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    <title>MT - Sports</title>
    <category>MT - Sports</category>
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    <description>Latest local news from The Durango Herald.</description>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/blue-jays-football-opens-against-10-1-norwood/</link>
        <title>Blue Jays football opens against 10-1 Norwood</title>
        <description>Everrett Stazza Whalen runs around the end for a Mancos first down last season.Sam Green/Cortez Journal Preseason scrimmages are over for the Mancos Blue Jays football team. While some area schools are set to play an exhibition-type scrimmage during what...</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2015 19:07:55 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Everrett Stazza Whalen runs around the end for a Mancos first down last season.Sam Green/Cortez Journal Preseason scrimmages are over for the Mancos Blue Jays football team. While some area schools are set to play an exhibition-type scrimmage during what is deemed "zero-week" for the 2015 season, the Blue Jays are scheduled to face off against the Norwood Mavericks. "They're pretty good all around," said Mancos co-head coach Bill Parsons. "They like to pound it, then surprise you with a pass. And they usually throw pretty well. They're just a really good, well-rounded team." It will be a tall order for the Blue Jays, as Norwood appears to churn out talent year after year. The Mavericks haven't lost more than two games in a single season since 2008, and they finished last year with a 10-1 record, their only loss coming in the state quarterfinal game. But the Blue Jays aren't intimidated. "We enjoy playing them," said Parsons. "It's usually a pretty hard hitting game. We've come out on the short end the last three or four years, but our kids look forward to it. It's always fun to play Norwood." After a solid week of two-a-day practices, Parsons and co-head coach Josh Gardner have determined the Blue Jays' starting lineup. And this week, seniors Drew Morgan, Everett Strazza-Whalen, Austin Howerton and junior Axel Bonde were chosen as team captains. They will look to guide the Blue Jays this Friday, August 28 when they travel to Norwood to take on the Mavericks at 7:00 p.m. "Our goal is to hang with them and hang with them, and then see what happens," Parsons said. "The longer we can hang in there the better our chances are. "But we're going up there to win."]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/whats-ahead-for-mancos-sports/</link>
        <title>What’s ahead for Mancos sports</title>
        <description>Football Thursday, August 27 at Norwood at 7 p.m. Cross Country Friday, Aug. 28 atCheyenne Mountain Stampede (Pre-State) in Colorado Springs at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 at Loyd’s Lake Classic in Monticello, Utah at 3 p.m. Volleyball Tuesday, Sept....</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2015 19:07:50 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Football Thursday, August 27 at Norwood at 7 p.m. Cross Country Friday, Aug. 28 atCheyenne Mountain Stampede (Pre-State) in Colorado Springs at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 at Loyd's Lake Classic in Monticello, Utah at 3 p.m. Volleyball Tuesday, Sept. 1 at Home against Durango at 4 p.m. Football Thursday, August 27 at Norwood at 7 p.m. Cross Country Friday, Aug. 28 atCheyenne Mountain Stampede (Pre-State) in Colorado Springs at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 at Loyd’s Lake Classic in Monticello, Utah at 3 p.m. Volleyball Tuesday, Sept. 1 at Home against Durango at 4 p.m.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/mancos-cross-country-teams-return-all-varsity-runners/</link>
        <title>Mancos cross-country teams return all varsity runners</title>
        <description>There’s only one way the Mancos boys cross-country team can top last year’s second place state finish. And with all of last year’s varsity runners returning, the Blue Jays are ambitious. “I think their goal is to be right in...</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2015 19:07:48 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[There's only one way the Mancos boys cross-country team can top last year's second place state finish. And with all of last year's varsity runners returning, the Blue Jays are ambitious. "I think their goal is to be right in the mix of being the top team in the state," head coach Brady Archer said. Leading the squad will be senior Ro Paschal, who in 2014 won four regular season meets, set two meet records, placed second at regionals and finished seventh in the state in Class 2A. Alongside Pashcal will be sophomore Simon Kearns and senior Nic Arculeta, who finished 13th and 18th at last year's state meet, and senior Asa Kearns, sophomore Jake McKie and senior Zane Goodell, who also ran in last year's state competition. Rounding out the boys' team will be Vincent Grego, Andrew Christensen, Caleb Yoder, Zane Wilson, Alex Fleitz, Luke Christensen, Brandon Sehnert, Joseph Knezek and Teslin Stecher. Archer is happy to have such great numbers for a class 2 school, and sees the boys' depth as a strength. "I think that the depth pays off and it pushes everybody," explained Archer. "Even though we have a bunch of seniors this year, there are definitely those sophomores that push those guys to make sure they're improving." While the Mancos girls' cross-country team lacks the depth the boys' team is blessed with, they do have experience. Juniors Emma Most, Hannah Skinner and Jessalyn Bay-Voit all return to lead the girls' team, after Most took 32nd in state last year and Skinner finished 54th. Archer also pointed out that Bay-Voit ran at the state meet as a freshman in 2013, and that Most has qualified for the state in both track and cross-country. "Even though there's no seniors out there and we don't have a lot of depth," said Archer. "All of those girls have been there and know what it takes to get there." The three returning juniors were the only members of last year's team, but the team will double in size by adding juniors Brittany Peacock, Mimi Archuleta and Kaylee Rose. With last year's varsity runners returning to both teams, and with additions to the girls' group, Archer is hopeful that both teams can end their seasons in Colorado Springs at the state championship. "It'd be nice to have both teams at state," he said. "We haven't had that in four years."]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/football-returns/</link>
        <title>Football returns</title>
        <description>Blue Jays bring back 14 lettermen, deep backfield</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2015 18:01:41 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Blue Jays bring back 14 lettermen, deep backfield The Mancos football team is looking to bounce back after last year's 2-7 record, and with 14 lettermen and a handful of starters returning, the Blue Jays are optimistic about the upcoming season. Senior Drew Morgan returns after being named first team all-conference in 2014, along with second team all-conference selections Everett Strazza-Whalen and Austin Howerton. With returning letterman Axel Bonde entering his junior year, Mancos co-head coaches Bill Parsons and Josh Gardner have multiple returning backs. "Our backfield is going to be strong and experienced," said Gardner. One of the backfield's biggest strengths may be its depth, allowing Gardner and Parsons to move players around. While Bonde played quarterback last year, Morgan has been taking snaps to begin the 2015 season, giving Bonde the opportunity to work as a running back. Paving the way for the backfield will be the offensive line, with both starting guards, Liam Cooper and Brady Sanders, returning around Howerton. Continuity is key, and with Cooper, Sanders and Howerton beginning their third year together up front, Gardner expects the interior line to be solid. The experienced players will set the tone, but Parsons also envisions younger players like Casey Orange, Chance Morgan-Garcia and Kaleb Hargraves to contribute. Playing in the Mountain Conference, the Blue Jays have a tough road ahead of them. And they begin the season against Norwood, who went 10-1 and reached the quarterfinals last year. But Gardner and Parsons are hoping that Morgan and Strazza-Whalen can serve as a foundation, and with younger players coming on strong, they are set on winning. "We would like to win our league," said Parsons. "But I'd say our first goal is to qualify for the playoffs." The Blue Jays began two-a-days on Monday, and their first test will be at Norwood on Thursday, August 27 at 7:00 p.m.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/mancos-volleyball-team-looks-to-build-upon-last-season/</link>
        <title>Mancos volleyball team looks to build upon last season</title>
        <description>Mancos volleyball coach Brittany Lang is excited for the 2015 season. Although the Blue Jays lost five players to graduation, they return six. Seniors Jessica Gutierrez, Taryn Gordanier, Hannah Wallace and Anna Cox are back, along with juniors Nicole Hess...</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2015 18:01:32 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Mancos volleyball coach Brittany Lang is excited for the 2015 season. Although the Blue Jays lost five players to graduation, they return six. Seniors Jessica Gutierrez, Taryn Gordanier, Hannah Wallace and Anna Cox are back, along with juniors Nicole Hess and Taylor Power-Bahr. Hess, Gutierrez and Gordanier all have previous varsity experience, and Lang expects Wallace to surprise people as she transitions to the varsity team. Lang and assistant coach Emily Pearson will have 10 to 11 girls on the team, and each will have specific responsibilities. "My vision is for us to be like a well-oiled machine," said Lang. "Every person has a part, and every person depends on another person's part." As a three-year starter, Gutierrez has established her spot at setter. But Lang and Pearson are still working other member around to determine the best positions for each player. After qualifying for regionals last year for the first time since 2011, the Blue Jays are looking to build off recent success. The Blue Jays began practice on Monday, August 17 and their first scrimmage is scheduled at Ridgway on Saturday, Aug. 22.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/mancos-and-dolores-team-up-to-prevent-sports-injuries-2/</link>
        <title>Mancos and Dolores team up to prevent sports injuries</title>
        <description>While Mancos and Dolores high school athletes enjoy the last week before fall sports practices begin, coaches and administrators are busy preparing for the upcoming seasons. With safety as the primary concern for both Dolores athletic director Jimmie Lankford and...</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2015 18:34:09 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[While Mancos and Dolores high school athletes enjoy the last week before fall sports practices begin, coaches and administrators are busy preparing for the upcoming seasons. With safety as the primary concern for both Dolores athletic director Jimmie Lankford and Mancos athletic director Heath Showalter, the two have partnered to put on a coaching clinic for their athletic staffs. On Wednesday, coaches from both schools will meet at Dolores High School to take part in a clinic led by trainers from Mercy Regional Medical Center. The event will educate coaches on athletic taping, injury prevention and concussion awareness. Noting the importance of the safety of student-athletes, Showalter also announced that there will be a trainer from Mercy Sports Medicine present at all Mancos High School home football games this season. "It will benefit our players," Showalter said. "But also the visiting team's players." While Mancos and Dolores high school athletes enjoy the last week before fall sports practices begin, coaches and administrators are busy preparing for the upcoming seasons. With safety as the primary concern for both Dolores athletic director Jimmie Lankford and Mancos athletic director Heath Showalter, the two have partnered to put on a coaching clinic […]]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/wrestling-camp-aug-8-9/</link>
        <title>Wrestling camp Aug. 8-9</title>
        <description>Camp to feature former national champion Jared Haberman</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2015 14:40:34 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Camp to feature former national champion Jared Haberman Mancos wrestling coach Grant Hobbs has announced that the 2015 Mancos summer wrestling camp will feature former national champion Jared Haberman. Haberman was a four-time Colorado state champion at La Junta and a four-time NCAA Division II All-American at Western State, winning the 2004 Division II National Championship. Haberman, Hobbs and Travis White will instruct wrestlers during the two-day event. The camp is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8 from 9:00 - 11 a.m. and 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 9 from 9:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. Interested wrestlers in grades four through 12 are welcome. The cost is $55, with an optional special session for 5-to-10-year-olds on Saturday from noon-1:30 p.m. for an additional $10. For more information, contact Grant Hobbs at 970-739-8293 or Travis White at 970-560-2713. Camp to feature former national champion Jared Haberman]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/colorados-cutthroat-making-a-comeback/</link>
        <title>Colorado’s cutthroat making a comeback</title>
        <description>Colorado cutthroat trout, the state’s only native trout, is making a comeback in the headwaters of Hermosa Creek. The fish, also native to Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico, is found in only about 14 percent of its historic habitat, said...</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2015 15:12:21 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Colorado cutthroat trout, the state's only native trout, is making a comeback in the headwaters of Hermosa Creek. The fish, also native to Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico, is found in only about 14 percent of its historic habitat, said Clay Kampf, a San Juan National Forest biologist. The cutthroat was hurt by competition from non-native brook trout and a tendency to hybridize with rainbow trout. Now, there are efforts across Colorado to re-establish it, and the area in the Hermosa Creek drainage will be one of the largest, said Jim White, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologist. The presence of the fish helped local advocates push through the legislation designating the Hermosa Creek Wilderness and Special Management Area. Both areas encompass more than 100,000 acres north-northwest of Durango. In 1991, Hermosa headwaters were home to brook trout, not cutthroat. But since then, the cutthroat has been re-established in 17 miles of the east fork and the main stem of the headwaters, Kampf said. When the project is complete, the fish will occupy 23 miles of creek upstream from the confluence of the east fork and the main stem. In early August, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Trout Unlimited and the Forest Service will begin establishing the fish in three miles of Sig and Relay creeks. Non-native fish will be removed, and the cutthroats added. The Forest Service will build waterfalls to prevent non-native fish from getting into cutthroat habitat, Kampf said. Currently, areas designated as cutthroat habitat are catch-and-release.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/blue-jays-sell-old-jerseys-to-raise-cash/</link>
        <title>Blue Jays sell old jerseys to raise cash</title>
        <description>To stay sharp during the offseason, the Mancos football team lifts weights four days a week. They recently took part in 7-on-7 scrimmages in Cortez to further hone their skills. But during Mancos Days last weekend, the team was focused...</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2015 15:11:56 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[To stay sharp during the offseason, the Mancos football team lifts weights four days a week. They recently took part in 7-on-7 scrimmages in Cortez to further hone their skills. But during Mancos Days last weekend, the team was focused on preparing for a different aspect of the upcoming season: finances. Coach Bill Parsons and volunteering players sat under a tent at Boyle Park selling team t-shirts and old jerseys they no longer needed after getting new jerseys last year. Over the course of the festival, the team sold 30 jerseys and raised over $300. The money raised will go towards new equipment and travel costs, which can be weighty during away games that require significant travel. To stay sharp during the offseason, the Mancos football team lifts weights four days a week. They recently took part in 7-on-7 scrimmages in Cortez to further hone their skills. But during Mancos Days last weekend, the team was focused on preparing for a different aspect of the upcoming season: finances. Coach Bill Parsons and […]]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/repeat-winners-2/</link>
        <title>Repeat winners</title>
        <description>Cow House Auction wins Ranch Rodeo as fair kicks off</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2015 15:10:40 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Cow House Auction wins Ranch Rodeo as fair kicks off The members of the 16 teams entered in the 2015 Ranch Rodeo sat silently atop their horses on Saturday night. Then, as the final note of The Star-Spangled Banner rang from the speakers at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds, the cowboys and cowgirls released shouts of excitement. The first-place prize of $3,000 had been announced, and each team had a shot to prove itself superior in events that tested skills like roping, branding, penning and loading. After winning the event in 2014, the Cow House Auction team from Kirtland, N.M., had the challenge of repeating as rodeo champions. And team members Shane Hatch, Wade Hatch, Phil Wiseman, Shawn Washburn and Rusty Herrera followed up last year's success with an even more impressive performance. Cow House completed the rodeo in 3 minutes, 11 seconds. The Avengers finished second at 3:52, and the Groundhog Bunch claimed third with a 4:11 finish. Cow House takes home its second consecutive Ranch Rodeo title, and the Josh Karsten Memorial Trophy. Although finishing second, the Avengers came together to win the Wild Cow Milking. Other winners on the evening included Sheldona Zwicker, whose Bay Mare was named Top Horse; Clint Wood, who was named Top Youth; and Jason Blackner, who was named Top Hand and awarded a handmade pair of stirrups, crafted by Steve Williams.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/high-fast-water-makes-for-creative-fishing-2/</link>
        <title>High, fast water makes for creative fishing</title>
        <description>I’m not real religious when it comes to prayer. In fact my prayers are usually for good cigars, better whiskey, and fish in love with dry flies. I’m a man of simple needs. However, when the droughts in Colorado, Oklahoma...</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2015 15:27:50 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[I'm not real religious when it comes to prayer. In fact my prayers are usually for good cigars, better whiskey, and fish in love with dry flies. I'm a man of simple needs. However, when the droughts in Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas ended in one fell-swoop, I began to think it might be time for prayers to be directed toward California. I think we've had enough rain for awhile. So, as I write this column on a Sunday, waiting for my fishing buddy, I believe my conversations with the Big Fly Fisherman will take on a different tone. It is now July, and many of the rivers and streams are still not fishable. Normally by this time of the year, everything is fishing. I remember past years worrying about low water by now. So, what's one to do; make lemonade out of lemons? Don't sit around waiting for the rivers to clear up and slow down, head for the lakes and ponds. The two lakes I have fished recently are Pastorius and McPhee. I fished Pastorius from my float tube. However, this reservoir is easily fished from the shore. I found Pastorius to be high and way off color. There was also moss being blown around the surface of the lake. Don't let that deter you. As I floated around the lake I saw lots of dragon flies. However, the fish were not the least bit interested in my imitation of dragon flies. What they were interested in was my imitation of a green wooly bugger. When I let it sink, and then slowly stripped it in, the trout loved it. The other nice attribute of Pastorius is that it is close to town. McPhee was fished from a bass boat. Fly fishing from a bass boat dictated that I start with a bass popper. My poppers of different sizes and colors produced zero fish. I then tied on a white wooly bugger. That's what worked last year. After stripping that in for an hour with no success, I went to a green wooly bugger. And, similar to Pastorius, I had fish jumping into the boat. Well, not jumping into the boat, but my fishing buddy and I had fish on all day. Green wooly buggers have also attracted bass, trout and pan fish in a private pond that I can access. Obviously, when in doubt, go green. While I haven't fished Big Molas or Havilland, they're the next lakes on my list. But, what about the rivers and streams? This fly fisherman loves to cast a fly into moving water. In my search for fishable moving water I headed to Hermosa. It has been my experience that Hermosa is the first stream to become fishable. This year is no exception; it's just happening later than usual. The east fork of Hermosa is fishing as it always does, very challenging. The cutthroat trout behind Purgatory are as smart as ever. The water is at a great level, and there are some beaver ponds. Stealth is your best friend. The river upstream from the horse corral, or middle fork, is full of hungry brook trout. Dry flies are the order of the day. You'll also find a beaver pond or two that require a sneaky approach. Downstream from the corral is beginning to fish. The section the Forestry Service acquired several years ago had a caddis hatch in progress. I used my version of a synthetic caddis and fooled a fair number of brookies. What streams and rivers are next? Lime Creek below Highway 550 should be about ready. Lime Creek is one of my favorite fisheries, and I will be heading there real soon. I also think the Animas River, north of Howardsville will be fishable in the next couple of weeks. And, don't overlook the beaver ponds in that area. They are always loaded with hungry trout and provide a great place to introduce new fly fishers to our sport. One last reminder: Just because the streams and rivers are slowing down doesn't mean you can become complacent. Swift shallow water can drag you to deep swift water. Be safe and have fun. Reach Don Oliver at durango_fishing@frontier.net.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/blue-jays-at-7-on-7-scrimmage/</link>
        <title>Blue Jays at 7-on-7 scrimmage</title>
        <description>Offense starts slow, but defense shows bright spots</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2015 15:27:18 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Offense starts slow, but defense shows bright spots The Mancos High School football team traveled to Cortez last Thursday for its second 7-on-7 scrimmage with Montezuma-Cortez and Dolores. The round robin scrimmage began with one team's offense on the 20-yard line and allowed them to run 20 plays, with a turnover or touchdown requiring them to start over at the 20. In their first matchup against Dolores, the Blue Jays came out shaky on the offensive end and the Bears' defense looked sharp. On the first play of the series, Dolores sophomore Josh Corbitt intercepted junior quarterback Axel Bonde. The Blue Jays struggled to move the ball and complete passes for many of their 20 allotted plays. However, by the end of their offensive set, quarterback Bonde was developing a rhythm with senior wide receiver Everett Whalen. The Blue Jays looked more comfortable defensively. For the first few plays against the Dolores offense, the Blue Jays allowed only a few short completions. But with the ball at midfield, a lapse in the secondary allowed Bears' receiver Tristan Medina to break loose for a long touchdown. Mancos recovered from the mistake to defend multiple passes, and sophomore Kaleb Hargrave came up with an interception. Mancos took on M-CHS in its second scrimmage of the evening, and it played out much like the first. Another slow start offensively led to a Mancos turnover on downs after failing to reach the first-down marker. After starting over from the 20-yard line, another Mancos turnover came in the form of an interception. Again, the Blue Jays seemed to settle in as the series went on, with freshmen Casey Orange and Caden Galloway completing passes and gaining quarterback experience. Mancos was more competitive on the other side of the ball. The Blue Jays defensive backs jumped passes and knocked down balls thrown by M-CHS freshman quarterback Ethan Long. Junior Liam Cooper was able to hold on to one of the passes for an interception. Due to possible scheduling conflicts, the schools have yet to determine if they will meet again this Thursday for a final 7-on-7 scrimmage.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/seamus-millett-national-champion-has-a-ring-to-it/</link>
        <title>‘Seamus Millett: national champion’ has a ring to it</title>
        <description>Durango High School pentathlete brings back gold from nationals</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2015 19:18:43 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Durango High School pentathlete brings back gold from nationals Calling Seamus Millett a Renaissance man would fit, but his skills align more with modernism. Millett excels at the modern pentathlon, a competition that combines fencing, swimming, running pistol shooting and equestrian show jumping - skills necessary for turn of the 20th century cavalry soldiers. In fact, there's no one in the country better for his age. The 16-year-old Durango High School senior to be claimed two gold medals at the USA Pentathlon Youth National Championships on June 22-24 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. For the competition, athletes fenced every other competitor in a round-robin format, swam 200 meters, ran 50 meters on a track to the shooting range and shot five perfect shots with a single armed laser pistol, then ran a total of 3,200 meters on a cross country-style course with three more five-shot rounds. A total of 55 youth athletes competed in Colorado Springs. Millett won both the Youth B Men age group, which encompasses 15- and 16-year-olds, and the Youth A Men category for 17- and 18-year-olds. Pentathletes can compete at one age group older than their current age with coach and administration recommendation. "I think it went really well," said Millett in a phone interview with The Durango Herald. "I won the fencing event, and then I won the combined event (running and shooting). It was the second fastest time I've ever done." Competitors under 18 don't participate in the equestrian portion because of liability reasons. They ride unfamiliar horses often borrowed for the competition. Millett has won age group national titles before, but this is his first overall championship in the A category. "It was really something I've been moving toward for multiple years now," said Millett, son of James Millett and Jennifer Thurston. "For the past two years, I've won my age group at nationals. I haven't ever won the whole competition like I did this year." Millett would have another title, too, if not for the scourge of odd numbers. In addition to the individual competition, there was a relay event where both members of the two-person team fence half of the competition, swim 100 meters and runs and shoots twice. Because there weren't enough athletes for everyone to have partners, organizers gave Millett the option to compete against the teams individually. Millett finished 41 seconds faster than the closest team. He still finished with the best scores but wasn't officially recognized because he was competing by himself. "I just did it as myself to gain some more practice in a competitive setting," Millett said. Winning kept Millett on top of the USA Youth Male rankings, and he'll lead the top four boys to the World Youth Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina on September 2. "I know that I have the target on my back. I'm coming into international competitions as the top-ranked American. They're looking at me as being the most competitive," Millett said. "I don't really look at the rankings too much. I just go competition by competition. I don't really view myself higher than most people, it's just I've done well in competition before, and I've earned than ranking." kgrabowski@durangoherald.com]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/time-to-talk-turkey/</link>
        <title>Time to talk turkey</title>
        <description>It&apos;s no spring hunt, but birds are plentiful this fall</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:28:20 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[It's no spring hunt, but birds are plentiful this fallThe Rio Grande subspecies of wild turkeys reportedly was introduced into Colorado in the 1980s.Courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife The spring turkey hunt in southwestern Colorado created a lot of noise - and not just at a turkey hunting workshop at the Old Fort Lewis campus. There, clucks, gobbles, cackles and all the usual turkey sounds were mimicked by a bustling group of participants at the workshop, courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. That action carried over to the field - it reportedly was another good spring turkey hunt. Now, it's time for turkey hunters to turn their attention to the fall season. And while not typically as big as the spring hunt, there are birds to be harvested this fall. "The turkey population is growing and is really solid in Southwest Colorado," said Joe Lewandowski, Colorado Parks and Wildlife public information officer for the southwest region. "There's good populations of turkeys. And a wet spring is going to help and will provide more forage that will help those birds. A lot of the time, drought is rough on those kinds of birds. "Most people hunt in the spring - fall is tougher - but people still do it," added Lewandowski, who works out of the CPW's Durango office. "And for those who go out in the fall, there will be birds out there if you can find them. It's tougher to find them in the fall. Spring is the mating season, and you can call them in. Fall is a little tougher." For those interested in the fall hunt, the state's application deadline is July 9, although Lewandowski said turkey hunters in southwestern Colorado can simply purchase their licenses over the counter. The fall season runs Sept. 1 to Oct. 23. After all but disappearing from Southwest Colorado, and the state as a whole, wild turkeys have returned in force in recent years. Turkey-hunter numbers, though, particularly those of new, younger hunters, have lagged a bit. "Our wild turkeys were nearly extirpated across the state, including in Southwest Colorado," Leigh Gillette, outgoing education coordinator/Southwest Region for Parks and Wildlife, said during that spring turkey hunting workshop. "The Division of Wildlife made major trap-and-transfer efforts to repopulate Merriam's wild turkeys - our native subspecies. Birds from Trinidad were brought to our area. Later, when Trinidad's turkey population was in decline, we trapped birds from Southwest Colorado to take back there. The Rio Grande subspecies has also been introduced to Colorado - 1980s - in prairie and lowland river bottoms." In the fall, hunters can expect to find small bunches of hens with juvenile turkeys, known as poults, during this time. These small flocks are typically numerous when the season starts in September, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Adult male turkeys - gobblers - tend to segregate into smaller bachelor groups during the summer and fall and generally are more difficult to locate, the CPW said. "Many fall turkeys stay at higher elevations until those first few days that suggest winter is approaching," said Ed Gorman, CPW small game coordinator. "Fall turkeys can be dispersed across the landscape, but hunters should look for places that provide lots of forage, including leafy, green plants, grass seed heads, waste grain and the fruit or seed of woody trees and shrubs." Still, there are no guarantees when it comes to turkey hunting, particularly in the fall. But the rewards are many, including a turkey meal. And that's not relegated to just gobblers. "While all wild turkeys are good table fare, harvesters of fall turkey claim that the fall birds, especially 'young birds' are more tender since they have not yet experienced winter stress," Gorman said. For more on fall turkey hunting, go to cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/Turkey.aspx or call the CPW at 303-297-1192. To apply for a license, go to www.co.wildlifelicense.com/start.php or call 800-244-5613.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/pitching-tent-for-wildlife/</link>
        <title>Pitching tent for wildlife</title>
        <description>Great American Campout kicks off Saturday</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:28:17 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=6BB02E4A-EDC5-41BC-B174-CFD225434DD2&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Great American Campout kicks off SaturdayWhether it's camping in tents at Mancos State Park or in your backyard, campers can help wildlife during the Great American Campout.Brian S. Peterson/Durango Herald In southwestern Colorado, the Great American Campout isn't necessarily meant to draw campers to state parks. Or to draw campers, although that's part of it. No, it's more about camping with a purpose. The 11th annual Great American Campout, sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation - and in-state, in conjunction with Colorado Parks and Wildife - kicks off with the NWF's Great American Campout Day on Saturday and runs through Sept. 7. "The Great American Campout is a great way to get into nature while also 'camping for a cause,'" said Brian Kurzel, NWF's regional executive director. "By registering your camping event, Coloradans support the National Wildlife Federation's protection of our iconic wildlife while enjoying the things they love best." And there is no cost to participate. Just go to www.nwf.org/Great-American-Campout.aspx and click on the "TAKE THE PLEDGE" tab and fill out the short survey regarding your campout. The NWF will donate $1 for every camper who participates up to $100,000 for ongoing efforts to protect the outdoors, wildlife and its habitat across the country. Donations also can be made via the website. Even though the Great American Campout doesn't officially start until Saturday, as of Friday, nearly 50,000 "pledges" had already been made. "We encourage our campers to learn about the program and register pledges to camp," said Scot Elder, park manager at Mancos State Park. "The mission is of getting more indifferent people out camping ... preaching to as many campers as we can. It's as simple as making that pledge." Camping is the backbone of Mancos State Park, and Elder said the park campgrounds are pretty much booked through the summer. "We encourage and advertise the program," he said of the Great American Campout. "A camper can get on the website and register their pledge to camp - whether to pitch a tent in the backyard or come to Mancos State Park. The registration triggers a donation to the federation (NWF). "Mancos (State Park) is a great place for the growth of the program in that we're making certain campers are aware of the program. There's certainly a growing awareness of the program because of so much personal interface with our campers. They (NWF) are taking the camper that's already going camping and exposing the benefits of the NWF and taking individuals who are not going camping and encouraging them to do so." bpeterson@durangoherald.com]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/mancos-teen-headed-to-usa-pentathlon-championships/</link>
        <title>Mancos teen headed to USA pentathlon championships</title>
        <description>Teslin Stecher, 14, from Mancos and Seamus Millet, 16, from Durango, will be driving up together to Colorado Springs next week for the USA Pentathlon National Championships on June 21-24. Millet has won a tournament at the Colorado Springs Olympic...</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2015 00:46:24 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=1939A8E0-8E9F-4FAE-B76A-5021EC6C4B4A&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Teslin Stecher, 14, from Mancos and Seamus Millet, 16, from Durango, will be driving up together to Colorado Springs next week for the USA Pentathlon National Championships on June 21-24. Millet has won a tournament at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center, and Stecher has won a regional championship in New Mexico. Stecher is currently at Twin Lakes Colorado at the High Mountain Running Camp put on by Durango cross-country coach David MacMillan. They plan on running 3 of the Collegiate 14ers as well as some of the lower peaks. Teslin Stecher, 14, from Mancos and Seamus Millet, 16, from Durango, will be driving up together to Colorado Springs next week for the USA Pentathlon National Championships on June 21-24. Millet has won a tournament at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center, and Stecher has won a regional championship in New Mexico. Stecher is currently […]]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/durango-climber-dies-in-yosemite/</link>
        <title>Durango climber dies in Yosemite</title>
        <description>Tyler Gordon, 21, was climbing El Capitan</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:29:21 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=EACB820D-603A-45A9-AD08-E41DFD05B0BF&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Tyler Gordon, 21, was climbing El CapitanMedia members watch as two climbers vie to become the first in the world to use only their hands and feet to scale a sheer slab of granite earlier this year up El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, California. A former Durango man fell about 200 feet to his death Wednesday while climbing the iconic rockface.Ben Margot/Associated Press file photo A former Durango resident was killed Wednesday while climbing Yosemite National Park's iconic El Capitan. Tyler Gordon, age 21, grew up mostly in Durango and graduated from Durango High School in 2011. An account on the local blog El Capitan Reports said Gordon fell about 200 feet from Camp 6 on El Capitan's Nose formation when he went to retrieve items that were dropped on Camp 5 below. Gordon was not connected to his Grigri, a rope-braking device that assists in belays, causing him to free-fall the length of the rope. Yosemite Search and Rescue responded and was able to recover Gordon's body and lift his two climbing partners to safety, El Capitan Reports said. Gordon was planning to spend much of the summer climbing after returning recently from a trip to Europe, said his brother, Bryce. "He was having a great time and trying to get in as much climbing as he could before he started grad school," Bryce Gordon said. Tyler Gordon earned a bachelor's degree in applied math from University of Colorado, Boulder, in 2014. He was planning to continue his studies at the University of British Columbia, Bryce Gordon said. Tyler Gordon was the son of Connie Gordon of Durango. Calls to Yosemite National Park and Yosemite Search and Rescue were referred to a park spokesman who was out of the office Friday. Yosemite was in the news recently when two BASE jumpers, Dean Potter and Graham Hunt, were killed May 16. The jumpers were wearing wingsuits when they reportedly struck a rock face after leaping off Taft Point in the park. cslothower@durangoherald.com]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/the-book-on-s-w-colorado-singletrack-2/</link>
        <title>The book on S.W. Colorado singletrack</title>
        <description>New guide covers the backcountry</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:28:03 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[New guide covers the backcountry Holly Annala lives in Crested Butte, but she's now the author of a guidebook to riding singletrack in Southwest Colorado. How does she have the audacity to do that? It's OK, folks. She grew up here. Not only that, but she has spent the last two summers and falls doing 53 pretty awesome rides, staying with family and friends and inviting them to join her. The result: Mountain Bike Durango, Cortez, Dolores and Rico Singletrack. The self-published book came out in April, and you'll now find it for $16.95 in most local bike shops and a few bookstores in Durango, Cortez and Dolores - and soon in Rico, she hopes. It's Annala's fifth guidebook, if you count second and third editions. She's done three editions of a guidebook for Crested Butte, Gunnison and Salida and one edition of a guidebook for Summit County and Vail. She said she started her most recent guidebook in the fall of 2013, then finished the "research" last fall with rides around Rico and a couple of high-altitude Durango-area rides. Then she worked over the winter, with help from a map-maker and a designer, and now it's a reality. Cortez's popular Phil's World is covered, and your Durango basics such as Horse Gulch and Twin Buttes. Farmington's Road Apple and Aztec's Alien Run also get a few pages. You'll find a major emphasis on backcountry, whether it's along the Colorado Trail or up on the passes; that's where the best singletrack is, after all. Although Annala loves the high-altitude rides - Calico Trail and the Graysill and Colorado Trails are among her favorites - but she took great pains to emphasize that there are plenty of much easier, and much lower, rides in the book. "The goal is to have fun. So many options," Annala wrote in an email. "Hard to have a favorite with all that riding!" So true, as those of us who've lived here for a while and have ridden quite a few of these trails know well. If you're new to the area or if you've been here awhile and just need some new ideas, you might want to check it out.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/mancos-track-team-runs-well-at-state-meet/</link>
        <title>Mancos track team runs well at state meet</title>
        <description>Boys relay finishes second; Paschal posts two top-three finishes</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2015 18:33:24 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=147961BD-6C99-47BB-88B9-DF5D7060E746&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Boys relay finishes second; Paschal posts two top-three finishesThe Mancos 4x800 relay team wins second place at the state track meet in Lakewood on May 14-15. Left to right: Adrian Hernandez, Nic Archuleta, Ro Paschal and Simon Kearns.Jennifer Paschal/For The Mancos Times After one of its finest regular seasons in recent memory, the Mancos High School track team travelled to the Colorado State Track Championships in Lakewood, May 14-16, and proved that it belonged among the state's best. The Bluejays' top finish at the meet came in the 4x800-meter relay, when, bolstered by strong legs from Nic Archuleta, Simon Kearns, Ro Paschal and Adrian Hernandez, the team finished second overall behind Lyons High School with a time of 8:26.43. "We started the meet off the right way in the 4x800 meter relay," wrote Mancos coach Brady Archer in an email to the Mancos Times. "The race got out really fast, but our boys did a great job of working their way through the crowd. They should be very proud of their finish." Leading the Bluejays individually was junior Ro Paschal, who finished third in the 800-meter run (1:59.26) and third in the 1600-meter run (4:31.45). Paschal's time in the 800 broke the Mancos school record and served notice to Class 2A runners across the state that he will be in contention for an individual state title next season. Other individual finishers for Mancos included Kearns, who placed 12th in the 1600-meter run (4:47.26) and 16th in the 3200-meter run (10:55.65) and Hernandez, who finished 13th in the 1600-meter run (4:48.90). "Adrian and Simon both ran personal bests in the 1600-meter run, and along with Ro, gave us three of the top 13 runners in the 1600," wrote Archer. Hampered by a leg injury, Andrew Plunkett didn't compete in the high jump and didn't place in the triple jump. "Andrew attempted the triple jump, but he has been battling an injury for a while now," Archer wrote. "He is a pretty tough kid, and he will be back healthier next season." As a team, the Mancos finished 12th overall in the Class 2A standings, while Lyons High School finished first overall in the Class 2A meet. "Overall, I was impressed with every event that our athletes were in," Archer wrote. "They worked hard all season to get to this point, and they all represented Mancos very well over these three days. Not only was it great to see our athletes compete, but to see all of the best athletes in the state compete in one arena was incredible." On the girls side, Emma Most served as the Lady Jays lone representative at the state meet and finished 18th in the 3200-meter run (13:51.01). "Emma was sick most of the day before her race and battled some pretty strong wind, but I was impressed with her performance," wrote Archer. "She got her first taste of the state track meet and I expect her to come back even better next season."]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/durango-woman-out-cowboys-the-boys/</link>
        <title>Durango woman out-Cowboys the boys</title>
        <description>High school swim coach outruns field in cold and wet Cowboy Half Marathon</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2015 18:33:18 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[High school swim coach outruns field in cold and wet Cowboy Half Marathon More than 30 runners braved a steady, chilly rainstorm Saturday morning to compete in the second annual Mancos Cowboy Half Marathon. The out-and-back race began at Boyle Park with a mounted patrol escort, then followed County Road 41 through Weber Canyon. Within a couple of miles from the start, runner Kathryn Ross, of Durango, pulled away from the field, and never lost the lead. The 24-year old swim coach for Durango High School crossed the finish line with a time of 1 hour, 27 minutes. "I got a gap early, and never looked back," she said. "I just ran my own pace. It's a fun route with rolling hills. Very scenic." Garrett McAllister, 30, of Mancos, came in second place with a time of 1 hour, 30 minutes. The rainy, snowy weather with temperatures in the mid 30s didn't faze the lead runners. "Actually, the rain helped keep me cool," McAllister said. "I'm really more of a cyclist and don't run a lot, but I did some training for the race." Race organizer Ben Hahn is a former professional runner who now teaches physical education at Cortez Middle School and is also the track coach. His passion for fitness inspired the event. "I saw there are a lot of runners here but not half-marathon. It's a tough course, not pancake-flat," he said. "Sixty percent of the race is on dirt road, which the trail runners around here really appreciate." Sponsors and support from the town made it happen as well, Hahn said, and a portion of the $65 entry fee went to local charities. This year's sponsors were The Grand Gym, Taylor Raymond Gallery, Red Wagon Energy, Premier Weed Management, Brown's Sport Shoe, Mancos Valley Bank, The Mancos Project, and Tailwind Nutrition. The winning purse was $200, plus some Osprey Pack gear. Neil Nelson and the Saloonatics performed a hearty mix of country, rock, and blues at the park. And Mancos Brewery provided a keg of fresh beer for the after-race party. Hawn's vision is for a series of running events that culminate in a full marathon. "A running series gets people more acclimated to a marathon," he said. "Starting off with a 10K, then a half marathon as a stepping stone to a full marathon," he said. "It gets people motivated, and this area has a lot of excellent route opportunities." jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/cowboy-run-set-to-kick-off/</link>
        <title>Cowboy run set to kick off</title>
        <description>Half marathon expected to draw 75 to 100 runners</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2015 16:57:11 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Half marathon expected to draw 75 to 100 runners After successfully debuting last year, the Cowboy Half Marathon is set to thrill runners from throughout the Four Corners for a second consecutive season. The 13.1-mile race that takes runners towards Weber Canyon and back will take place on May 16 at 9 a.m. Between 75 and 100 runners from around the Four Corners are expected to attend after 62 runners showed up last year. "We'll have a professional timing company and live music will be provided Neil Nelson and the Saloonatics," said race organizer Ben Haun. "The Mancos Brewery will be doing our beverages after the race and I expect everyone will have a good time." Among the perks that figure to draw runners to this year's race include a scenic course that stretches along County Road 41 and offers picturesque views of the Southwest landscape. "Runners will get to see sweeping views of Mesa Verde on the way out," said Haun said. "On the way back, the La Plata (Mountains) will be visible on the horizon." The cost of the race is $75 and includes a soft-tech race shirt, a bag of goodies, post-race refreshments and a beer garden. Runners can register at www.cowboyhalfmarathon.com or at Boyle Park in Mancos between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. on May 16.]]></content:encoded>
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    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/paschal-shines-as-track-wraps-up-season/</link>
        <title>Paschal shines as track wraps up season</title>
        <description>Several Bluejays set for state after solid results in Grand Junction</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2015 16:57:11 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Several Bluejays set for state after solid results in Grand Junction After several standout performances at Tiger Invitational in Grand Junction, May 8-9, several Mancos High School track athletes appear to be primed for big things at this weekend's state meet. Among the top performers for the Mancos boys' team was standout junior Ro Paschal, who capped off his stellar regular season with a victory in the 800-meter run (1:59.81). Paschal is currently ranked second in the state in the 1600-meter run and third in the state in the 800 and will compete in both events at state. "Ro got boxed on the first lap in (Grand Junction), but took off on the second lap," said Mancos head coach Brady Archer. "I think he could do something pretty special (at state)." Also qualifying for state in Grand Junction were Adrian Hernandez and Simon Kearns, who finished in seventh place (4:51.11) and eighth place (4:51.61) in the 1600-meter run. Kearns is currently ranked 14th in the 3200-meter run and 17th in the 1600-meter run and will compete in both events at state. Hernandez will enter the state meet ranked 16th in the 1600-meter run. Other top finishers for the Mancos boys' team included Nic Archuleta, who finished ninth in the 1600-meter run (4:52.23) and the 4x200-meter relay made up of Daniel Christensen, Andrew Christensen, Nigel Henry, and Jayden Peacock, which finished 11th (1:40.56). "We had season bests from a number of our athletes, which is always a good way to end the season," said Archer. "They have put in so much hard work." The Mancos girls team was led by Emma Most, who finished fourth in the 3200-meter run with a personal best time of 12:45.40. In doing so, Most qualified for state and will enter the state meet ranked tenth overall. "Emma came very close to winning the race and ran her personal best by 35 seconds," said Archer. "She should be confident going in to the state meet that she can run with anyone." Next up for Mancos' state qualifiers will be the Colorado State Track Championships, which will take place at JeffCo Stadium in Lakewood, May 14-16. "Our goal is always to make the podium, but even if we don't make the podium, the state meet will be a great experience for some of our younger runners."]]></content:encoded>
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    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/athlete-of-the-week-andie-paschal-senior-set-to-graduate-after-solid-career/</link>
        <title>Athlete of the Week: Andie Paschal Senior set to graduate after solid career</title>
        <description>Andie Paschal takes the ball down the court in a basketball game against Dove Creek earlier this year.Sam Green/Mancos Times When Andie Paschal arrived at Mancos High School in the fall of 2011, her combination of height and athletic ability...</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2015 16:57:09 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=DD801BE2-D6A9-4C9B-8EF3-A71C2F01308C&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Andie Paschal takes the ball down the court in a basketball game against Dove Creek earlier this year.Sam Green/Mancos Times When Andie Paschal arrived at Mancos High School in the fall of 2011, her combination of height and athletic ability all but guaranteed that she would be a star. Sure enough, in just her first season of high school athletics, she hammered down 76 kills, made 79 digs and amassed 97 total blocks while helping the Mancos volleyball team finish 20-7 and advance to the state tournament. "It was kind of intimidating being a little freshman up at (state), but it was super fun," Paschal said. "It was kind of crazy because it was a huge building and there were five different matches going on at once. It was really neat though." While injuries and other interests kept Paschal off the volleyball court for the remainder of her high school career, she played a key role for the Mancos basketball as a freshman and sophomore and senior and averaged 5.9 points per game during her final season. "I had a really good time with the girls and the coaches," said Paschal, when asked about basketball. "We were really close, and it was fun forming all of the relationships with everyone." Asked to describe her style of play, the post-player, who became known for fundamentally sound footwork and aggressive rebounding, said that she did her best to let the game come to her. "I'm a player who likes to look for what is open," Paschal said. "I don't like to force things." In addition to her contributions on the volleyball and basketball courts, Paschal suited up for the Mancos High School cross-country team during her sophomore season and despite battling a foot injury, positively impacted the Lady Jays squad. "Cross-country was more of a thing that I did for fun to get into shape for basketball," Paschal said. "I really liked my coach, Brady Archer. He was very accommodating to everyone's needs." A standout student, Paschal transferred to Animas High School during her junior year in hopes of preparing herself for college before returning to Mancos High School her senior year. Paschal, who plans to attend Hastings College next fall, said that she especially enjoys English, but may end up majoring in political science. "I took a women's literature class at Fort Lewis, and I really liked reading stories from different centuries," Paschal said. I may major in political science though, because it wraps up all of my interests into one major." As for what she will remember most about her time at Mancos High School, Paschal mentioned her peers and the school's close-knit community. "Since Mancos is such a small school, I became really close with a lot of kids in my class," she said. "I'll remember all of my friendships with everyone."]]></content:encoded>
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    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/mancos-track-team-competes-in-pagosa/</link>
        <title>Mancos track team competes in Pagosa</title>
        <description>Less experienced Bluejays perform well at Terry Alley Invitational</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2015 20:49:35 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Less experienced Bluejays perform well at Terry Alley Invitational With many of their top athletes resting in anticipation of the state meet, the Mancos High School girls and boys track teams traveled to Pagosa Springs to compete in the Terry Alley Invitational on May 2. "The weather did not cooperate," said Bluejays head coach Brady Archer. "We had intermittent rain, wind and two lighting delays." Among the top finishers on the girls side were Kaylee Rose, who placed sixth in the 800-meter run (2:45.52) and Olivia Winter-Holm, who finished 10th in the discus (80 feet) and tied for 15th in the shot put (25 feet, 4 Â½ inches). Also cracking the top 15 for the girls were Taylor Goff and Jessica Gutierrez, who finished 12th (20.51) and 13th (20.84), respectively, in the 100-meter hurdles. "Overall, the meet was a good chance for some of our younger runners who won't travel to Grand Junction to end their season to end their seasons on a high note," said Archer. "I appreciate all of the hard work that these athletes put into practice and the meets." The Mancos boys were led by Nigel Henry, who placed ninth in the high jump (5 feet, 3 inches). Jake McKie finished 11th in the 3200-meter run (11:48.62); Asa Kearns placed 12th in the 3200-meter run (11:53.45); and Zane Goodell placed 13th in the 3200-meter run (12:19.48). Brandon Hood-Farley finished 14th in the 110-meter hurdles (21.89) and Kole Romero Keller finished 15th in the same event (23.82). Next up for the Mancos boys and girls track teams will be the Grand Junction Tiger Invitational, which will take place in Grand Junction, May 8-9. "We will see what they can do this weekend in Grand Junction to qualify for the state," said Archer. "This weekend will be the last chance that our athletes have to qualify."]]></content:encoded>
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    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/bluejays-boys-track-team-captures-sjbl-championship/</link>
        <title>Bluejays boys track team captures SJBL Championship</title>
        <description>Mancos track teams score well; Paschal breaks school&apos;s mile record</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2015 18:10:50 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=37D05915-A0BD-4D1A-A680-A1805466BE10&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Mancos track teams score well; Paschal breaks school's mile recordMembers of the Mancos High School track teams pose after the San Juan Basin League Meet in Ignacio on April 21.Jen Paschal/Courtesy Photo If there were doubts about the quality of Mancos High School track teams at the beginning of last week, they're gone now. Bluejays place well at SJBL meet Opening competition at the San Juan Basin League Championship in Ignacio on April 21, the Mancos boys team finished first, and the girls finished fourth in the seven-team field. The boys hadn't finished first at the SJBL Championships since 2011. "We had a number of outstanding performances," head coach Brady Archer wrote in an email to the Mancos Times. "We had talked about being in as many events as possible to get points to win a league championship and everyone bought in." Pacing the boys team as he has all season was junior Ro Paschal, who finished first in the 800-meter run (2:10.74), 1600-meter run (4:43.26) and 3200-meter run (10:23.86). Also finishing first was a 4x400-meter relay made up of Nic Archuleta, Andrew Christensen, Adrian Hernandez and Jake McKie, which finished with a time of 3:50.01. Adrian Hernandez took second in the 300-meter hurdles (44.47); Andrew Plunkett placed second in the triple jump (39 feet, 10¾ inches); and Christensen finished second in the 400-meter dash (55.76). On the girls side, the Bluejays were led by Kaylee Rose, who finished second in the 800-meter run (2:43.36). Olivia Winter-Holm placed third in the shot put (25 feet, 5¼ inches); Jessica Gutierrez finished third in the triple jump (28 feet, 4 inches); and Emma Most crossed the line third in the 3200-meter run (13:53.23). "Every girl on our team scored points, which was important because we only had 11 girls," Archer wrote. "The schedule at this meet was pretty compressed, but even on the tight schedule, our athletes really stepped up." Paschal breaks record in Aztec Competing for the second time last week at the B&B Invitational in Aztec, April 25-26, several Mancos athletes enjoyed solid results, and Paschal enjoyed a record-breaking day. Paced by Miyamura High School junior Niles Thomas in the 1600-meter run, Paschal got off to a quick start on his way to a second-place finish (4:26.39). The junior's time marked the best in Mancos school history and was followed up by a first-place finish in the 800-meter run (2:01.88). "Ro ran right on (Thomas') shoulder, and (Thomas) was excellent at setting a quick pace for the race," Archer said. Also cracking the top 5e for the boys team was Simon Kearns, who finished second in the 1600-meter run. Emma Most paced the girls team with an eighth-place finish in the 1500-meter run, and the girls 4x800-meter relay made up of Brittney Peacock, Hannah Skinner, Most and Rose placed second (11:18.20). Next up for the Mancos teams will be the Terry Alley Invitational in Pagosa Springs on May 2. Archer wrote that while many Mancos athletes have put themselves in position to qualify for state, he is hopeful that all of his athletes will continue to push for personal best times.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/mancos-wrestlers-compete-in-aztec/</link>
        <title>Mancos wrestlers compete in Aztec</title>
        <description>27 individuals compete at national tournament</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2015 18:10:37 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[27 individuals compete at national tournament Intent on expanding the sport of wrestling in the local community, the Mancos Wrestling Club took 27 wrestlers to the Aztec Warrior Tournament, April 25-26. Among the high school wrestlers that attended the tournament was Andrew Morgan, who placed 6th in his weight division. Assistant coach Deano Valdez also placed for Mancos, finishing 2nd in his weight division. Other high school wrestlers who attended the tournament, but did not place, included Austin Howerton, Kaleb Hargraves, Bowen Strazza-Whalen and Nick Valdez. Numerous middle school and peewee wrestlers also attended the tournament much to the delight of Mancos High School and Mancos Middle School head coach Grant Hobbs, who is thrilled to see his sport gaining popularity in the community. "It was a great feeling and it was good for our program to continue to get better," said Hobbs. "We had our wrestling banquet last night and I said, 'look around this room, we're going to build a state championship team. I truly believe that with my heart." Hobbs went on to credit Mancos peewee coaches Alan Mathews Travis White for helping to develop wrestlers at a young age. "Every time we step out on the mat, we're building character," said Hobbs. "We have a lot of kids buying into the way that we are coaching and in the next five or six years, we are really going to make some noise." Hobbs said that members of the Mancos Wrestling Club will continue competing and practicing throughout the summer.]]></content:encoded>
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    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/track-teams-stay-busy/</link>
        <title>Track teams stay busy</title>
        <description>Bluejays place well in Bayfield meets</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2015 20:09:34 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Bluejays place well in Bayfield meets With its regular season winding down, the Mancos High School track team has continued to post impressive results. Ron Keller Invitational Opening last week at the Ron Keller Invitational in Bayfield on April 14, competitors on both the boys' team and the girls' team came through with top-five finishes. Leading the way for the boys was junior Ro Paschal, who continued his torrid late-season run with a 1st place finish in the 1600-meter run (4:43.77) and a 2nd place finish in the 800-meter run (2:03.26). "Ro had a great 1600 race where he showed great patience until distancing himself on the last lap," wrote Mancos head coach Brady Archer in an email to the Mancos Times. "A race like that will help him as he moves into the postseason." Also earning a top finish for the Mancos boys was Simon Kearns, who finished 1st in the 3200-meter run (11:04.41). Asa Kearns finished 2nd in the 3200-meter run (12:02.94), Andrew Plunkett placed 3rd in the high jump (5 feet, 8 inches) and Adrian Hernandez finished 5th in the 300-meter hurdles (46.49). On the girls' side, Mancos was paced by Kristin Adams, who finished 4th in the 400-meter dash. Kaylee Rose finished 5th in the 800-meter run (2:48.88), Maya Bonde placed 6th in the discus (87 feet, 5 inches), and Olivia Winter-Holm placed 10th in the discus (78 feet, 3 inches). "We had some really good discus throws from Olivia and Maya," wrote Archer. "All of the hard work that the throwers have put in is starting to pay off." Pine River Invitational Competing in their second meet of the week at the Pine River Invitational in Bayfield on April 18, Mancos was affected by lacking numbers, but produced several top-five finishes nonetheless. "We took a smaller team (to Bayfield) because of prom," Archer said. "We used the meet as more of a tuneup for the San Juan Basin League meet." Jake McKie led the boys' team with a 3rd place finish in the 1600-meter run (5:31.15), while Paschal placed 3rd in the 400-meter dash (55.37). Asa Kearns finished 4th in the 1600-meter run (5:38.55), Andrew Christensen placed 4th in the 400-meter dash (1:00.04), Simon Kearns placed 4th in the 800-meter run (2:21.63) and Plunkett finished 4th in the high jump (5 feet, 8 inches). On the girls' side, Mancos was led by Kaylee Rose, who finished 3rd in the 1600-meter run (6:40.96). Mancos will compete in the San Juan Basin League meet in Ignacio on April 21 before travelling to Aztec for the B&B Invitational on April 24.]]></content:encoded>
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    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/mancos-track-back-in-action/</link>
        <title>Mancos track back in action</title>
        <description>Rose, Plunkett and Paschal earn top finishes in Ignacio</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2015 19:19:17 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Rose, Plunkett and Paschal earn top finishes in Ignacio Fresh off of Spring Break, the Mancos High School boys' and girls' track teams returned to competition at the Abel Velasquez Invitational in Ignacio on April 11. Girls finish 4th overall On the girls' side, Mancos benefited from several top-five individual finishes and finished 4th in the seven-tem competition. Pacing the Lady Jays individually was junior Kaylee Rose, who finished 1st in the 800-meter run (2:56.23). Brittney Peacock finished 2nd in the 800 (3:05.84) and Mimi Archuleta finished 3rd (3:21.91). Other Mancos athletes cracking the top-five included Olivia Winter-Holm, whose career best throw of 88 feet, 3 inches was good enough to place 2nd in the discus. Taylor Goff finished 3rd in the 100-meter hurdles (19.14) and the 4x400 relay team made up of Emma Most, Hannah Skinner, Peacock and Rose finished 1st overall (12:12.05). "It was great to get back into competition after Spring Break," wrote Mancos head coach Brady Archer in an email to the Mancos Times. "We had a number of good performances from our athletes." Boys place 3rd overall On the boys' side, Mancos continued its season-long trend of solid performances in distance events and finished 3rd overall in the seven-team field. The Bluejays were especially impressive in the 3200-meter run as Ro Paschal finished 1st (10:30.55), Simon Kearns finished 2nd (11:10.10) and Asa Kearns placed 3rd (12:16.97). Other Mancos athletes cracking the top-five included Andrew Plunkett, who finished 1st in the high jump (5 feet, 10 inches) and Jake McKie, who finished 4th in the 1600-meter run (5:25.07). Jayden Peacock finished 5th in the 200-meter dash (25.43), Adrian Hernandez placed 5th in the 800-meter run (2:17.11) and Zane Goodell placed 5th in the 3200-meter run (12:53.30). After competing at the Ron Keller Invitational in Bayfield on April 14, both Mancos teams will return to Bayfield for the Pine River Invitational on April 18. "We should really start to see some times drop over the next two weeks," wrote Archer, discussing his expectations for his team's upcoming meets.]]></content:encoded>
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    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/athlete-of-the-week-maya-bonde/</link>
        <title>Athlete of the week: Maya Bonde</title>
        <description>Multitalented senior has lettered in four varsity sports</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2015 19:19:16 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=B98416B0-2ABF-4CAD-9CB2-742963B4F5F0&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Multitalented senior has lettered in four varsity sportsBonde Since the day that she took her first steps, Maya Bonde has not been shy about pursuing various athletic endeavors. In elementary school, Bonde spent recesses traversing the monkey bars, and by middle school, she had expanded her athletic arenas to include volleyball courts, basketball courts and tracks. Since reaching high school four years ago, Bonde has lettered in four varsity sports, including volleyball, which she played during her freshman and senior seasons. As a freshman, Bonde helped Mancos qualify for the state tournament, and as a senior, she recorded 76 kills, 72 digs and 10 aces. "High school volleyball was a lot different than middle school," said Bonde. "I didn't realize how hard you have to work to get to state until we made it my freshman year. Senior year, my three best friends and I decided to go back and play together one last year." During her sophomore and junior years, Bonde competed as a member of the Mancos High School cross country team, which qualified for state during her junior year. "During the first week of cross country, you realize you're really out of shape because it's a lot of running, but it's really good because you feel so healthy," said Bonde. Also a talented basketball player, Bonde suited up for Mancos during her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons and averaged 4.3 points per game as a junior. "I enjoyed the aggressiveness of basketball and how much you get to know other players," Bonde said. "It was a really good bonding experience." Now in her final season of high school athletics, Bonde joined the Mancos High School track team and has been competing in the 200-meter dash, discus and shot put. "I want to be a state qualifier," said Bonde. "I'm close in the shot put and discus and I actually had state qualifying throws when I was in middle school." Asked about her plans after high school, Bonde said that she will attend the University of Northern Arizona and pursue a degree in nursing. She said that she hopes to become a flight nurse. "I got interested in (flight nursing) and I researched it," said Bonde, who is a volunteer member of the Mancos Fire Department. "I love the adrenaline rush."]]></content:encoded>
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    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/paschal-peacock-are-all-conference-bluejays/</link>
        <title>Paschal, Peacock are All-conference Bluejays</title>
        <description>Cox named Coach of the Year</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2015 19:19:11 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Cox named Coach of the Year Coming off a season that saw them win 16 of 23 games and advance to the Regional finals, Ro Paschal and Jayden Peacock have been named to the San Juan Basin League's all-conference basketball team. Bluejays coach Rodney Cox was named the league's Coach of the Year. Ro Paschal: First Team Over the course of his junior season, Paschal established himself as one of the top players in the San Juan Basin League, averaging 18.7 points per game and pulling down numerous rebounds. One of Paschal's finest performances came on Jan. 24 against Ridgway when he scored a career-high 36 points. Paschal led the Bluejays with 27 points in the Regional title game against Meeker on March 7. "Ro's ability to rebound is really impressive," said Cox. "We do a lot of stuff offensively that is centered around him, but he got most of his points on cleanup work." Cox said that he is confident that the junior will continue to improve. "He has a lot he can improve on," Cox said. "If he can get a midrange game and a little more stuff off the bounce, that would really help him." Jayden Peacock: Second Team Playing his final season of high school basketball, Jayden Peacock was named to the San Juan Basin League's all-conference team for the second time in his high school career. In addition to averaging 8.3 points per game, the senior point-guard played stellar defense, dished out numerous assists and brought Mancos fans to their feet with countless hustle plays. Peacock scored a career-high 21 points against Bayfield on Dec. 18. "Jayden gives up everything for the good of everybody else, which is rare these days," Cox said. "He will do anything that is every asked of him. I'm going to miss him a lot next year." Rodney Cox: Coach of Year Over the course of his second season as the Bluejays head coach, Rodney Cox guided Mancos to a 16-7 record. In recognition of his work on the Mancos bench, Cox was voted the San Juan Basin League's 'Coach of the Year.' "Good players make good coaches," said Cox, when asked to say a few words about his accomplishment. SJBL First TeamAddison Jones: Ignacio Ro Paschal: Mancos Wyatt Hayes: Ignacio Nate Fedel: Ouray Hasten Beamer: Ridgway Player of the Year: Adison Jones Coach of the Year: Rodney Cox, Mancos]]></content:encoded>
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