CHS TRACK: Lady Cats notch title at Alamo qualifier

ALAMOGORDO — Clovis High and Rio Rancho may be setting up a showdown for the Class 5A girls state track title.

The defending 5A champion Lady Wildcats beat Rio Rancho for the first time this season on Friday, finishing with 112 points to 103 for the Rams in the Alamogordo qualifier meet.

And the win came as a bit of a surprise to CHS girls coach Darrel Ray.

“We weren’t expecting to win,” Ray said. “We were running light. We didn’t run anybody in more than three events.”

Clovis’ boys finished fourth in the meet with 69 points, although final official tallies were not available.

The Lady Cats won three of the four relay events, and also got wins from sophomore Caitlin Waters in the 400 (59.84) and freshman Antiesha Brown in triple jump (32-7 1/4).

Ray was also impressed with sophomore Meagan Baglein, who finished second to teammate Lorena Garza (120-0) with a throw of 118-4 in discus.

“Meagan had a great day,” Ray said. “And Caitlin Waters did a phenominal job in her first time running the 400.

“Overall, we had a pretty good meet. I thought our depth started showing up a little bit.”

The boys were led by wins from juniors Manuel Robles in triple jump (48-1 1/4) and Jordan Mendoza in javelin (182-7), both easily personal bests.

Wildcats coach Darren Kelley said the Cats got Robles (third in 10.86 seconds in the 100) and their 800 relay team (second in 1:31.68) qualified for state.

“They did a great job,” he said. “They competed well. I think almost everyone ran their best times of the year, whether they placed or not.

“If we keep improving, I think we have a chance to win the (District 4-5A title).”

Clovis teams have a busy week on tap with qualifier meets scheduled for Hobbs on Tuesday and Carlsbad on Friday.