Competing at the Abel Velasquez Invitational in Ignacio on April 7, five Mancos athletes won at least one individual event title, and both teams acquitted themselves well.
Chief among the standout performers for the Bluejays was Caden Showalter, who continued to dominate the throwing events and easily took top honors in the discus (139 feet, 4 inches) and the shot put (46 feet, 6 inches). The sophomore also added the high jump to his repertoire and finished tied for second overall (5 feet, 6 inches).
Other event winners for the Mancos boys team included junior Caden Galloway, who finished first in the high jump (5 feet, 8 inches), sophomore Breccen Morelli, who crossed the line first in the 400-meter dash (57.59), and senior Jake McKie, who placed first in the 800-meter run (2:08.52) and third in the 3200-meter run (11:26.50).
Sophomore Anthony Medina placed second in the 100-meter dash (11.72) and the long jump (19 feet, 11 inches). Senior Caleb Yoder finished second in the 3200-meter run (11:26.46) and third in the 800-meter run (2:11.66). Senior Griff Huver placed fifth in the 100-meter dash (11.98), and senior Peyton Suazo crossed the line in fifth in the 400-meter dash (57.59). Senior Simon Kearns placed second in the 1600-meter run (4:59.28)
The Mancos boys team finished first in the standings, with 115 points. Durango finished second, with 106 points, and Montezuma-Cortez finished third, with 84 points.
On the girls’ side, Mancos was led by freshman standout Grace Manning, who placed first in the 400-meter dash (1:08.80).
Other Top 10 finishers for the girls included junior thrower Kristen Fogel, who placed fourth in the discus (80 feet) and ninth in the shot put (25 feet, 4½ inches). Sophomore Kasey Wallace finished seventh in the long jump (12 feet, 2½ inches) and senior Hope Morelli crossed the line ninth in the 1600-meter run (9:25.54).
The Mancos girls finished ninth overall in the nine-team field with 22 points. Montezuma-Cortez won the girls portion of the meet with 117 points overall.
Next up for both Mancos teams will be the Pine River Invitational in Bayfield on April 14.