Edgar Hernandez knows what it’s like to run for a strong distance running program. After four years of carrying strong Mancos cross-country and track and field programs to great heights, the graduated senior now turns his focus to blazing trails with Colorado Mesa University.
Hernandez signed on to join the Mavericks, a strong program in Division II’s Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, for the upcoming fall.
The Bluejays student-athlete surged to a leadership role right from the beginning of his high school career, serving as a consistent No. 1 runner for head coach Brady Archer’s cross-country program. In four years, Hernandez won numerous local races, and spearheaded team qualification to the 2A state championships on multiple occasions.
His final cross-country season brought an honorable mention all-state selection and a top 20 finish at the state championships.
His success on the track was no less impressive – Hernandez factored prominently into San Juan Basin League titles for the Bluejays the past couple seasons, thanks to his dominance in the 800, 1,600, and 3,200 meters for the Jays.
He’d qualify for state in several disciplines and earn all-state performances in both his junior and senior season at the 2A track and field championships.
Hernandez’s versatility as an athlete saw him lead the Mancos basketball team to some of its best seasons in school history. As point guard, Hernandez averaged in double figures his senior year and helped the Bluejays to four consecutive Sweet 16 appearances.
He'll join a CMU cross-country program that competes in arguably the best distance running conference in Division II athletics. The Mavericks placed fifth in the league in last year’s RMAC championships, before taking eighth in the South Central regional – narrowly missing a national championship-qualifying berth.
