Seeking warmer weather and a picturesque locale, the Montezuma-Cortez High School girls and boys track teams traveled to Moab, Utah, for the Red Rocks Invitational track meet, which took place on Saturday.
Leading the way for the girls team in the season-opening event was freshman Avery Wright, who finished first in the 100-meter dash (12.55), 200-meter dash (25.97) and 400-meter dash (1:00.67) in her exceptional high school debut.
Also finishing on top of multiple individual events for the Lady Panthers was senior Morgan Short, who placed first in the 300-meter hurdles (50.96) and first in the long jump (15 feet, 9¼ inches).
Other top-three finishers for the girls team included senior Aryelle Wright, who placed second in the 100-meter dash (13.20), 200-meter dash (27.66) and 400-meter dash (1:02.91). Sophomore Elaina Short crossed the line third in the 200-meter dash (29.30), and sophomore Paige Yarbrough placed third in the discus (92 feet, 7½ inches).
On the boys side, M-CHS was led by junior Titus Jackson, who showed little rust despite completing his basketball season two days before the meet. Jackson finished first in the 300-meter hurdles (42.79) and second in the 110-meter hurdles (17.01).
Junior Valentino Rodriguez placed second in the 100-meter dash (11.85) and 200-meter dash (24.38), and junior Tyler Cutrone crossed the line second in the 400-meter dash (53.42), and third in the 200-meter dash (24.38).
Rounding out members of the M-CHS boys team who cracked the Top 3 in individual events were junior Andrew Wood, who placed second in the long jump (19 feet, ¾ inch), and senior Stevie Fuentes, who crossed the line third in the 400-meter dash (54.95) and the 800-meter run (2:12.03).
Next up for both the M-CHS girls and boys teams will be the Piedra Vista Invite, which will take place in Farmington, New Mexico on March 16.
