D-IV Cross Country: Adriano Joe, Maya Smith & Hopi boys win 25th championship

November 8, 2014 by Andy Morales, AZPreps365


DIVISION IV: CROSS COUNTRY

Saturday, Nov. 8

Phoenix Cave Creek Golf Course

Hopi has won 25 championships in a row
(Andy Morales/AIA365.com)

Keams Canyon Hopi won their 25th championship in a row with a commanding performance (42) over Pinon (104) and Glendale Prep (149).

Even though the team was led by freshman Diome Talaswaima, the runners all felt they competed as a team.

Hopi race announcer Bruce Talawyma was on hand and he explained to the crowd that running was a sort of prayer to the Hopi people. It is a blessing.

Pinon freshman Adriano Joe won the individual title with a time of 16:24.

On the girl's side, Flagstaff Northland Prep freshman Maya Smith won the girl's individual title with a time of 19:25. The school went on to win the team title with three freshmen running.

"It feels great just to run," said Smith. "I tried my hardest and did the best I could."

Northland Prep scored a 37 and they were followed by Scottsdale Prep (139) and Queen Creek American Leadership Academy (159).