This track season was full of energy, heart and incredible growth. From March through mid-June, 74 youth athletes gave their all across six practice sites: Albuquerque Academy, Bernalillo High School, Steven Gachupin Sports Complex (Jemez), San Felipe Pueblo, Santo Domingo School and Dulce High School.
We welcomed 30 new runners to our team this track season, and it was inspiring to see these athletes step onto the track for the first time with courage and commitment. Whether they were learning how to start their first race or pushing for a new personal best, every one of them helped shape a powerful and supportive team culture. This is our fourth track season, and our first season to include Shot Put and Discus. In this first season, our own Kellan Gachupin (Jemez Pueblo) is the 11-12 boys USATF NM State champion for shotput and discus.
Though track may seem like an individual sport, this team showed that true strength comes from showing up for your teammates, your community and yourself. Through every success and every setback, we continue to lead with grace and rise together. The season wrapped up at the USATF NM State Championship, and the results were nothing short of amazing: 43 athletes qualified for the USATF Regional Junior Olympic Championship in Mesa, Arizona, and 12 of them went on to qualify for the National Junior Olympic Championship in Savannah, Georgia.
This progress wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous support of our host schools and partner programs. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to:
Tamaya Wellness Center, Kewa Child Care and Development Program, San Felipe Fitness Center, Albuquerque Academy, Bernalillo High School, Jemez Valley High School, and Santo Domingo School.
A huge thank-you also goes to the USATF Foundation for selecting us again as a grantee this year — your support fuels our mission and keeps our youth moving forward.
To our incredible coaching staff, your dedication, time and mentorship make a lasting impact on every runner’s journey. Thank you to:
Aaron Montoya, Andre Arellanez, Autumn Quiver, Brendon Ansera, Carley Tafoya, Fernando Siaz, Jamell Sanchez, Jared Lesansee, Jennie Holmes, Kelly Raton, Kristin Troncosa, Natalie Arellanez, Ryan Arkie, Ryan Lesansee, Sharmarine Light-Joe, and Simona Casiquito.
As this season comes to a close, we remember that the medals and race times are just a small part of what our athletes have achieved. The lessons of resilience, teamwork and confidence will last far beyond the track.
Regional Qualifiers
Boys
- Marlin Coriz (Kewa, 8 & Under): 4×100
- Kellan Gachupin (Jemez, 11-12): Javelin, Shotput, Discus **11-12 Boys State Champion – Shotput & Discus
- Ian Henderson (Diné, 15-16): 4×100
- Mason Jones (Acoma Pueblo, 13-14): Shotput, Javelin
- Theo Jones (Acoma Pueblo, 8 & Under): 4×100
- Ian Melk (San Felipe Pueblo, 11-12): 4×400
- Jeixner Mosende (Dulce, 15-16): 4×100
- Christopher Nastacio (San Felipe Pueblo, 15-16): Javelin, 4×100
- Demari Nastacio (San Felipe Pueblo, 11-12): 4×400
- Cole Pino (Zia Pueblo, 9-10): Javelin
- Antone Quiver (San Felipe Pueblo, 15-16): Long Jump, 4×100
- Jayden Toledo (Jemez Pueblo, 11-12): 4×400
- Chandler TwoEagle (Kewa/Rosebud Sioux/Jemez/San Felipe, 8 & Under): 4×100
- Skylar Vallo (Tesuque Pueblo, 8 & Under): 4×100
- Ozias Werito (Albuquerque, 11-12): 4×400
- Sealth Wright (Diné/San Carlos Apache, 15-16): 4×100
Girls
- Emily Aguilar (San Felipe Pueblo/Jemez Pueblo, 13-14): 4×100
- Emma Ansera (San Felipe Pueblo, 11-12): 4×400
- NicoleRey Arellanez (Acoma Pueblo, 9-10): 400, 800, 4×400
- Abigail Calabaza (Kewa, 9-10): Javelin, 4×400
- Tenaeya Calabaza (Kewa, 9-10): Long Jump, 400, 4×400
- Kyleina Chavarillo (Jemez Pueblo/San Felipe Pueblo, 8 & Under): 4×100
- Dora Chavez (San Felipe Pueblo, 11-12): 4×400
- Aubree Sando (Jemez Pueblo, 11-12): 200, 800, 4×100, 4×400
- Julianna Garcia (Kewa, 9-10): Javelin
- Divya Henderson (Diné, 9-10): 4×100
- Peyton Jones (Acoma Pueblo, 15-16): 400, 800
- Rhylee Manwell (Dulce, 9-10): 4×100
- Marilyn Melk (San Felipe Pueblo, 13-14): Discus, Shotput
- Keirshabelle Mosende (Dulce, 11-12): 4×100
- Peyton Bella Nastacio (San Felipe Pueblo, 9-10): 4×100
- Torianna Pena (Kewa, 8 & Under): 800, 4×100
- Jasilyn Paige Reano (Kewa, 9-10): 4×100
- Nellie Silentwalker (San Felipe Pueblo/Diné, 11-12): 4×400
- Daisy Sanchez (Tamaya, 8 & Under): 400, 800, 4×100
- Emma Sanchez (Tamaya, 9-10): 400, 4×400
- Amiya Sandoval (San Felipe Pueblo, 8 & Under): 4×100
- Mckenna Sarracino (Acoma Pueblo, 9-10): Javelin
- McKenna Shendo (Zia Pueblo/Jemez Pueblo, 9-10): 4×100
- Lileia Shendo (Tohono O’Odham, 9-10): 200, 4×100
- Addison Tosa (Jemez Pueblo, 9-10): 800, 1500, 4×100
- Janaka Townsend (Tamaya, 13-14): 4×100
- Briana Trujillo (Rio Rancho, 13-14): 4×100
National Qualifiers
- Javelin: Kellan Gachupin, Christopher Nastacio
- 4×100 Relays:
- McKenna Shendo, Jasilyn Reano, Emma Sanchez, Lileia Shendo
- Divya Henderson, Rhylee Manwell, Peyton Nastacio, Abigail Calabaza
- 4×400 Relay: NicoleRey Arellanez, Emma Sanchez, Abigail Calabaza, Tenaeya Calabaza
Here’s to every runner, every coach, every cheer and every finish line. The 2025 NB3 Foundation Running Club track season reminded us that success isn’t just about speed; it’s about heart, community and believing in yourself every step of the way. If you’re interested in bringing an NB3 Foundation Running Club site, for Track or Cross-Country season, to your community, contact Jennie Holmes at jennie@nb3f.org.
Let’s keep running strong into the future!
