Gallup High rebuilds program with four advancing to state

Gallup High wrestling has been down for a few years, but first-year head coach Esco Chavez is trying to build it back to its’ former respected status. The going has been slow, though, as Chavez will admit.

“I had hopes that others (from Gallup High) would get to go to state,” Chavez said. “The individual meet was still pretty fun. It’s a motivational thing as well, a reward for all the hard work these guys put in during the season.”

Only sophomore Brandon James at 106 pounds got the automatic qualification, placing third in Farmington. Senior Kenneth Cheromiah at 126 finished fourth, while senior Miguel...

By 1971, I had finished my enlistment with the U.S. Army just in time for the football season. To fit into my new civilian surroundings, I made a hasty appraisal and analysis of several teams that I would feel comfortable backing as a fan. Everyone seemed to have a favorite, for a multitude of reasons.

Having no previous loyalties, geographically or athletically, I used instead the characteristics of the owners and the potential of the players for my guide.

Family owned – check. Very good defense – check. A reliable running back – check, who also could catch a ball – double check. And a young quarterback too dumb to realize the importance of what he was doing – check. When...

The night of Feb. 4 was a special one for the Gallup girls’ basketball program.  Coach Turner welcomed back players from the 2011 team to honor their achievements and induct Justina Prairie Chief into the Gallup Hall of Fame.

She became the first player to receive this honor, which was previously reserved for coaches. The ceremony occurred at halftime of the game against Miyamura, and the current Bengals welcomed their alumni with a 51-15 lead at the break.

The Gallup dance team also gave an impressive performance at the start of half time, just before the 2011 team strolled onto the court.  Before announcing Prarie Chief’s Hall of Fame honor, Coach Turner had another...

As confusing as the terminology in wrestling are the end-of-season meets. The District Duals Round Robin at Gallup High on Feb. 6 only decided the best team of the five in 1-5A, which is Piedra Vista.

The use of the word “Duals” is a little misleading as each of the five competed against the other four in the daylong process. The meet on Feb. 13 in Farmington will decide which individuals will go on to the state tournament the following weekend.

But it was fun to watch these young warriors of all sizes in one-on-one contact with others of the same build as they maneuvered, grasped, grunted and grappled for the best position possible, trying to avoid the takedown, or...