The boys and girls track and field teams in Magdalena face a rebuilding season in 2024, with graduation decimating the ranks of the Steers’ program. Magdalena’s 1600-meter relay team shattered the Class A state record by more than two seconds last as D’Shaun Vinyard, Josh Baca, Ayden Herschbach, and Kael Stephens recorded a time of 3:34.56. Now coach Sara Sue Olney has to build around Herschbach, her lone returner in the event.

“I think our biggest challenge this year is time and numbers. We don’t have as many relays. We’re going to put some together, but to see where we can compete and rack up some numbers, that’s going to be our biggest hurdle that we have to climb and just making sure that we’re prepared all the time and going out and Individually doing what we need to do to take care of business” Olney said.

Fran Ganadonegro coaches the girls team and sees the same kind of challenge, and then there are a few extras.

“We have athletes doing multiple things at this time of the year. Yesterday, I was missing three girls for the state chair. We have girls in state FFA and girls doing rodeo,” Ganadonegro said.

Being short on numbers or needing to sub in a runner presents interesting logistics, but with the Steers committed to rebuilding this year, it fits into the game plan.

“Our outlook for this track season is to just come and improve every day, compete, and find out where we can gain some points for track meets. We are a little bit young, and our numbers are a bit down, but we’re still going to compete and do the best that we can to the best of our ability,” Olney said.

Ganadonegro is already planning how to use the summer to help season her athletes.

“This will get us into shape for the summer, and that’s when we will gain more experience in events like the pole vault. We had some kids qualify for state last year,” says Ganadonegro.

With athletes needing to divide their time and track and field typically hosting only one home event a year, it’s harder for fans to keep up with what’s happening than in other sports. Olney hopes the community realizes the effort.

“Our whole team works their butts off. We have a lot of kids that play multiple sports simultaneously, which is hard to juggle. There’s time and dedication required to do two sports in one season, but we have good kids who work hard. I want the parents and the fans to know that the kids are working hard,” Olney said. “Track is an individual thing. It’s how hard you work and how much time and effort you want to put into it. There are some things that the kids love to do, so we’re going to put some of those together, have a good time, and hopefully compete.

The boys roster includes Jeremiah Alverez, Ky Stephens, Kayden Piasso, Zeb Apachito, Krae Stephens, Ayden Herschbach, Joe Zamora, Matthew Parker, Kanaan Stephens and Paul Chavez Lopez. Girls Roster includes Amberlee Apachito, Jayden Carranza, Vera Apachito, Jema Ganadonegro, Jorianne Mirabal, Jewel Mirabal and Falene Montoya.

Russell Huffman, El Defensor Chieftain Asst. Editor