UNDER THE LIGHTS:: Socorro XC Hits Stride at Desert Twilight Classic

Socorro High School’s cross country program delivered a memorable mid-season performance at the highly competitive Desert Twilight Classic at Toka Sticks Golf Course on Friday Friday.

The Desert Twilight Classic is known for drawing over 250 teams and producing some of the fastest times of the season, saw Socorro runners consistently achieving personal bests across the board in a field of 270 teams this year.

Varsity Girls: Cadol Leads the Way

The Varsity Girls’ 5K race saw stellar front-running from sophomore Abby Cadol, who sliced through the competitive field to secure a remarkable 21st-place finish with a time of 21:25.9.

Following Cadol, the Lady warriors had a one-two punch with Kathleen Johnson (55th, 22:32.6) and Anastasia Zagrai (57th, 22:38.9) finishing just seconds apart. They were followed by Breanne Lucero (106th, 24:06.0) and Kailyn Woods (129th, 25:03.4). who ensured a solid team finish in the crowded standings.

Freshmen Dominate with Four in the Top 30

Perhaps the most exciting result of the night came from the future stars of coach Beth Cadol’s program in the Freshmen race. The Socorro Freshmen team showcased incredible potential by placing four runners inside the top 30.

Makenzie Smith led the charge, delivering a phenomenal 9th-place finish with a strong time of 22:58.9. The freshmen pack followed close behind, proving the team’s depth. Max deVries (19th, 24:49.3), Aria Jacobs (25th, 25:32.6), and Sasha Zagrai (26th, 25:34.8) all earned top 30 hardware. Jordan Harris (54th) and Mia Morales (56th, 28:47.8) rounded out the strong showing.

Leading the varsity boys was Rylan Timmons, who delivered a strong run, finishing 158th and successfully dipping under the 20-minute barrier with a time of 19:54.2.

The rest of the varsity focused on keeping a tight pack to minimize their team score. Timur Aitbayev (186th, 20:32.9) and Riley Sewell (205th, 21:01.9) kept the pressure on, while Liam Demorest (232nd, 22:32.8) and Paul Franklin (244th, 23:35.1) completed the scoring five.

Socorro High School results

Freshmen

9. Makenzie Smith, 22:58.9; 19. Max deVries, 24:49.3; 25. Aria Jacobs, 25:32.6; 26. Sasha Zagrai, 25:34.8; 54. Jordan Harris, 56. Mia Morales, 28:47.8.

Varsity Girls

21. Abby Cadol, 21:25.9; 55. Kathleen Johnson, 22:32.6; 57. Anastasia Zagrai, 22:38.9; 106. Breanne Lucero, 24:06.0; 129. Kailyn Woods, 25:03.4; 169. Estella Candelaria, 26:43.8.

Varsity Boys

158. Rylan Timmons, 19:54.2; 186. Timur Aitbayev, 20:32.9; 205. Riley Sewell, 21:01.9; 232. Liam Demorest, 22:32.8; 244. Paul Franklin, 23:35.1; 246. Peter Edmondson, 23:40.4; 253. Daniel Bowles, 25:05.1.