Robinson Ford, far right, was Socorro’s top finisher at the state cross country meet on Nov. 5 at Albuquerque Academy.
Courtesy of Beth Cadol

Sophomore Robinson Ford had Socorro’s top finish at the state cross country meet on Nov. 5 at Albuquerque Academy while the Lady Warriors gained experience on a state-level course.

Ford moved up 25 places from his first state meet as a freshman and finished 44th overall. Ford’s time of 19:06 was a minute and 42 seconds faster than last year.

“This is a huge improvement over his race last year at state,” Socorro cross country coach Beth Cadol said. “He has become a very confident racer, not getting too caught up in the fast starts and keeping his focus throughout the middle miles to pass his competitors.”

Ford’s improvements aren’t coming just because he’s physically stronger.

“Robinson beat out two runners in the final 100 meters with a strong finishing kick. He knew what it would take to improve upon last season and did everything he needed to do: many miles over the summer, never missing practice all season, running twice a day some days, rolling, and icing tired muscles. And I don’t believe that he’s done improving.”

Cadol feels the same way about her Lady Warriors, that qualified as a team.

“The girls team ran very solid races, as well. Their times were either right in line with what they ran last year or marked improvements. It was a much quicker race overall, as their finishing places increased this year despite running faster times. Sky Sessions, Anastasia Zagrai, Jackie Perez, Rem Jacquez and Addisyn Fassett represented Socorro very well by keeping their focus and running their own races.”

Cadol tells her runners to maintain a pace that shows confidence in their abilities instead of getting caught up in the fast pace.

“I have lots of ideas for how to build on their success, as well,” Cadol said. “The entire SHS cross country team is a delightful group of young people.”

The Lady Warriors’ results at state included 66. Sky Sessions 24.50.03; 77. Anastasia Zagrai 26:33; 78. Jacqueline Perez 26:47.84; 80. Rem Jacquez 29:52.75; 82. Addisyn Fassett 35:10.28.

Russell Huffman | Assistant Editor