content | 10 | NMAA looks at reclassifying
|6| CHARLY MARTIN ON THE MOVE Piedra Vista graduate and NFL wideout Charly Martin hosted his annual football academy on July 8th and 9th with more than 220 elementary school athletes participating in the free football camp.
The New Mexico Activities Association has proposed new high school classifications that could be implemented during the 2014-2015 school year.
| 12 | Fall Prep Sports As school gets back in session and the summer winds down, it’s time to take a look at the 2013 District 1AAAA fall season. It should be a wild season with few clear-cut favorites.
| 14 | BLAME IT ON THE PARENTS Jeri Hogue began to run long distance after being introduced to the sport by her seventh grade physical education teacher at Mesa Alta Junior High School in Bloomfield, which she said changed her life.
| 18 | Mountain West Conference The Broncos and Bulldogs will be good and the Lobos will be bad. At least that’s what the media think will happen this college football season. The Mountain West Conference pre-season poll was released this week. Boise State and Fresno State are considered the conference favorites.
| 20 | OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME
| 29 | Fishing Report
Patrick Gregoire first showed up at The First Tee of San Juan County, N.M., in 2007 with his brother Taylor to give golf a try. Six years later, he is headed to the Nature Valley First Tee Open as one of 81 participants who will be paired with a Champions Tour Player in a nationally televised event.
| 30 | 10 Questions with Kim Carpenter
| 32 | Proving them wrong
| 24 |
Many doubted him, and former Lobo Tony Snell proved them all wrong. I guess you could say leaving school early proved to be the right decision, at least financially, for Snell.
COREY’S QUEST Walk into the house of local Farmington resident Corey Stackhouse and you will find a lovely home filled with pictures of his family and décor that is extremely warm and inviting. Hidden in his closet though, lies evidence of a quest that has been roughly 30 years in the making.
| 34 | Youth baseball
August 2013
The 2013 Farmington Amateur Baseball Congress, or FABC, summer youth baseball season has come to a close.
Four Corners SPOrTS
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FROM THE
Don Vaughan PuBLISHER
Cindy Cowan Thiele EDITOR
Lauren Duff Debra Mayeux Rick Hoerner Tom Yost J.P. Murietta CONTRIBuTING WRITERS
Josh Bishop Curtis Ray Benally CONTRIBuTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Suzanne Thurman Jennifer Hargrove Michael Billie DESIGNERS
DeYan Valdez Shelly Acosta Aimee Velasquez Felix Chacon
EDITOR Where did the summer go? Summer has zoomed past us at hyper speed and school is starting. No more sleeping in late and hanging out with friends all day for the kids and, for the parents, vacations are over and they are preparing to get their kids back in the school routine. Remember that first day back to school when you were a kid? There was as much joyful anticipation as there was anxiety about that day. It feels like just yesterday that we were writing about spring high school sports and introducing our Four Corners Sports Magazine. Here at Majestic Media, we’re pretty excited about the new school year because this is our third issue of our sports magazine and interest in the magazine has been overwhelmingly positive. In this issue we have a fall sports pre-
view and a look at the possibility of changes that the New Mexico Activities Association’s proposed reclassification of sports teams will bring. Farmington High School Athletic Director Don Lorett said that if NMAA follows through with its proposal, schools that are reclassified could face “financial hardships.” It’s already shaping up to be an interesting year in sports coverage. We will now begin delivering our magazine to the schools and covering all the great coaches and athletes around our area. As always, this is your magazine and we need your help with great stories about athletes and coaches. We also hope the coaches and athletic directors will pitch in and let us know when they have great news to report.
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CINDY COWAN-THIELE
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Please send to editor@tricitytribuneusa.com
Majestic Media 100 W. Apache Street Farmington, NM 87401 505-516-1230 www.majesticmediausa.com
We’ve got more photos than we can use. Check out the photo gallery for each issue at www.fourcornerssports.com
Four Corners Sports magazine is published once a month by Majestic Media. Material herein may not be reprinted without expressed written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed by the contributing writers are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or Four Corners Sports magazine. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or ommissions. © 2013 Four Corners Sports magazine.
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covercredit Photography by Josh Bishop. Charly Martin.
August 2013
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Charly martin on the move
PV grad moves from Seahawks to 49ers while in town for football camp by Rick Hoerner | photography by Josh Bishop Piedra Vista graduate and NFL wideout Charly Martin hosted his annual football academy on July 8th and 9th with more than 220 elementary school athletes participating in the free football camp.
This has been the offseason for Martin in the NFL, working out with a team he may not be a part of come September. Charly has been “enjoying the ride” living his dream of being an NFL player.
For Martin it was a rollercoaster week with the camp and a friend’s wedding sandwiched around the unpredictable news that the Seattle Seahawks released Martin just as Martin was passing out his No. 14 jersey at camp.
One thing Martin does understand is the NFL is a business and it’s not only talent that makes it in the NFL. It also is timing and how much money the team has invested in other players, among a host of other factors. As Charly says,
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“I can only do my best and work on the things I can control.” In just a matter of days Martin was picked up by the San Francisco 49ers, moving from one NFC contender to another. Immediately fans on the 49ers’ webpage saw the signing of Martin as a coup in getting spy information on their biggest NFC West rival. Although there is no doubt that Martin will be looking for more than just a hired scout.
August 2013
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Despite the injury to the ’Niners top receiver Michael Crabtree, competition at the wide receiver position will be tough in the 49ers’ camp with the signing of Anquan Boldin, former Giants wideout Mario Manningham, return specialist Kyle Williams and former teammate and special teams leader Kassim Osgood. At the age of 29, Martin is in his prime and will be constantly pushed by younger players looking to make their mark. Charly also has been working behind the desk with the NFL participating in their intern program for the NFL where current and former players go through a broadcasting boot camp to give players a look at life after football. Martin majored in broadcast communications and sports management while starring at West Texas A&M. But for Charly, that project is, it is hoped, down the road as he continues the pursuit of the dream. Even with all that’s going on in his career, Martin returned to Farmington for his two-day camp again this summer, still in pursuit not only of making a squad but playing a significant role at wide receiver and on special teams. His camp has been an important part of staying connected to a community he represents quite well.
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Lorett: Moving to 5A would be costly
NMAA looks at reclassifying high schools by Lauren Duff | file photos The New Mexico Activities Association has proposed new high school classifications that could be implemented during the 2014-2015 school year. The proposal is B-level schools could move up to a 1A-classification and 5A schools could be bumped up to a 6A-classification.
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High schools are placed into different classifications based on the school’s enrollment. The classifications also determine the districts with which school sports teams will be associated. Every three to four years NMAA reevaluates the schools’ alignment based on if their enrollment increases or decreases. “If enrollment in-
August 2013
creases, they move to a higher level, and vice versa,” said Farmington Schools Superintendent Janel Ryan, who also serves as the NMAA board president. The purpose of NMAA is to “set up the rules and bylaws to provide fair and equitable play and participation in all of the sports and activities of the state,” she added.
Because the B-classification through 5A-classification has “not expanded,” Ryan said NMAA proposed a 6A-classification. “What they are proposing is to take the top 72 schools and divide them equally among three classes – 6A, 5A, and 4A,” she said. “then, the remaining schools would be divided” into the 3A, 2A, and 1A classes.
county support for our schools’ football and basketball (teams). We get great crowds and that is revenue.”
Farmington High School Athletic Director Don Lorett said that if NMAA follows through with its proposal, schools that are reclassified could face financial “hardships.”
the first part in the reclassification process is the high schools’ enrollment numbers must be determined and then presented to the NMAA board. “the board would then pass the realignment and classification
Lorett said if FHS and pV become 5A schools and play other 5A schools that are further away, then “all of a sudden our crowds become smaller.” this means the generated revenue also becomes smaller.
NMAA continued page 28
Currently FHS and piedra Vista High School in Farmington are both 4A schools, but they could potentially move to 5A schools, Lorett said. Aztec High School and Kirtland Central High School also are currently 4A schools, but if they don’t move up to a 5A classification as well, then they Janel Ryan will no longer compete against Farmington Schools Superintendent, NMAA board president the Farmington high schools.
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sports Fall prep
here comes a wild season with some clear-cut favorites by Rick hoerner | photography by Curtis Ray Benally
as school gets back in session and the summer winds down, it’s time to take a look at the 2013 District 1aaaa fall season. It should be a wild season with few clear-cut favorites.
Football For the first time in a long while the aztec Tigers will begin a season without a clear-cut QB waiting on the sidelines. The Tigers will begin the season without adam Lucero and the stability he brought in a coach’s new system. however, aztec has been the team to beat for half a decade in the district and they know how to get the job done.
side. Farmington will continue to improve and run the ball with authority. Coach Gary Bradley has done a remarkable job with small, but highly committed, numbers. Kirtland should also be much improved this season after what was a down year for the Broncos. Predictions: 1. Piedra Vista 2. Farmington 3. aztec 4. Kirtland
Volleyball
at Piedra Vista and Farmington high stability at quarterback is one of their strengths. The Panthers return third-year starter Isaiah Valdez and the scorpions return starter Jacob Lucas. Last season the Panthers knocked off aztec, but lost to Farmington, who ended up on the wrong side of the tie break scenario and finished in third.
Much like the aztec football squad, the Piedra Vista volleyball team has been the team to beat in the district since the turn of the decade. Just like the Tigers, the Panthers may be coming back to the pack this year, losing outside hitter Olivia Johnson, middle blocker McKenna Culp and southern Methodist signee and Player of the Year Katie hegarty.
PV returns Beau Clafton and Ryan Rino as well as Valdez in their backfield. The Panthers will need to get solid line play from an inexperienced line to keep moving their offense forward. Kevin Werth takes over the reign as the offensive coordinator as Frank Whalen moves to the defensive
Piedra Vista just won the UNM summer Camp led by outside hitter sammy sofka, and is still the team to beat. Farmington is the most improved program in the district under second year head coach Dan hickman who has brought a new commitment to the scorpions.
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IsaIahVALDEZ
Piedra Vista high school
August 2013
Keeshawna ockerman will lead the lady broncos, while the aztec tigers should be very athletic and will be nobody’s pushover. Predictions: 1. Piedra Vista 2. Farmington 3. Kirtland 4. aztec
KeeSHawnaOCKERMAN Kirtland Central High School
Soccer last season the Farmington Scorpions and aztec lady tigers played their way into the state championship games. on the girl’s side, all four district teams made it to the playoff. Coaches have been the story this summer on the boys’ side, as the Scorpions and Panthers are both looking for head coaches yet again, which is interesting since both of these programs have been successful, especially the Scorpions, who have two state championships and a state runner-up in their recent history. this season the boys will be up in the air with new coaches and untested players. on the girls’ side all four teams should again be good enough to qualify for the state playoffs. aztec is athletic, with the most returning. Farmington again should be solid and make a run for the title. Piedra Vista is young and inexperienced, but has solid
VolleyballTEAM Piedra Vista High School
Fall Sports continued page 28
August 2013
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Blame
Parents it on the
Hogues pass love of long distance running on to their kids by Lauren Duff | photography by Josh Bishop Jeri Hogue began to run long distance after being introduced to the sport by her seventh grade physical education teacher at Mesa Alta Junior High School in
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BloomďŹ eld, which she said changed her life. But now Jeri, 50, is not the only avid runner in her family. Her husband, Eugene, and two children, Allegra and Sebast-
August 2013
ian, also love the sport. Owners of the Farmington running apparel store, Southwest Runners, Jeri and Eugene have
been married for 27 years and met each other while competing in a local race. Since then, running has been a huge part of their lives.
eugeneHOGUE courtesy photos “i just love it. it is a hobby for me now,” eugene said. along with owning Southwest Runners, Jeri and eugene also volunteer as cross-country coaches at Mesa View Middle School. “i like to give back to the students and help them start running. i think it is good to keep your weight down for your health and (running) is a good stress reliever,” Jeri said. Sebastian, 25, and allegra, 22, became interested in running long distance after seeing their parents’ love for the sport. “i blame the parents,” Sebastian said with a grin. “Just seeing them do it made us want to do it.”
Sebastian participated in track and field during his time at Piedra Vista High School. allegra was mainly involved with PV’s volleyball team. She still found the time to run, however. “i was a volleyball player and my parents converted me,” allegra said. the reason she enjoys running is because “i feel good afterwards.”
SebaStianHOGUE
the Hogues have been involved in countless half-marathons and marathons.
He also ran in the boston Marathon twice, with his best time of two hours and 32 minutes. Other locations in which eugene has raced include Las Vegas, nev., Shiprock, and Sacramento, Calif.
eugene recently ran in the annual Rock n’ Roll halfmarathon in San Diego, Calif. Out of the more than 25,000 runners who participated in the race, eugene placed 38th overall with a time of one hour and 15 minutes.
the running shoe company, brooks Sports, inc., has even begun to sponsor eugene. “it is given to anyone that inspired others to run and he qualified under his unique story because at his age. He is still quick,” Jeri explained.
August 2013
Jeri also has competed in various races, including the Marine Corps Marathon. “i’ve done one marathon and it took me seven months to train for. it is hard but the satisfaction is so great when you finish.” For the past eight years, Sebastian has competed in the 10K narbona Pass Classic. “it is very challenging and hilly in the narbona Pass,” which is located near the border of new Mexico and arizona.
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they opened Southwest Runners in 2010 to continue inspiring others to run. “It has been a dream of mine since 1991,” Jeri said about opening the store. Sebastian said his advice to beginning runners is to take it easy in the beginning. “Don’t push yourself every day because there is no need to do that. Don’t start off running miles; start to run a few minutes instead, so you put the time in, instead of killing yourself by running a long distance.”
In 1994, the Hogues opened up their home to three Kenyans, Andrew Musuva, Jonathon Ndambuki, and Veronica Kanga. They are professional runners who came to America to train for various marathons. The Kenyans lived with them for five years, and during that time, the Hogues’ passion for running grew. “Everything that happens in your life fits in like a puzzle and it comes together,” Jeri said
Along with opening Southwest Runners and also making time to run in various races, the Hogues have organized a running group that meets near Piedra Vista High School at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
about the Kenyans living with them. Eugene trained with the Kenyans as a way to practice and hone his own skills. “They had a coach up here who they trained with, so I jumped in with them,” Eugene said. Running has become a sport in which the Hogues have become entrenched. Not only do they compete in races around the country, but
“Anyone can come – walkers and joggers – as long as you get out there and exercise,” Jeri said. Currently there are 20 people involved in the group. For anyone who wishes to join the running group, call Southwest Runners at 505.325.7463. Southwest Runners is located at 4250 E. Main St. in the Hillside Plaza.
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Mountain West Conference Writers predict Broncos and Bulldogs good; Lobos bad by J.P. Murrieta | courtesy photos The Broncos and Bulldogs will be good and the Lobos will be bad. At least that’s what the media think will happen this college football season. The Mountain West Conference pre-season poll was released this week. Boise State and Fresno State are considered the conference favorites. The Broncos received 40 of the possible 41 first place votes in the Mountain Division. Fresno State was the overwhelming favorite in the West Division, earning 39 first place votes. This season marks the first time in MW history for divisional play. The two divisional winners will meet in the inaugural MW Championship Game on Dec. 7 at the home stadium of the divisional champion with the highest BCS ranking.
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August 2013
“I’d like it a lot better if Boise State wasn’t in our division,” joked UNM head coach Bob Davie. “But seriously, it makes geographic sense and you try to keep regional rivalries in place.” New Mexico was picked to finish last in the Mountain Division. The Lobos are aligned with Boise State, Utah State, Air Force, Wyoming and Colorado State. UNM is coming off a 4-9 season. This will be the second year at UNM for head coach Bob Davie. UNM opens the year against Texas San Antonio on Aug. 31. UNM running back Kasey Carrier, punter Ben Skaer and kick returner Chase Clayton made the preseason All-Conference Team. Fresno State
QB Derek Carr is the offensive player of the year. Fresno State’s Derron Smith is the defensive player of the year and UNM’s Chase Clayton is the preseason special teams player of the year. 2013 Mountain West Football Predicted Order of Finish Mountain Division 1.Boise State 2.Utah State 3.Air Force 4.Wyoming 5.Colorado State 6. New Mexico
at UNM under both Rocky Long and Mike Locksley. San Diego State: The Aztecs will be good again this year after pulling in a share of the conference title last season. Rocky Long was the Conference Coach of the Year. San Diego State wants to run the football and with Adam Muema coming back they probably will chalk up plenty of yards on the ground. Air Force: Troy Calhoun enters his seventh season as the Falcons head coach. New Mexico might be able to take advantage of a battered Air Force team by the time they square off Nov. 8. After their opener against Colgate, Air Force will take on Utah State and Boise State. Air Force will face San Diego State, Notre Dame and Army in the three weeks leading up to UNM.
West Division 1.Fresno State 2.San Diego State 3.San Jose State 4.Nevada 5.UNLV 6.Hawai’i
Colorado State: Jim McElwain tries to improve on his 4-8 record in year one with the Rams. “We’re a much improved team,” said McElwain. “I’ve seen everyone raise their expectations.” The Rams return over half of their offense and defense, so experience should help.
I had a chance to talk with the MWC coaches this week, and here’s a quick hit view of what you can expect from UNM’s conference opponents this year. UNLV: Head coach Bobby Hauck is on the hot seat. He’s only won six games in the last three seasons. He brought in two new coordinators and installed the Pistol offense. Wyoming: Quarterback Brett Smith could be a star in this league if he stays healthy. He suffered a concussion last season and the Cowboys stumbled to a four wins.
Fresno State: The Bulldogs have a legitimate Heisman hopeful in quarterback Derek Carr. The senior threw for a conference record 4,104 yards to rank eighth in the nation last season. He threw 37 touchdowns on the year, tying for third nationally. “He could be one of the best quarterbacks in the country,” said Tim DeRuyter.
Bob Davie UNM Head Coach
Utah State: The Aggies are newcomers to the league, choosing the greener pastures of the Mountain West over the WAC. Utah State is led by first year head coach Matt Wells, who used to be an assistant
Boise State: The “they’re in, they’re out, they’re in again” Broncos have committed to the Mountain West, at least for now. Chris Petersen is coming off an 11-2 season, but Boise State had few dominant wins as in years past. “We’ve got kind of a young team,” said Petersen.
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Gregoire headed to Nature Valley First Tee Open by Tom Yost | photography by Josh Bishop patrick Gregoire first showed up at The First Tee of San Juan County, N.M., in 2007 with his brother Taylor to give golf a try. Six years later, he is headed to the Nature Valley First Tee Open as one of 81 participants that will be paired with a Champions Tour player in a nationally televised event at the Mecca of public golf courses, pebble Beach Golf Links. “This is the ultimate experience for participants of The First Tee,” said chapter Executive Director Thomas Yost. “patrick is the first participant selected to play The First Tee Open from our chapter and there isn’t a more deserving person that we have worked with. We, as a chapter, are thrilled to have patrick selected for this life-changing experience. He will remember this for the rest of his life.”Gregoire started with The First Tee at the par level at age 11 and worked extremely hard
August 2013
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to improve on his golfing skills. A fire seemed to light in Gregoire that he hadn’t experienced before – like he had found his calling. His hard work eventually paid off in his attempt as a freshman to make his high school golf team. As Gregoire continued to thrive in the environment of golf and life skills, the opportunities began to increase. He has made the A/B Honor Roll multiple times and was selected as one of 100 participants chosen to participate in The First Tee National Life Skills and Leadership Academy in 2011 at Arizona State University. Gregoire’s incredible work ethic, on and off the golf course, has begun to pay off as his scores continue to get lower. He made the varsity team at Piedra Vista High School as a sophomore and junior, and has qualified this summer for the Rocky Mountain Junior Tour Tournament of Champions. “The more I played golf, the more I have loved it,” explained Gregoire. “As I got better and became more competitive, it wasn’t as much fun to me. Golf was more of something I had to do. Recently I have learned to enjoy the game for what it is, and it has become more of a sanctuary for me – somewhere I can go and just relax and forget about all the stresses and worries Gregoire continued page 29
August 2013
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Baseball card collector looking for ‘all things Tim Wallach’ by Tom Yost | photography by Josh Bishop Walk into the house of local Farmington resident Corey Stackhouse and you will find a lovely home filled with pictures of his family and décor that is extremely warm and inviting. Hidden in his closet though, lies evidence of a quest that has been roughly 30 years in the making. Growing up in upstate New York, Stackhouse took to his father’s passion for baseball cards and all things Syracuse University. Stackhouse’s father, Jamie – also a Farmington resident – had a wonderful collection of cards and a particular friend of his would bring cards to Corey every year to get his collection started.
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As he was rummaging through boxes of cards, he noticed a particular player that became the centerpiece of his current collection. “I used to get boxes every year, and in 1983 I was going through cards at my grandmother’s house and my dad pointed out that Tim Wallach had the same name as my younger brother,” explained Stackhouse. “I asked if he was good and my dad looked at his stats on the back of the card for 1982. He had a great year in ’82, had been a number 1 draft pick and I loved the Montreal Expos uniform that he was wearing. At that point, I declared him my favorite player.”
August 2013
So it began – a seemingly benign love affair with a particular Major League Baseball player, the sort that many kids engage in and then forget about as they move on to the next latest and greatest. But not Stackhouse. “When you’re growing up, collecting cards, every kid has ‘a guy,’” said Stackhouse. “Some of my friends were collecting Don Mattingly, some Eric Davis – and I was collecting Wallach’s cards. It was very random, not like he lived down the street or I had met him.”
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As his competitive nature grew, so too did his collection of Wallach baseball cards and memorabilia. “None of Wallach’s cards were ever worth very much, so it was easy to collect a lot of them,” said Stackhouse. “It was cost prohibitive for my friends to collect some of their favorite players because their rookie cards were worth so much. Wallach’s rookie card was only worth $2, so I could collect 10 or more of them.” The quest to gain all things Tim Wallach became much easier as Stackhouse got older, with the advent of eBay and the Internet. “EBay is a great place to find cards and I ended up cleaning out a bunch of vendors of their Wallach stash.” So as his collection has grown to almost 8,500 Wallach cards, the memorabilia has also grown to include game-worn Wallach jerseys when he was with the Montreal Expos, as well as Los Angeles Dodger jerseys – both as a player and a coach. Stackhouse also has such things as game-worn helmets, wristbands, game tickets and magazines/game programs.
“I have an undefined goal of collecting all of Wallach’s cards,” explained Stackhouse. “It keeps me busy and it’s a competition with myself – how many can I get.“ Perhaps the best part of the story is the encounters Stackhouse has had with Wallach. A reporter recently put the two in touch with each other on a conference call after pointing out to Wallach that Stackhouse had a blog regarding collecting all things Tim Wallach. “I got to talk with him for half an hour and fire questions at him, which was very cool,” said Stackhouse. “He was very nice and made it comfortable – because I was scared to death. I had this icon built up in my mind for my entire life.” The ice was officially broken when Stackhouse mentioned their first meeting, unbeknownst to Wallach. “It helped that I said that I had met him once before in a spring training game in Phoenix when he first became the third base coach for the Dodgers,” said Stackhouse. “I was wearing
August 2013
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my Expos jersey and he spotted me from center field, pointed at me and told me he would be back. He disappeared into the dugout and then came right over and signed my jersey. I told him he was my favorite player – but didn’t tell him about the card collection.” “When I told him about that on the phone call, he said he remembered because it was the only time he had seen anybody wearing his Expos jersey in the stands.” The Tim Wallach collection is the obsession that drives Stackhouse to this day, but only makes up about one-quarter of his entire baseball card collection. “My favorite (non-Wallach) card is a 1971 Topps Thurman Munson,” explained Stackhouse. “My most valuable card is a 1954 Bowman Willie Mays.”
what I am looking for are rare items that are 1 of 1 or 1 of 2 in existence,” said Stackhouse. He takes pride in what he has built up in regard to his baseball card collection, but is not consumed solely by baseball cards and all things Wallach. “I enjoy watching sports, especially if it is the New York Yankees or Syracuse basketball/football,” explained Stackhouse. “I also love spending time with my family.” As the eternal quest to find rare memorabilia of his childhood idol continues, Corey Stackhouse will continue to lead a normal life – practicing law, watching sports, doting on his beautiful family – and looking for any reason to open his closet and add to his ever-growing collection
And as his card collection grows, he continues his quest to find the rarest of Wallach memorabilia.
You can help with Corey’s quest to COLLECT THEM ALL at www.timwallach.blogspot.com
“Most of what I don’t have currently and
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August 2013
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Fall Sports
BoysSOCCER
Farmington High school
numbers. The Lady Broncos will be the wild card of the group, last year giving every team fits. Boys’ Predictions: 1. Farmington 2. Piedra Vista 3. Aztec Girls’ Predictions 1. Aztec 2. Farmington 3. Piedra Vista 4. Kirtland
Cross Country Last season the Piedra Vista boys finished with eight runners in the top six spots at the district meet easily pacing them to a title. Although leader of the pack Brandon Levi has graduated, the Panthers will still be strong behind Harrison Fleming, Timberlin Henderson and a deep roster of runners. Last year’s district champion Lady Tigers should be strong again as well, with the return of the Kresl sisters Elana and Jessica. Farmington’s
Photos courtesy Caysee Epaloose, Farmington High school yearbook staff numbers have improved over the past two seasons and Kirtland always has a strong team. Boys’ Predictions: 1. Piedra Vista 2. Kirtland 3. Aztec 4. Farmington
September 13 & 14, 2013 Pinon Hills Golf Course
that they feel would be most fair and effective to schools,” Ryan said. Then, schools have the ability to appeal their classification only if they wish to move to a higher classification.
Play Pebble Beach Golf Links
®
“At our september meeting, we will vote on (which) appeal process that we want used for this, so any district that feels they are not in the place they need to be in 2014, they have a right to appeal,” Ryan said. Along with realignment, NMAA also focuses on students’ participation in athletics and extracurricular activities.
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Four Corners sPoRTs
District play begins at the end of the month. Get out and enjoy the great weather and take in some games
San Juan College Foundation Scholarship Scramble
NMAA
According to the NMAA website, “NMAA encourages students to take part in as many activities as possible during their years in schools. … Coaches are expected to encourage multi-sport participation.” “How much a student participates is really up to the energy and capabilities of the student and the support of their parents,” Ryan said. “We always talk about the reasons for athletics and extracurricular activities are to provide a well-rounded student as they grow through their middle and high school years. This is the way we encourage it. If you limit your talents, you really don’t know how far you can expand or go.”
Girls’ Predictions 1. Aztec 2. Piedra Vista 3. Kirtland Central 4. Farmington
Corporate Sponsors are eligible to win an exciting golf package to Pebble Beach Resorts®.
Corporate Sponsors and teams Two lucky players will are encouraged to call each win two rounds 505-566-3200 or visit of golf at the www.sjcfoundation.org for more information. Glacier Club. All proceeds go to scholarships for San Juan College students.
Pebble Beach®, Pebble Beach Resorts®, Pebble Beach Golf Links®, their respective underlying distinctive images and golf hole designs are trademarks, service marks and trade dress of Pebble Beach Company. Hole No. 7 Pebble Beach Golf Links®. Used by permission. Pebble Beach® photo by Joann Dost.
August 2013
Gregoire of life. A place where I can just escape to.”Nothing, though, would prepare Gregoire for the news that was coming in mid-July, when he found out that he had been selected for Pebble Beach. He couldn’t believe the news.“It is an incredible blessing to have the opportunity to get to play a golf course (Pebble Beach) that I have always dreamed of playing,” said Gregoire. “And to get to play side by side with a senior tour player – it has been hard to get my mind around it. It is just absolutely incredible.” Gregoire has been a model participant in his chapter of The First Tee. He volunteers on a regular basis mentoring younger participants, helping during the state competition for Special Olympics and is extremely active with his church.“Patrick is the epitome of what our curriculum is all about. He incorporates our Nine Core Values in his daily life and has worked hard on his
golf skills to accomplish what he has,” added Yost.And as he continues to reap the benefits of all the hard work and dedication, Gregoire is extremely appreciative of the many opportunities presented to him by The First Tee.“The First Tee opens up so many doors for kids who otherwise wouldn’t have opportunities like this,” commented Gregoire. ‘ “The First Tee has taken me to places I have never dreamed of going.” Places such as Arizona State University, Pebble Beach Golf Links and other, yet to be determined, places. This much is for sure, no matter the path that Patrick Gregoire chooses, the life skills and character values he has cultivated through The First Tee of San Juan County, N.M., will lead him down the path to success.’ “I owe a lot of who I am today to The First Tee,” he said.
Fishing REPORT
The current flows on the San Juan River below Navajo Lake are 546cfs. Fishing has been very good during the morning hours. The hot fly selection for nymph fishing is a size 22 red larvae followed by a size 24 gray or black midge emergers. Dry fly fishing has been picking up with fish rising to terrestrials throughout most of the day. The hot dry fly selection is a size 12 black foam ant, or if you find the fish are eating single midges, try a size 24 gray or black parachute adams.
T.J. Massey San Juan River Outfitters Fishing below the Quality Waters has been fair. Try using night crawlers, salmon eggs, or www.sanjuanriveroutfitters.com gold panther martin lures. 505.486.5347
COLLEGE, WE CAN
HELP YOU GET THERE
Marcia F Phillips AAMS
Financial Advisor 4801 N Butler Suite 7101 Farmington, NM 87401 505-326-7200 www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
schools | teams | church groups | special events
PRIVATE FUNDRAISING DINING
Call our General Manager: 505-326-6222 August 2013
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Bio: Born 1965 in Farmington, N.M. Married to wife, Krickitt, with two children Danny, age 13 and LeeAnn, age 10. CEO of San Juan County and the No. 1
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New York Times Bestselling Author of the book The Vow. Kim and Krickitt also are the subjects of the No. 1 box office movie The Vow. Age: 47
How long have you lived in Farmington and where did you graduate? All but 15 years of my life. High School - Farmington High School Class of 1984. Bachelor’s Degree - Business Administration and Master’s Degree - Human Performance and Education - New Mexico Highlands University Doctorate - Education - Kennedy University
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Where (how) did your passion for baseball start? My dad was avid in baseball as a player and coach. Mom went out on two dates with the Famous MLB Skipper Billy Martin before she married my dad. Baseball, in their eyes, was our destiny. My dad is a baseball icon in the game with a field named after him and he once served on the USA team steering committee to the 1984 Olympic Team at the Los Angeles Games
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Your greatest baseball moment as a player? Every moment playing was the thrill for me – not just one moment – whether it was a great play or a walk off hit. Just playing the game was great. Taught me what a team meant. I also loved the memory of playing with and against my twin brother
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CEO OF SAN JUAN COUNTY
How important is the game to this area?
It is as important as any kind of community activity to which a kid has access. Kids need to be active. It is not just about baseball – although that really is the tradition of San Juan County. Baseball has put this city and county on the map. It is a community steeped into the tradition of being the greatest amateur baseball tournament anywhere.
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Rumor has it that you hired Rex Ryan as a football coach when you were at New Mexico Highlands. What was he like then and did you have any inkling that he would be a head coach in the NFL? Ah Rex Ryan. Yes, Rex worked for Highlands University for a short time. Rex is good for the game. What you see from Rex is what you get. He dabbled in the college ranks as a coach before going into the NFL. Rex was the kind of guy who would study all facets of the game and he wanted to learn all that he could. Highlands University was a stepping stone and he was fun to be around for the time he was there. I hope he does get to the Super Bowl one day. One of these days, if he does, he will get an email from me asking for tickets. What do you want to accomplish as the 7 chairman of the CMWS?
Your greatest baseball moments as a coach? Named NCAA/NAIA Conference Coach of the Year at the College Level. Defeating the Dallas Tigers back to back to advance to the Willie Mays World Series as the head coach of the Farmington Fuel, which is the only time a Farmington team ever achieved that. Finishing runner up in last year’s AABC World series. Watching my 12-year-old throw a perfect game against 14-year-olds was also special.
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KIMCARPENTER
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It is very difficult to improve on something that is already excellent. From someone who works on it year in and out, it is very difficult to see the quality in the tournament because it is steeped in tradition and every year, to those who come, it’s excellent. We always have a dedicated group that makes this tournament the quality it is. New this year is the ticketing and entrance renovation that we just completed, of which I am proud to have been a part. This was made possible by the people and organizations who love the game, both here locally and those from afar. We are adding a new event for 2013. It is called the coaches’ Fungo bat skills challenge. It will coincide with the Home Run Derby on Sunday. This involves coach participation, which is
something new. I also have added a new committee called Public Relations and Information. A booth will be set up in our new retail space to answer questions, sell bricks for the new entrance and provide dining and tourism information. I also want to enhance the World Series via my administration in setting up longevity on committees. This tournament cannot happen without our volunteers and committee heads, and it’s getting tougher every year. The best thing I could do is make subtle improvements administratively via the process and procedures updates and set up good succession planning on committees. I would like to try to raise the money for a new message video board, bring in more vendors, and find a place to set up amusement games and baseball equipment booths for fans and players. This year we will have a bat company set up. Most importantly, I want to find a way in the future to where we can expand the seating area for fans. Getting more people in the stands would be awesome. But it is going to take a bunch of money that will have to come from outside sources. I would have preferred to expand bleachers versus the new entrance, but when you rely on the giving of people and companies, they want something to show for it. One day I hope when we are back to being economically healthy that we can get some legislative money for bleacher expansion like we did the last time.
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What do you want to accomplish as the CEO of San Juan County Government?
I want people to know that they should be comfortable with who they have leading their government. I want to become more and more transparent. We are in a society today where government is frowned upon primarily as it transcends from the federal level and typed down to the local level. However, I also know that this is the level where things get done, and there is no excuse that we cannot move faster and take care of our citizens with quality. Even in the toughest of times.
I would one day like to see a vibrant beauty throughout all of San Juan County, one where our natural resources are not threatened via nitrates in the river. It is for this reason that the county will continue to work hard on getting sewer systems in place in key areas and get people off of failing septic systems. Taking care of our roads and addressing economic development are also an active part of my job. I also want one day to have every vehicle in San Juan County operating off of natural gas. I am actively involved with investors and other entities on seeing this initiative come to a reality. This would be tremendous for the citizens. How have sports helped prepare you for your current 9 position with San Juan County Government? It confirmed to me the life lessons my parents and peers taught me. It taught me the dynamics of a team concept. It taught me that when mistakes get made there are others there to support you and back you up. It also taught me that we can’t win them all. Sports are a major part of my life always has been and will be. Most importantly it re-enforced to me that experience is what you gain from things you don’t want to encounter. There is life after losing!
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How rewarding is it to pass on your vast knowledge of the game of baseball to the youth that you coach?
It is not just about the game, we teach kids how to carry themselves on and off the field. We use real life examples of how to learn what the team concept is. How to get through adversity and how to carry themselves as a leader, a champion – and even when we lose. What is rewarding is to see one of our players achieve in “getting it.” What I mean is when they are taught the rationale or concept of something and they execute it. We teach them the importance of the “listen to learn” method. Most importantly, I want them to learn what I did as a coach that helped them in their life and what they would do differently.
Martin He understands that he can be a positive role model for athletes and that it wasn’t all that long ago where he was in the place of these young players and had a host of positive role models that pushed him and guided him to the player and the person he is today. So this summer, keep an eye on the 49ers website and follow along with Charly’s progress. Like his old team the Seahawks, the 49ers play every year in Phoenix. So, we hope, it will be time again to make the road trip and cheer on one of our own. Of course before all that happen, Martin will have to earn his way onto the 49ers roster. Coach Harbaugh is known for his toughness and work ethic, which should play toward Charly’s strength and give him a shot to be a part of the 49ers. Charly has a reputation for not being outworked, and should he find a way onto the roster it will have been well earned.
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Proving them wrong Lobo tony Snell will head to the Chicago Bulls by J.p. Murrieta | courtesy photos Many doubted him, and former Lobo tony Snell proved them all wrong. I guess you could say leaving school early proved to be the right decision, at least financially, for Snell. the Chicago Bulls made Snell the 20th overall pick in the NBA draft. First round picks get guaranteed contracts, so Snell will stand to make close to $1.2 million each of his first two years in the league. the third and fourth years on rookie contracts are team options. “It’s a blessing,” said Snell. “I thank God every day for giving me the opportunity to put on a Bulls jersey. I’ve been watching the Bulls since I was a kid, and to put on that jersey means a whole lot to me.” Snell will wear number 20. “tony Snell is a guy we’ve had our eye on all year long,” said team general manager Gar Forman. “What we like about tony is he can
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shoot the basketball and has fantastic tools. He’s got great length, with a 7-foot wingspan. He’s a great athlete with a lot of potential to get even better.” “We think he has a chance to come in and contribute next year. We think he has great upside,” added Forman. Snell hopes to come in and make an impact immediately with the help of teammates such as Derek rose. “I expect to learn from the veterans, work as hard as I can, and learn as much as I can,” said Snell.
To Russia with love As expected, UNM’s Alex Kirk is spending part of his summer in russia wearing the red, white and blue. Kirk was selected to play for team USA at the World University Games. He spent five days last week at training camp in Colorado Springs. Kirk is the second Lobo to make a World University Games roster. Kirk’s UNM teammate Cameron Bairstow will play for Australia. the two will square off on thursday. “It’s a huge honor to know that when we go out to russia I’ll have USA on my chest and play against the best foreign players at the collegiate level in the world,” said Kirk. “I m excited to get a shot at a gold medal.” Kirk will log plenty of frequent flier miles over the next month. He went from Albuquerque to Colorado Springs, then straight to russia, and next month he will join his UNM teammates in Australia for a preseason tour.
What does your schedule look like? I think it’s safe to say the New Mexico State men’s basketball non-conference schedule is one of the best lineups they’ve had in a long time. the Aggies released a list of their opponents this week. Along with two games against rivals UtEp and UNM, New Mexico State will play road games at Colorado State, Gonzaga and Arizona. New Mexico State opens the season in Hawaii in a tournament against Western Michigan, tennessee State and host Hawaii. “I am
very pleased with the way the schedule turned out,” said head coach Marvin Menzies. “We set out trying to be as aggressive as possible in the non-conference portion, and put ourselves in the best position possible to reach the postseason. We are going to have a very challenging road schedule, which I think tests our team well, as we establish a strong rpI going into conference play. Everyone in the program wants the opportunity to play against the best teams in the country, and we definitely have that in place this season.”
What a Bear of a selection University of New Mexico golfer James Erkenbeck was named to the All-Nicklaus team. Erkenbeck was one of 24 golfers across the country to earn the award. the All-Nicklaus team was named after Jack Nicklaus, the Golden Bear, and recognizes the top collegiate men’s golfers. Erkenbeck won two tournaments last season and was the Mountain West player of the Year. the senior from San Diego finished his Lobo career with the second lowest career strokes-per-round average in school history – 72.25.
Future Dodger? Albuquerque Isotopes outfielder Chili Buss was named a starter for the triple-A All-Star Game. the game will be played July 17 in reno, Nev. Buss leads the Isotopes in triples (8), home runs (11), rBIs (60) and total bases (139). the 26-year-old was an eighth round pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008.
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Youth baseball season ends This summer 109 teams and 1,400 kids competed by Tom Yost | courtesy photos
Royals - Roberto Clemente league
Rivercats - Willie Mays league
The 2013 Farmington Amateur Baseball Congress, or FABC, summer youth baseball season has come to a close. The season was very successful once again, with youth ages 5 through 18 competing in America’s pastime. This year, there were 109 teams with 1,400 kids, ages 5 to 18, participating. In the 8 and under Roberto Clemente league, the Royals won the city championship defeating the Dukes 26-13. Nick Chavez coached the Royals. In the 9 and under Willie Mays league, the 9U Rivercats won the city championship by a score of 18-8 over the Horned Frogs. John Kuhn coached the Rivercats. Honey Badgers - Pee Wee Reese league In the 10 and under Willie Mays league, the 10U Rivercats won the city championship over the Mean Green. Brad Walls coached the Rivercats. The Mean Green, however, won the regional ďŹ nals over the Farmington Steel and will represent our region by playing in the Willie Mays World Series in Puerto Rico. Kary King coached the Mean Green. In the 11 and 12-year-old Pee Wee Reese league, the Honey Badgers beat Naataanii Red by a score of 12-2. Josh Payne coached the Honey Badgers. The 13 and 14-year-old Sandy Koufax champion was the Sting, coached by Danny Secrest. The Mickey Mantle league champion was the Pack, defeating Cortez 4-3. Vance Aspaas coached the Pack.
Pack - Mickey Mantle league
August 2013
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