CHS to host cross country invitational at Ned Houk Park

Clovis High’s cross country team is set to open the season on Friday when the Wildcats and Lady Wildcats host the Clovis Invitational at Ned Houk Park.

The varsity boys race is slated to begin at 3:30 p.m., followed by the varsity girls and middle school and junior varsity events. Fourth-year CHS coach Liz Ledezma said she expected to see around 10 schools for the meet.

Ledezma said her squads return a lot of experience from last season. The Lady Cats were eighth in the 15-team Class 5A state meet, led by senior Gabi Foggie (26th in 20 minutes, 36.56 seconds) and sophomore Brooke Newcomer (28th in 20:44.96), while the boys were without top runner Sammy Fuentes and placed 15th.

“We have a big senior class,” Ledesma said. “Some of these kids are in their sixth year. Overall, I think we’ll have strong teams.”

Fuentes, a senior, returns to lead the boys squad. Others are freshman Adrian Surita and senior Victor Sanchez, who is doing cross country only this fall after splitting time between cross country soccer in the past.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him run,” Ledesma said. “I think he can do big things.”

Meantime, the girls will look to add another district title to last year’s victory. Other top returnees are senior Kira Tree, junior Jocelyn Foggie (Gabi’s sister) and sophomore Brooke Newcomer.

“I think this year is going to be better,” Ledesma said. “We have a lot of seniors, but we have a lot of younger ones that are going to help.”

Portales was originally scheduled to be here for Friday’s meet, but the Rams and Lady Rams are now slated to open in the Lovington Invitational on Sept. 7.

Melissa Lee has taken over the program. PHS has about 10 girls out for the sport, but no boys this year.

“We have three weeks before the first meet, so we’ve got lots of good training before then,” Lee said.

Back from last year’s squad for the Lady rams are juniors Emily Bustamante, Miriam Caudillo, Rita Garza and Azlan Smith, and sophomore Adrianna Garza.

“I think we’re going to train hard,” Lee said. “I think will hit lots of PRs (personal records). We’ve got some good girls who want to work hard.”