Socorro eighth grader Ezra Ocampo is going the Junior Olympic Games as a triple-qualifier.
Russell Huffman | El Defensor Chieftain

ALBUQUERQUE–Socorro will be well represented at this year’s Junior Olympics national track and field meet, with three athletes qualifying in multiple events at the USATF Region 10 meet in Albuquerque on July 8.

Eighth-grader Ezra Ocampo and freshman Jay Lee were triple qualifiers, while junior hurdling specialist Braden Mounyo will attend nationals in two events. This year’s Junior Olympics are being held in Des Moines, Iowa.

It was no surprise that Lee made it in the pole vault after winning a state title in the event earlier this year, but his personal best throw of 135 feet in the javelin was 10 feet better than his previous best.

Where did the big heave come from?

“I got mad,” Lee said.

Before his turn to throw, Lee got drenched by the NUSENDA Community Stadium’s automatic sprinkler system, which initially threw off his focus.

“I got a little mad, and then I went and regrouped, but I was still a little hyped up about it,” Lee said.

Considering how far he went beyond his personal best, Lee’s dad and coach, Cody, might consider buying a super soaker to take to the national meet. Lee also qualified in the long jump.

Local track and field fans aren’t used to hearing Ocampo’s name at the high school level, but after winning state in the javelin last week and qualifying for nationals the next, he will be a staple for the next four years.

In addition to his javelin qualification, Ocampo made it in the pole vault and discus.

Mounyo returned with gold and silver at this year’s high school state track and field meet and took a fourth and fifth in his events to make it to this year’s national meet.

“Braden did amazing in his events, which will set him up great for his senior year,” Cody Lee said.

Russell Huffman | Assistant Editor