SRRHS Track and Field Aims for Excellence Through Diversity

The Sedona Red Rock High School boys’ track and field team kicked off their season on March 5 at Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Scottsdale. The opening meet showcased the talent and determination of the athletes.

Junior Chokyi Carstens highlighted the competition by winning the 1,600 meters with an impressive time of 4:52.09, nearly three seconds ahead of runner-up Drake Hanley. Additionally, Carstens secured first in the 800 meters, finishing in 2:09.04. Sophomore Khrystian Cordova also made his mark, placing eighth in a crowded field of 31 runners with a time of 2:22.16.

Team captain Ramon Betancort emphasized the importance of camaraderie within the team. “Being a captain isn’t just about work ethic; it’s about compassion as well,” he stated. He believes that fostering a supportive environment is crucial for building team chemistry, especially for relay events. Betancort plans to compete in several sprint events and aims to improve his personal record in the 400 meters from 49 seconds to 47 seconds.

His efforts paid off as he finished second in the 400 meters at the March 5 meet with a time of 51.60 seconds. “My endurance has gone up a lot, and I’ve gotten a lot stronger as well,” he reflected. This season has seen an influx of throwers, with many new athletes joining the team.

Junior Steel Sturgeon placed fourth in the javelin throw, reaching a distance of 38.56 meters, while junior Vincent Smith-Shayawatt captured sixth in the discus throw with 31.24 meters. Their performances contributed to the team’s competitiveness in various events.

The Scorpions later hosted the Red Rock Small Invitational on March 12. Junior Ari Tedrick shone in pole vaulting, earning second place with a height of 3.51 meters; Cordova followed closely in third with 3.05 meters. Tedrick also achieved fourth in the high jump, clearing 1.52 meters, and freshman David Beltran secured seventh place with a height of 1.42 meters.

In the 400 meters during the March 12 meet, Betancort again claimed first place, this time with a time of 51.52 seconds. Sturgeon finished 10th in 1:02.65 and excelled in javelin, where he took second at 37.80 meters. Smith-Shayawatt finished third in javelin with 35.33 meters, followed by sophomore Christian Dominguez in fifth at 26.52 meters.

In the discus throw, Smith-Shayawatt took second with a distance of 33.55 meters, while Sturgeon grabbed third at 28.60 meters. Freshman Miguel Villages rounded out the field in ninth with a throw of 25.93 meters.

Carstens continued to excel, previously clocking 4:46.70 in the 1,600 meters and securing third in the 800 meters with 2:08.50. Beltran performed well, taking fifth in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 20.56 seconds, and freshman Ariel Bustos Landa placed eighth in the same event.

Senior Keldon Cain focused on his personal goals. He finished fifth in the 200-meter dash at 24.79 seconds, with Betancort close behind in ninth at 12.20 seconds. “I’m really excited about this season,” Cain remarked, expressing optimism as he aimed to improve his 200-meter time below 24 seconds and his 100-meter time under 12 seconds.

The Scorpions have deepened their roster this year, incorporating more freshmen and bolstering team spirit. “We have a lot of new incoming freshmen, and the energy is much stronger than last year,” Cain noted.

The next home meet for the Scorpions is scheduled for the Sedona Invitational on Saturday, April 5, at 9:30 a.m.

Team Captain: Ramon Betancort
Team Captain: Chokyi Carstens
Andre Atanasovski
Filip Atanasovski
Michael Barnes
David Beltran
Smith-Shayawatt
Keldon Cain
Emanuel Carreno
Khrystian Cordova
Christian Dominguez
Nathyn Eberlen
Sunny Flores
Daniel Garland
Ariel Bustos Landa
Vaycion Lily
Leland Lynch
Nic McAtee
Daniel Molina
Javier Olvera
Justin Pallarez
Ryan Pfaff
Alexis Quezada
Aldo Rodriguez
Vincent Smith-Shayawatt
Steel Sturgeon
Ari Tedrick
Miguel Villages
Jose Zavalza-Gutierrez
Head Coach: Sean Eicher