Notes from Albuquerque


Jordyn McCurdy has been turning hard laps all summer. It's paid off with two Region 10 titles. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.

The USATF Region 10 Championship meet in Albuquerque is now history. Although there were several fine Colorado performances along the way, it's not always easy to say who will be going on to nationals. Albuquerque is a whole lot closer than Sacramento.

Not to mention that continuing on to nationals is three more weeks of attending to all those things that make for a nice track and field performance. But, some will follow that path and make the trip, while others will call it a season.

Jordan McCurdy made a sweep of the 17-18 800 and 1500, and with nice times. There still seems to be gas left in McCurdy's tank. Katie Till pulled up in second in both events and has qualified for nationals if she chooses to go. 

Alexis Buckhaults and Sarah Yocum both look as if they have another hurdle race or two in their legs. When you're deep into the 14s, there's still something left to compete for. Yocum also shaved a little time off her 400 hurdles PR, going to 1:03.31 and first place.

Maya Evans was over 20 feet again to win the 17-18 long jump. As they've done so many times this season, Andrea and Erika Willis posted a 1-2 in the pole vault. 

It was all Colorado in the 17-18 shot put, with Jenna McKinley, Sierra Suazo, and Gina Coleman going 1-2-3. Suazo also claimed the discus title.

Switching to 17-18 boys, Sunday Abarca put up a pair of 21.97 200s in prelims and finals. That, combined with a 48.48 400, would suggest he's not yet running on fumes.

Aaron McCoy claimed the 400 hurdles crown in 54.89. If he ends his season there, it's a great season, but you have to wonder if there's another stop on the tour.

Ta'Mar Wilson and Kharon Hall made a nice show of the horizontal jumps, winning the long and triple jump, respectively. 

In 15-16 girls, Arria Minor was all over the 100 and 200, meaning she has now earned spots at both AAU and USATF JO nationals. Decisions...

And, Simone Watkins ran 56.56 to win the 400, while Carley Bennett put away the field in the 1500. 

Kylie Davis straight-up won both hurdle events. Jaiden Paris was also well under 15 seconds for second in the 100s. Koryn McOuat and Sydnee Larkin claimed regional titles in the high jump and triple jump, respectively.

Tyrese Vanhorne claimed the 15-16 boys 400 in 50.21. He's been having a great club season. Will it last another meet?

Mason Brown, also enjoying a strong summer season, dealt the New Mexico heat a serious blow and won both the 1500 and 3000. 

Max Manson won the pole vault at an even 15 feet.

Jequan Hogan got a trifecta of titles in the 110 hurdles, high jump, and triple jump. Jacob Barsness showed a little proficiency over the barriers to win the steeplechase. Zaire Jackson impressed with a win in the long jump.

All in all, it was a pretty good--if somewhat toasty weekend in Albuquerque. 

And, if you'd like a little glimpse into what's coming to a high school near you next year, check out the 13-14 results.

Complete Results