President Nygren Celebrates Hard Work and Heart at NM State Cross Country

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — On November 8, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren attended the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico State Cross Country Championships, where hundreds of student athletes from across the state gave their all in one of New Mexico’s most anticipated high school competitions of the year.

President Nygren praised the dedication, discipline, and resilience shown by all runners, including the many Navajo and Native student athletes who proudly represented their schools and communities. He emphasized that cross country is a sport of endurance and heart, qualities that reflect the Diné spirit of perseverance and determination.

“Running is part of who we are as Navajo people,” President Nygren said. “To see our young athletes pushing themselves, representing their families and schools, it shows how strong our next generation truly is.”

Championship Results

5A Division

Boys Teams: 1. Cleveland – 36 | 2. Rio Rancho – 61 | 3. La Cueva – 118

Individual: Lucas Espinosa, Cleveland (15:13.7)

Girls Teams: 1. Eldorado – 50 | 2. Cleveland – 56 | 3. Rio Rancho – 105

Individual: Gianna Rahmer, Eldorado (17:02.2)

4A Division

Boys Teams: 1. Albuquerque Academy – 36 | 2. Los Alamos – 56 | 3. St. Pius – 94

Individual: Nicholas Ponte, Albuquerque Academy (15:18.

Girls Teams: 1. Los Alamos – 29 | 2. Albuquerque Academy – 75 | 3. Miyamura – 100

Individual: Carmen Dorsey-Spitz, Moriarty (16:57.9)

3A Division

Boys Teams: 1. Santa Fe Indian School – 46 | 2. Navajo Prep – 53 | 3. Zuni – 101

Individual: Elijah England, Navajo Prep (15:34.2)

Girls Teams: 1. Santa Fe Prep – 29 | 2. Cottonwood Classical – 96 | 3. East Mountain – 98

Individual: Sophie Bair, Santa Fe Prep (18:56.7)

A–2A Division

Boys Teams: 1. Pecos – 46 | 2. Oak Grove – 69 | 3. Laguna Acoma – 100

Individual: Tagoya Pedro, Laguna Acoma (15:35.2)

Girls Teams: 1. Oak Grove – 59 | 2. Pecos – 90 | 3. McCurdy – 118

Individual: Olivia Marquez, Oak Grove (20:06.6)

President Nygren congratulated every runner and coach for their efforts and encouraged continued support for youth athletics across the Navajo Nation.