to
improve “our work ethic and we will work harder and become stronger.
We are going to encourage them to be more aggressive wrestlers and
overall be the smarter wrestlers.”
Mendoza said he has several goals while he is the head wrestling coach.
“I want to help build the program to where it has strong numbers. I
want these (wrestlers) to succeed not only on the mat, but in life. that is
huge for me.”
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Notes from the
Patrick Gregoire was one of 81 The First Tee partici-
pants worldwide selected to play in The Nature Val-
ley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Patrick
was selected based on his dedication to The First
Tee of San Juan County, N.M., his golf resume, his
application, his community service resume and an-
swers to various essay questions. Patrick was
paired with a professional golfer from the PGA
Champions Tour and played in a best ball event
where the field was cut from 81 teams to 23 teams
after two rounds. Patrick and his partner, Dan Fors-
man, made the cut and finished in sixth place. This
is his experience of that week on the Monterey
Peninsula – in his own words.
When I started participating in The First Tee of San
Juan County, N.M., one of my many dreams was to
play at Pebble Beach Golf Links in The First Tee Open.
Six years later that dream became a reality.
When Tom told me that I had an opportunity to play
in The Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach
Golf Links, I immediately jumped on the opportunity.
After the application was submitted, pure excite-
ment overwhelmed me every day.
Finally, the time came for us to find out if I was ac-
cepted. When (Executive Director of The First Tee of
San Juan County, N.M.)
Tom Yost called me about a week before the official
announcement was going to be made and told me
that I had a really good shot at making it, as soon as
he said that, I knew I had made it.
When Tom is confident about anything it usually
means it has a strong chance of happening.
The morning of the official announcement, before I
had a chance to find out for myself, Tom showed up
at my house.
He had to tell me himself, and when he did, I was
speechless. For the next few months I did everything
to prepare. I not only worked on my golf game, but I
studied all the life skills and core values of The First
Tee.
I constantly thought of what I would say if I were in-
terviewed, how I would respond to the pressure,
and how it would feel to play side by side with the
pros.
When we finally made it to Pebble Beach I was so ex-
cited I could hardly believe I was actually there. The
days leading up to the tournament were packed. We
went from here to there and back with little time in
between.
Before I realized all that I had done – between
checking in, the practice rounds, pairing parties,
dinner events and concerts – it was a 12- to 13-hour
day. But I loved every minute. At the pairing party re-
ality finally sank in.
When I walked across the stage to receive the enve-
lope that held the name of the pro I was paired with,
my mind began to burn with curiosity. It burned to
the point I thought the envelope would sponta-
neously combust in my hand.
I had to wait for everyone to receive theirs and the
cue to open it.
And while I waited the curiosity grew.
I wanted to know so badly!
Finally we got our cue and opened the envelopes. My
partner was Dan Forsman!
After that, it all became a blur. The rest of the party
was great.
I got to meet Dan that night and we talked for
awhile. After that, The Band Perry started their con-
cert. Unfortunately it was so cold I could hardly
enjoy the music.
After a long hard night of sleep I was ready to tackle
the day and make a few minor swing adjustments
that would prepare me for the next few days.
It was a long day but very enjoyable. I was fortunate to
be able to spend time with Jack Wulcotte, profes-
15Four Corners SPOrTSNovember 2013
Patrick Gregoire
chronicles his trip
to Pebble Beach
for First Tee Open
Patrick Gregoire with brother and caddy Taylor Gregoire.
sional club maker for Ben Hogan, Arnold palmer, Jack
Nicklaus, and many others. He was an amazing man to
talk to, and he had many great stories to tell. out of all
the people I met that week I think Jack was my favorite.
Friday rolled around and I had an early tee time. I was
expecting more pressure going into the first day of the
tournament. My expectations could not have been more
wrong. that day of golf was the most relaxing day I have
had in years. I felt so refreshed after that day. I believe it
was like that because of how solid of a player Dan (Fors-
man) is. He made par after par after par. Even on the
one hole when he was in the trees after his drive, he
made a par. perhaps the biggest influence that helped
me stay calm was how Mr. Forsman carried himself.
He was always kind and courteous, putting others first.
Many times throughout the round he would fix my ball
mark, help me with yardages or help me read tricky
putts. I could not have asked for a better partner. the
way he treated me made it seem as if we had known
each other for years. It also made the first round at Del
Monte feel like a weekend with a group of my buddies. Dan and I finished with a
round of five-under par, which placed us in a tie for 12th.
that night I slept better than I expected and was very calm about the upcoming
round. As I warmed up, my nerves began to get to me a bit when I realized we
had a shot at making the cut. I was starting to get tense on the range so I de-
cided to go putt for a while to quiet my thoughts. All week my putting had been
outstanding. I felt as if even if I tried to miss a putt it still would have dropped. It
was time for Dan and me to catch the shuttle to the 10th hole for our tee time
and I was almost too relaxed. We arrived at our starting hole with plenty of time
to spare and the kids who were waiting by the tee box were very eager to get au-
tographs – so eager, in fact that I, myself, ended up signing more things in the
span of five minutes than I had signed all week.
taylor, my older brother and caddie for the week, basically had to drag me away
so I could start the round. that is the last thing I expected to do that week. As
Dan and I were teeing off, I couldn’t understand what I was feeling. Nerves
maybe, excitement, peace – I don’t know, maybe I will never truly know what it
felt like, but I know I will never ever forget.
My first shot of the day was a slice off towards the spotter on the peninsula. I felt
so bad when I saw him “bob and weave” to avoid getting hit. When we got to my
ball I apologized and we had a nice little conversation. turns out I wasn’t the first
one or the closest one to hitting him, so we made the joke that all spotters
needed to wear hard hats while on the job.
I had an easy wedge shot into the green, placed my approach to about 10 feet
and drained the putt right in the heart for a birdie. the course was playing in the
hardest conditions I have ever experienced. the greens were incredibly hard
and fast, and the rough around the greens was the thickest I have ever seen.
the rest of the round had many ups and downs. the worst down is not worth
mentioning but the biggest up was the highest of my life – Hole No. 18 at pebble
Beach.
Walking up to the tee box I was struck with complete awe. I was so focused on
how beautiful the shoreline and the waves were that I pulled my shot 20 yards
left of my intended target. thankfully, I gave myself 22 yards of room between
the water and where I wanted the ball. My second shot I laid up and put my third
shot pin high, about 20 feet or so right of the flag. this was the most nerve rack-
ing putt I have ever had. the crowd was watching, the silence almost unbear-
able. It was a slick, sweeping putt that could easily turn into a three putt. I lined it
16 Four Corners SportS November 2013
Patrick Gregoire and Fred Couples
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up and let it go and it all happened in slow motion. I
knew as soon as I hit it that it was in. BIRDIE!!!!
The rest of the round was solid. Dan and I shot four-
under par that day, putting us at nine-under par for
the tournament. I didn’t realize how well we had
done until we were in the scoring booth. As soon as I
realized how low we were I knew we could have
made the cut (top 23 pro/junior teams). I immedi-
ately started to check the leader board so see if we
had made it. And yes we did, with a one stroke cush-
ion – once again I was speechless.
The final round of the tournament was very relaxing.
There was no pressure for me to have to make
birdies because my goal for the week was met. That
day was a blur. The course was playing even harder
the last day, so hard that I could not think of any-
thing else but the shot I was on. Before I knew it the
round was over and I had no idea where we stood in
the rankings. It was much better than I thought as
we shot a round of 67 (5-under par). I had no idea
we had done that well.
With that, we ended up tying for sixth place, only
four strokes out of the lead. I was so happy with
how well we played, but at the same time very sad
that it was over.
Overall that was the best week of my life. It could not
have been any better. My confidence has increased
dramatically and I now know that one day I will play
on tour as pro. It has shown me that my game
needs a lot of work, but the tour is not out of my
reach. The First Tee program will get me there – not
only with my physical capabilities, but also the atti-
tude with which the game should be approached.
Thank you, The First Tee!
Patrick Gregoire with Pro Partner Dan Forseman.
18 Four Corners SpORtS November 2013
Much to the excitement of the population in the Four Corners region, ski
season is upon us. With amazing powder already dumping in the San
Juan Mountain Range, 2013 and 2014 should be an epic skiing season.
Durango Mountain resort (aka: Purgatory)
As the trees have turned their fall colors, the snow is arriving at DMR.
With a scheduled opening day set for Friday, Nov. 29, the mountain will
be ready to accommodate thousands of locals and tourists alike.
Season passes are available online and offer a variety of pricing struc-
tures to meet the needs of any individual or family. Adults can obtain a
season pass right now for $929, with college students being able to ski
the entire season for just $609. Once adults purchase a season pass,
children whose parents have passes go for only $199 per child. Seniors
and Super Seniors also receive a discount on passes going for $609 (se-
nior) and $109 (super senior).
Season passes aren’t the only way to go, as daily lift tickets are available
as options for those who love to ski but don’t get up to the mountain as
often as they would like. Adults can purchase full day lift tickets at the re-
sort for $77, while young adults and youth pay $62 and $46 respectively
for the day.
Durango Mountain Resort also offers instruction to all ages from begin-
Time to hit the
Area in for epic ski season
19Four Corners SporTSNovember 2013
Taos
Durango Mountain
20 Four Corners SPORTS November 2013
ning to intermediate skiers. The most popular pro-
gram involves the youth through the Snow Burners
Program. This youth program, designed for ages 4
through 12, offers world class instruction for 8
weeks starting in January.
For more information regarding the Durango Moun-
tain Resort ski season, please visit their website at
www.durangomountainresort.com or call
970.247.9000.
WOLF CREEK SKI AREA
Further away, yet close to the hearts of Four Cor-
ners ski enthusiasts, is Wolf Creek Ski Area, located
north of Pagosa Springs on Highway 160.
Wolf Creek had a tentative opening day listed as Nov.
8, but has already received a ton of fresh powder
and has been open since late October.
Wolf Creek offers season passes ranging from indi-
viduals ($786) to children/senior passes ($338). Wolf
Creek also offers daily lift tickets for $58 for adults
and $31 for children/seniors.
Wolf Creek also goes above and beyond with Local
Appreciation and College Days where lift tickets for
adults are only $38. The Local Appreciation Days
occur on Nov. 13, 20 and 24, Dec. 11, and Jan. 8, 22
and 26. The College Days for college students with
identification occur on Nov. 17, Dec. 1 and 8, and Jan.
5 and 12. These days also extend to the end of the
ski season.
For more information regarding Wolf Creek Ski Area
please visit their website at www.wolfcreekski.com
or call 970.264.5639.
SILVERTON MOUNTAIN
Located further north of Durango Mountain Resort
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21Four Corners SporTSNovember 2013
is Silverton Mountain. World class skiing awaits the more accomplished
veterans with guided and unguided skiing on the mountain.
Skiing has already begun at Silverton Mountain as storms have slammed
the area providing a ton of fresh powder.
Many of the passes are sold out at Silverton Mountain, but some options
still remain.
Unguided skiing is available on the mountain for $99 per day, which in-
cludes the lift ticket. Guided skiing services begin on Jan. 10 and last until
March 30; costs are $139 per person.
For more information regarding Silverton Mountain please visit their web-
site at www.silvertonmountain.com or call 970.387.5706.
TAOS SKI RESORT
And for those of you who make the journey to Taos to ski, the season is
scheduled to kick off on Nov. 28, lasting until April 6.
Taos offers discounted season rates (Nov. 28 through Dec. 20 and March
31 through April 6) and in season lift ticket rates. Discounted rates run
from $55 (adults) to $40 (youth) while seniors can ski the full day for only
$45. In-season rates range from $77 (adults) to $47 (youth) and $67 (se-
niors).
Yearly passes are available and can be purchased online at
www.skitaos.org. They can also be reached at 575.776.2291.
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Swimming is an excellent opportunity for students to remain active dur-
ing the winter, Four Corners Aquatic Team Head Coach Karen McCay said.
In July, McCay became the head coach of the Four Corners Aquatic Team,
or FCAT, because “it was a serendipitous opportunity.”
“My husband and I love coaching and we always have been involved in
sports. Since our kids were active swimmers, we wanted to make it a
family affair.”
FCAT has a long history, being developed in 1994 when the Farmington
Aquatic Center on Sullivan Avenue opened. In the beginning, the swim
team was operated by the city of Farmington’s Parks and Recreation De-
partment.
by Lauren Duff
Local sanctioned swim, diving teams compete in New Mexico and Colorado
Aquatic Team
Four Corners
23Four Corners SportSNovember 2013
24 Four Corners SpOrTS November 2013
Eventually, FCAT became a parent-run club and eventually was sanctioned
as a USA Swimming group. “Being a sanctioned USA group is how you get
on the Olympic teams. It is a great opportunity for high school students.
Even college scouts tend to watch the club circuit rather than the high
schools’ (swim team) circuit,” McCay explained.
Today, FCAT has 67 members who range from ages 6 to 62. The team com-
petes throughout New Mexico and Colorado every other week, in hopes for
the swimmers to qualify for the Western Zones Swimming meet and then
the national championship.
“Swimming is a sport that doesn’t have as many competitors in the region,
so they can get more exposure and even college scholarships,” McCay said.
Many middle and high school students who participate in FCAT also compete
in other school sports.
Heights Middle School Student Stella Sandel has been a part of FCAT for one
year, but also plays volleyball during the school year. “Swimming helps you
stay in shape and it gives you time to relax” after playing volleyball, she said.
“Swimming definitely is an excellent opportunity to give kids’ joints a break.
Many students play baseball, football, and soccer, so swimming can (allevi-
ate) their stressed joints during the winter and help them stay fit for their
upcoming sports,” McCay explained.
FCAT does not only accommodate swimmers, but it also is the second sanc-
tioned diving team in the state. There are 12 registered divers on the team,
one of them being Heights Middle School Student Isaiah DeClusin. “This is
something that helps me get ready for the football season next year,” he
said.
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25Four Corners SporTSNovember 2013
Along with staying fit and healthy, the swimming
team also offers students a chance to catch up
with friends.
“This lets me stay involved and it is social. I don’t
like the feeling of sitting at home,” Sandel said.
“There are a lot of friends there you can hang out
with,” said Matthew Hattabaugh, Heights Middle
School student.
FCAT is in the process of certifying two new as-
sistant coaches, said McCay, adding it is time-con-
suming to become a qualified coach. “There are
25 hours of training and examinations that you
have to go through, and that is if you are already
a certified lifeguard.”
These assistant coaches are Tori Ward, who was
a FCAT swimmer and competed in the Western
Zones Swimming meet and Jensen Litke, who was
part of the Farmington High School swim team.
If interested in joining FCAT, McCay said to come
to the Aquatic Center weeknights or call her at
505.686.2772. “We partner with the city to provide
a free two-week trial for any kids who want to
join.”
After the two-week trial, members then must pay
a $60 USA Swimming registration fee, a $50 one-
time fee, and then monthly fees, which are based
on the athlete’s competition level.
“We have an outreach program that reduces
registration and monthly dues for families who
have socioeconomic disadvantages. No kids are
kept out of the water for any reason,” McCay
said.
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26 Four Corners SPORTS November 2013
by Debra Mayeux l photography by Josh Bishop
running for their lives159 runners face zombie horde at SJC 5k run
People were running for their lives Oct. 26 on a
5k course filled with obstacles and terrifying
zombies.
It was the San Juan College Zombie Run set
against the backdrop of the college’s fire tower,
where burnt our cars litter the grounds and a
large burned structure hangs over the course.
The 159 runners had to avoid being attacked by
some 90 zombies while running through three
obstacles and completing a 5 kilometer race.
“The zombies might have been a little thick out
there,” said J.D. Tanner, race coordinator, who
pointed out that themed-races are big in the
race world today.
Tanner set the race against the fire tower, be-
cause of its “apocalyptic feel.” He also helped set
up the obstacles which included a tunnel to
crawl through, a wall to climb and a maze.
Each runner was outfitted with two flags that
they had to keep attached to their belt through-
out the race. If the zombies managed to take the
flags, racers were presumed dead and would
not be eligible for prizes.
Chris Wechsler, 28, of Albuquerque, did every-
thing he could to avoid dying in this race. He
was the first runner to cross the finish line with
a time 23 minutes and six seconds, and he re-
tained one of his flags. He said he had to jump
over one zombie and run from others.
“A guy grabbed my shirt and held me,” Wechsler
said. “I had zombies chase me for a quarter mile.
It was pretty tough.”
Wechsler is a full-time student in training for the
Tough Mudder. He is studying to be a wild land
firefighter and wants to work as in mountain
rescue. He runs with his two friends, Matt
Hickey, 23, and Ryan Gatheright, 27. This was
their fourth race this summer.
The three also participated in the Dirty Dash, the
Warrior Dash and the Ultimate Gladiator Dash.
“The Dirty Dash was
my favorite – there
were obstacles
every-
where,”
Gatheright said.
Wechsler enjoyed the San Juan College run. “I’ve
never done a zombie run, and it sounded fun,” he
said.
They learned about the event from Hickey’s
brother who was one of the zombies. There were
several community groups, such as the Animas
Roller Girls and JROTC troops that dressed up as
zombies to assist with the event.
Following the actual run, there was a Zombie
Walk for the entire family. It was a one-mile
course that included zombies jumping out and
chasing walkers, who also had to make their
way through a maze-type obstacle.
“It was all here for fun,” Tanner said.
27Four Corners SPORTSNovember 2013
The current flows on the San Juan are 250cfs. Fishing has been good despite the lower
than usual flows. Keep in mind that the concentration of fish has moved from the shal-
low flats to the deeper slower pools.
Some of the hot patterns to try are a size 20 yellow egg pattern followed by the size 22
cream colored larvae. Another rig to try is a size 22 gray midge emerger trailed by the
size 22 chocolate midge pupae. Also consider fishing some sort of streamer patterns –
for example, a size 8 black or olive wooly bugger. Dry fly fishing has been fair in the after-
noon. Size 20 griffiths knat and a size 22 CDC BWO have been the most effective.
The fishing in the catch and keep water has been good for mostly small rainbows. Using
night crawlers and salmon eggs has been effective.
FishingREPORT
FishingREPORT
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San Juan River Outfitters
www.sanjuanriveroutfitters.com
505.486.5347
Salmon snagging has been in full season at New Mex-
ico’s second largest lake since the beginning of October.
The season runs Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 at the lake,
which has been busy since the beginning of October, ac-
cording to state parks officials.
Snagging is a fishing method that involves catching a
fish using hooks without bait. The hook is tossed into
the water to “snag” the fish and pull it out. While this
method is not always legal, when it comes to catching
salmon in the winter, it is a tradition of sorts in New
Mexico.
“It’s a long-standing tradition and great way to stock
the freezer,” said Marc Wethington, Fisheries Biologist
for the state Department of Game and Fish in a pub-
lished report about snagging. “But it’s not for the faint
of heart.”
The salmon are coming into certain areas of the lake in
order to spawn. The state’s kokanee salmon are land-
locked and once they reach the age of four, they mass
in schools to spawn. The kokanee need river conditions
to reproduce and without running water, they do
not find success in New
Mexico lakes. Once they attempt to spawn, they begin to
die off, and that is why snagging is allowed.
The state allowed the use of heavily weighted treble
hooks to snare the fish at Navajo, El Vado, Abiquiu and
Eagle Nest lakes, beginning Oct. 1, and beginning Nov. 15
at Heron Lake and Willow Creek. Fishermen are al-
lowed to catch and keep 12 salmon each day.
There are areas, however, at Navajo Dam that are
closed to snagging, because of low water levels. The
New Mexico State Parks Division closed the Pine and
Sims Mesa Boat Ramp areas, including the “No Wake”
zones, to fishing and salmon snagging. The closure will
be in effect until Dec. 31. The rest of the lake remains
open to snagging from boats and the shore, including
the dam face from the spillway to the far corner of the
dam.
For more information about New Mexico’s kokanee
salmon seasons consult the New Mexico Fishing Rules
and Information booklet, available at license vendors
and on the Department of Game and Fish website,
www.wildlife.state.nm.us.
Navajo Lake kokanee
season in full swing
by Debra Mayeux
28 Four Corners SPORTS November 2013
On Oct. 5 the Piedra Vista cross country teams
traveled to Mesa, Ariz., to compete in the Desert
Twilight Cross Country Festival. The meet gave
the Panthers a unique opportunity to challenge
themselves against the best runners in the
Southwest.
The festival ran 22 different races from small
school freshman and junior varsity races to the
elite class races all running in perfect time of 15-
minute intervals occasionally putting three races
on the course simultaneously. The Panthers were
joined by Durango’s cross country teams as well
as Rio Rancho, St. Michaels, St. Pius and Los
Alamos. All in all, the meet ran with 183 teams
from 152 schools with over 5,500 runners.
Along with elite teams from New Mexico, Arizona
and Colorado, there were numerous teams from
California as well as the Virginia state champions
from Lake Braddford. For some teams it was a
unique opportunity to run in a race under the
lights at Toka Stick Golf Course, which of course
is absolutely necessary in the Arizona heat.
The local and New Mexico squads fared incredi-
bly well with St. Pius and Durango winning the
large school freshman and JV meets. The varsity
teams had a choice of running in the large school
varsity, championship brackets or the open elite
sweepstakes run.
Rio Rancho high school ran four teams in the var-
sity meets with their boys’ JV squad finishing 4th
in the large school division and their JV girls fin-
ishing 6th in the large school race. The St.
Michaels boys finished 8th in the boys’ champi-
onship race with the Piedra Vista girls finishing
7th in the girls’ championship race.
In the Elite Sweepstake races the Los Alamos
girls finished fourth in the sweepstakes race,
just behind Lake Braddock and the defending Ari-
zona State champions from Xavier. St. Pius fin-
ished in 7th, with Rio Rancho 8th and Durango
12th
In the boys’ Elite Sweepstakes run Los Alamos
and Rio Rancho finished in top ten placing 8th
and 10th respectively. Piedra Vista finished in
12th with Durango right behind in 13th
Individually for the Panthers, Harrison Fleming
finished 13th and Timberlin Henderson came in
16th in the Elite Sweepstakes class. For the
girls, Paris Chee, Cassandra Crowell and Payton
Kee finished in top 50 out of 275 racers in their
class.
by Rick Hoerner l photography by Rick Hoerner
PV cross countryteams compete in Mesa, Ariz. festival
TwilightDese r t
29Four Corners SportSNovember 2013
The Bloomfield High School Boys Soccer Team won the district championship after going undefeated for 10 games against 6 different teams. This gave the team a ranking of No.
7 in the state, as the boys enter the battle for the State Championship. Bloomfield’s Ethan Martin kicks the ball in a recent game.
Bloomfield battles for state title
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30 Four Corners SPORTS November 2013
DAvIDRODRIQUEZI was born and raised in Bloomfield.
I was out of the area for 12 years but returned in 1992.
My wife, Joann, and I have been married for 20 years.
Has 5 children, David (age 17), Adam (age 15), Rebecca (age 13),
Rachel (age 8), and Peter (age 4).
Just started 21st year officiating basketball
Received a 20-year pin from the New Mexico Athletic Association
When I moved back to the area in 1992, I had a family friendwho was officiating (he still is) and he recruited me. I washooked after my first game.
The most difficult part of officiating is finding the time. Rais-ing five children during this period and officiating has been,at times, difficult. I am blessed with a spouse who has nevercomplained about the amount of time I spent officiating. Asthe children got older, I was able to take them with me.Game officials cannot do it for the game fees; they have todo it for the love of the game and to stay involved.
The job has change over my career in a positive ways. Offi-cials at the high school varsity level are evaluated numeroustimes during the season. It was not always like that. Theevaluations are real eye-openers and are designed to buildconsistency within the state. The evaluation dates and timesare usually not known, so I enter each game assuming I willbe evaluated.
There have not really been any big rule changes in the game.Officiating mechanics have changed over the years, but itdoesn’t really affect the game itself. I have noticed that therehas been an emphasis over the last several years on sports-manship. Better sportsmanship is needed all across theboard – players, coaches, fans, and administrators. I dohave to say that I have had minimal sportsmanship issues inthis area.
There is no difference on how I officiate at a boys’ gamecompared to a girls’ game. The rules are the same for both.The game is just as important to each participant, coach,and fan.
The most difficult single call that I have to make in a gameis, by far, the block/charge call. I believe this is the one callthat a majority of officials would say is the most difficult. Po-sitioning is the key. An official needs to be in the proper po-sition and obtain appropriate angles to make this call.
The mostmemorable game that I’ve officiated was the 3A State Cham-pionship game a couple of years ago between St. Michael’sHigh and Hope High School. It was at the University Arena,The Pit, and the arena was almost full. Our officiating crewhad some timing issues at the end of the game but we cametogether and, I believe, resolved the issue.
It can be difficult to juggle being a fan for my children andbeing an official. I have children who play basketball at thehigh school level and at the Boys and Girls Club. As a parent,I want my children to do well and really don’t worry aboutthe officiating. Like any fan, I don’t always agree with everycall, but as an official, I understand the situation the officialsare in.
In the beginning, my family had negative reactions whenthey attended games with me and fans or coaches directednegative comment towards me. As the years go by, theyaren’t as negative because they see that it doesn’t have animpact on me. I don’t dwell on these comments and so myfamily doesn’t either. With every whistle, half of the fans arehappy and half are not. An official has to understand thatand has to have a thick skin.
The funniest line I’ve heard came from a fan. I was workingwith an official who was running for public office locally.During a time-out, we were standing at our proper positions.It was a close game and the one official had made a contro-versial call right before the time-out. The cheerleaders andthe band had stopped and it was fairly quiet. A fan from thestands yelled, “Hey ref (used his name), you just lost myvote.” The gym erupted in laughter.
How did you first get involved in officiating? 1
What is the most difficult part of officiating? 2
How has the job changed over your career? 3
What has been the biggest rule change in the game? 4
Is there a difference in how you officiate boys’ games as
compared to the girls?
5
What game was the most memorable game
at which you’ve officiated?
8
How do you juggle being a fan for your child
and being in the officiating fraternity?
9
What is the funniest line you’ve ever heardfrom a fan or coach?
10
What is the most difficult single call you have
to make in a game?
7
What is the most difficult single call you have to make in a
game?
6
31Four Corners SPORTSNovember 2013
November kicks off the winter prep season as bas-
ketball and wrestling teams get their seasons going.
This district’s wrestling has been dominant over the
past few seasons with all four district teams per-
forming strong on one year or another. Piedra Vista
has led the way with three consecutive state cham-
pionships. Last season on the basketball court the
local squads were down with no teams finishing in
the top half of the seeding and hosting a home
game.
Boys’ Basketball
Farmington is the defending district champs, but
lost the bulk of its scoring in Matt Huffines and Josh
Castillo Miller to graduation. Kyle Reynolds is really
the only returning player with varsity experience,
leaving Coach Corley to rely heavily on young, inex-
perienced players.
The early favorite should be the Kirtland Central
Broncos who have the most dominant player in the
district in big man Christian Mackey. If the Broncos
can improve their guard play from last season, they
could be a force to deal with come March.
Piedra Vista, like Farmington, lost the bulk of its
scoring from Tyler Jaquez and Jacob Armijo to grad-
uation and will depend on a young team led by Troy
Dixon – and will need solid play from new varsity
players Orion Kaminky, Alonso Ariza and inside pres-
ence from Dillon Mason.
Exciting season ahead as games start to rev up
Prep
previewwinter
32 Four Corners SPORTS November 2013
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The Aztec Tigers will have a new head coach yet again, looking to get some pro-
gram consistency as veteran head coach Tony Dinallo takes over the reins. Di-
nallo coached Bloomfield in 1980s, Hot Springs in the 1990s and opened Piedra
Vista as the boys head coach in 1998. Troy Choman and Alvin Harvey will have to
lead what is another young inexperienced district squad.
Predictions:
1. Kirtland Central
2. Piedra Vista
3. Farmington
4. Aztec
Wrestling
With the three-time defending state champs in the district, everyone else may be
playing catch-up. Piedra Vista has been state dominant over the past three sea-
sons and looks to be the team to beat again this season. The Panthers will be es-
pecially strong in the lower weights where they return state champs Anthony
Jukes, Jacob Palmgren and Ryan Rino.
Despite losing state champion Aaron Lucero and state runner-up Brad Hardin,
the Aztec Tigers will continue to be a solid squad. Farmington has a new head
coach and Kirtland Central will continue to be a little overmatched.
Predictions:
1. Piedra Vista
2. Aztec
3. Farmington
4. Kirtland Central
Girls’ Basketball
Kirtland girls’ basketball coach Kevin Holman must feel like the Grand Old Man of
the district. In only his fourth year at the helm, he is the only returning head
coach in District 1AAAA. Holman’s Broncos have been the only school to win the
district in going on a decade and will be the favorite until someone proves other-
wise.
Piedra Vista begins a new era under former assistant Joe Reed, with eight of
their first ten players returning from last year’s team. Kaleigh Graham should
be the dominant inside force of the district. If the Panthers can find some out-
side guard play, they could be very solid.
Aztec will also be taking a new direction with Robert McCaskill taking over the
Tigers. Aztec should have a very athletic team led by Morgan Smith and Autumn
Sutherland who have been three-year starters.
Danny Secrest takes over last year’s 3-20 squad at Farmington that was incredi-
bly young, playing five freshman on the varsity squad. Secrest played for Scor-
pion legend Marv Sanders, so expect a little more defensive pressure and more
offensive motion,
Predictions:
1. Kirtland Central
2. Piedra Vista
3. Aztec
4. Farmington
The start of winter sports is just a few weeks away and it should be another ex-
citing season in San Juan County. Get out and enjoy some games.
33Four Corners SPortSNovember 2013
after asking the head coaches in District 1aaaa for a
list of athletes to watch for in the 2013-2014, here is
a list of the names that appeared most often.
Christian Mackey, Senior Kirtland Central Broncos – Athree sport athleteparticipating in foot-ball, basketball andtrack, Mackey is adominating pres-ence on the Broncosoffensive and defen-sive lines in football.During the winterseason Mackey willbe the preseason fa-vorite for districtPlayer of the Yearand should leadKirtland to a spot inthe state tourna-ment. Mackey is alsothe defending statechampion in both the shot put and the discus andshould be the favorite to repeat, making Mackey one tofollow all though the 2013-2014 school year.
Beau Clafton, Senior Piedra Vista Panthers – Clafton willbe a strong candidate for Player of the Year in football
this season. Last yearClafton was an all-district offensive anddefensive player aswell as the specialteams player of theyear for District1AAAA. Beau finishedhis junior season withstate championshipsin the javelin and the4 x100 relay team.He should also bethe district favorite inthe 100-meter nexttrack season afterfinishing 4th at statethis year.
Zhianna Flores, Senior Piedra Vista Panthers – Althoughyou won’t hear anything about Zhianna until this spring,the Panther senior should continue as a dominant trackperformer at a national level. Flores already holds thestate record in the 300-meter hurdles and, despite beingdisqualified in the 100 meter, her 11.92 in the preliminar-ies would put her in the Top 5 in Texas and in 12th at thisyear’s Pac 12 championships. Flores could be the mostdecorated track athlete in the Four Corners since MarioSategna
Kyle Reynolds, Sen-ior Farmington Scor-pions – Athree-sport athletein basketball, foot-ball and track,Reynolds will beFarmington’s bestthreat in the fallfootball season andwill have big shoesto fill in the basket-ball season as theonly returning var-sity player with ex-perience for thereturning districtchamps
ChriStianMACKEYKirtland Central high School
Up comingand
BeauCLAFTONPiedra Vista high School
KyleREYNOLDSFarmington high School
ZhiannaFLORESPiedra Vista high School
Anthony Juckes, Junior Piedra Vista Panthers – A mem-ber of all three PVstate wrestlingchampionships,Juckes will have theunique opportunityto be a five-time in-dividual state cham-pion. Only fourwrestlers in the his-tory of New Mexicowrestling have ac-complished thatfeat. Juckes also hasa chance to lead PVto a fourth consecu-tive team title in hisjunior year.
Morgan Smith, SeniorAztec Tigers – Smith,a three-sport andsometime four-sportathlete has been a bigpart of the Tiger’ssoccer and basketballteams. In the fall,Smith has participatedin soccer and crosscountry at the sametime. She is a three-year starter in basket-ball and this year wasthe state champion inpole vault as part ofthe Tiger’s statechampionship team
Kaleigh Graham,Senior Piedra VistaPanthers – Grahamwill be starting herfifth year on thePanther varsity bas-ketball team and isa favorite as districtPlayer of the Year.Graham also tookup track her junioryear placing 3rd atstate in the shotput, making her afavorite in thethrows next year
Ashley Schultz, Sen-ior FarmingtonScorpions – Schultzis the setter for theresurgent Scorpionvolleyball team andwill lead Farmingtonas they attempt tounseed PV this fall.In the springSchultz will help theFarmington sprint-ers in relays andthe 100 and 200.
Harrison Fleming,Senior Piedra VistaPanthers – Harrisonwill take over thereins from BrandonLevi as the leader ofthe Panther crosscountry team andthe track team’sdominance in thelong distances. Ex-pect Fleming to bethe district favoritefor the individualcross country cham-pionship and try totake PV to a spot onthe podium at stateafter sitting in 4th the past two years.
Keeshawna Ocker-man, Senior KirtlandCentral Broncos –Ockerman will have atough role to fill thisyear taking the placeof Taylor Billey asthe leader of theLady Broncos bas-ketball team. Ocker-man will also leadthe volleyball teamin the fall as they tryto get back to chal-lenging PV for thetop spot in district.
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85579
antHonyJUCKESPiedra Vista High School
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