It took less than a minute for Aryelle Wright to capture the attention of the sports fans in the state.
In the 2018 Track and Field State Championship meet, Wright electrified Jefferson County Stadium with an impossible come-from-behind, dive-at-the line victory in the 3A 400 meter championships. Clocking a time of 57.90, Wright delivered her first state title, and with it, another chapter in what has already become a storied career.
Now, with the final months of high school athletics on the horizon, the Panthers’ track and field and volleyball standout has committed to continue her athletic and academic ventures at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden.
It might have been Wright’s spectacular day on the rain-soaked track in Lakewood last May that altered the course of her post-secondary plans. Not long after she stepped off the track, Wright was contacted by Mines track and field head coach Matthew Sparks.
“They weren’t really even on my radar,” said Wright of her first interactions with the Orediggers coach, “but after we started communicating this summer, my plans shifted, and Mines moved to the top of my list.”
A trip to Golden with her family this fall validated her decision. “Getting to meet my future teammates, I just felt that I really fit in, both academically and athletically,” said Wright.
Colorado School of Mines will be adding one of the most decorated athletes in M-CHS track and field history. Wright started her high school career at Dolores, where she immediately made waves, earning 2A All-State honors in the 100, 200, and 400 meters as a freshman. A year later, this time with Montezuma-Cortez, Wright excelled again, making the podium in the Sprint Medley relay, along with individual accolades in the 200 and 400.
Her aforementioned title in the 2018 version of the 3A 400 meters, along with another Top 5 finish in the 200 brings her medal count to eight.
Add to that, Wright just capped off a sensational high school volleyball career, leading the Panthers to their best season in years, a 16-6 record, and a 3A regional appearance. For her efforts, Wright was named First Team All-Intermountain League. She will also finish out her career with the Four Corners Volleyball Club this winter.
Yet, for all of her success, Wright remains appreciative of those who have supported her along the way.
“My coaches here at M-CHS have been tremendous,” said Wright. “Bob Archibeque, Jeremy Yarbrough, (her maternal grandfather) Dean Cunningham and my volleyball coach Maddie Wright have all worked to know me on a personal level and wanted what was best for me.”
Colorado School of Mines competes in one of the most competitive leagues in Division II, the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Last year, the Orediggers women’s track and field program placed third in the RMAC at the Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
The academic reputation of the institution was also a big draw for Wright, who aims to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
With the sun setting on her high school career, Wright looked back on her memories as a Panthers athlete. “All of these experiences have shaped me,” said Wright, “and that’s something I’ll always remember.”