Maldonado, Hill key for Cats

CLOVIS - Clovis High seniors Jerrick Maldonado and Pacer Hill had a big day on Tuesday.

They've got another one coming up on Saturday, when they lead the Wildcats into the Class 5A state track meet at the University of New Mexico's facility in Albuquerque.

Maldonado and Hill signed national letters of intent on Tuesday with Division II programs Adams State and Angelo State, respectively. Maldonado plans to run cross country for the Grizzlies and then compete in the 800 and 1,500 in track, while Hill will do pole vault for the Rams.

This weekend, both have a chance to give the Wildcats a big chunk of points. Maldonado is looking to pull off a rare triple, running the 3,200 in late morning and then competing in the 800 and 1,600 later in the day, while Hill is seeking the 5A title in pole vault with a season-best of 14 feet, 7 inches.

"I expect them to win the events they're in," Cats coach Mark Sena said. "I know how hard they've worked the past few months, and even the past few years. I think the hard work will pay off."

Maldonado comes in with the best times in the 3,200 and 800, and the second-best time in the 1,600. He's shooting for the 5A state meet record in the 800, with his personal-best time of 1 minute, 54 seconds about a second off that mark.

He said his plan in the 3,200 is to stay with the pack and then try to kick it in late.

"I plan to go out pretty hard for that state record," he said of the 800. "In the mile, I'll leave whatever I have left on the track. We'll see how it goes."

Hill, second at pole vault in 5A as a sophomore in 2019, has consistently been in the 14-foot range this spring. The next best jumper has gone 13-6.

Clovis has a chance for two state pole vault champions, with senior Camryn Barros leading the pack coming in on the girls side.

"If we can both do it, it would be great," Hill said. "That's a goal, and that would be awesome. Hopefully, we can make it happen."

He said he's looking forward to joining what has been a strong track program at Lone Star Conference member Angelo.

"They've had a lot of success in the conference," he s aid. "I think their team just placed third in the (Division II) national meet."

The Lady Wildcats are looking to score points in a number of events, although coach Darrel Ray said they probably don't have the depth to compete for a team trophy (top-3 finish).

"I hope we can maybe finish in the top 10," Ray said. " If we do that, we'll have done our job."

Barros has led 5A in pole vault all season and has consistently been at 11 feet or higher.

Senior Skyler Jordan is entered in all three throws for the Lady Cats, while senior Kiara Cox has a chance to do well in high jump and maybe long jump and the 200. Ray said he's hoping to score as well in the 1,600 medley relay and the 3,200 relay.

In Class 4A on Friday, Portales also could have some state champions, led by senior Traise Cain and sophomore Michael Riess on the boys side and junior Kylyie Paden for the girls.

Cain has a shot to win in pole vault, high jump and both hurdles races, while Riess could challenge in the 800 and 1,600.

"Traise is going to be key to our success," PHS coach Quintin Wilson said. "If Traise just goes out and does what he does, I think we'll be in good shape. He's gone out and taken care of business every time out."

Paden comes into the weekend first in 4A in pole vault and second in high jump. She's also sixth in the 300 hurdles.

"I would think she has a good chance of being on the (awards) podium," Wilson said.

He also thinks senior Dason Davis could score in boys long jump, while both PHS squads have a chance to score in a couple of relays.

Rankings don't mean much going into a state meet, Wilson noted.

"We have to perform," he said. "If we do, I think everything will take care of itself."