Morris' throws triple helps ABQ Academy roll up 86 points in 5A

By Mary Albl for DyeStat

It was banner Saturday for the Albuquerque Academy boys track and field team over the weekend. Led by senior Jackson Morris, who swept the throwing events, Albuquerque Academy tallied up 86 points to win the Class 5A New Mexico State title at the University of New Mexico.

Morris claimed the javelin (195-10), discus (179-0) and shot put (58-6), which was a state record. It was the third straight year Morris has won all three titles.

“We had a great group of senior leaders and scored points where other people couldn’t,” coach Adam Kedge told the Albuquerque Journal. “Jackson has just been phenomenal with nine state titles. Jordan Lesansee and Aric Kedge came up big for us, too.”

Senior distance runner Jordan Lesansee won the 1,600 (4:19.08) and 3,200 (9:31.16), while Aric Kedge claimed the 800 (1:56.13). 

In 5A girls action, a second-place finish in the 4x400 (4:01.55) was what the Alamogordo girls needed to win the team crown, as they narrowly edged out Los Alamos  (67.50). Los Alamos was third in the 4x400 (4:01.71). 

In 6A, Cleveland's Sarah Mackin won the 100 hurdles ( 15.13) and 300 hurdles (44.20) to lead her team to a state championship.  

On the boys side, Jordan Byrd of Manzano swept the 100 (10.58) and 200 (21.31). Zach Marshal of Hobbs cleared 7 feet to win the high jump. 

In 4A action, Shalom Keller of Ruidoso went out in style, as the senior won the girls 100 (12.59), 200 (24.95) and 400 (55.89). St. Michael's Jocelyn Fernandez had the top javelin throw of the meet as she set a state record (140-1).

Team champions

6A - Cleveland boys 59,  Cleveland girls 112

5A - ABQ Academy  boys 86 , Alamogordo girls 68 

4A - Taos boys 67, Hope Christian girls 62

3A - Tucumcari boys 56, Eunice girls 63.5

2A -Hagarman boys 70, Cloudcroft and Logan girls 68 (tied)

1A - Melrose boys 68, Melrose girls 101