The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans track and field team made the trip to Las Vegas on Thursday, March 27, to compete in the Durango High School mid-week meet alongside Amplus Academy, Western High School, and host team Durango. From sprints to distance races, and from hurdles to field events, the Trojans displayed depth, talent, and tenacity across every category.
Leading off with the hurdles, the girls’ 100-meter race featured a powerful performance from Sasha Strain, who placed second in 18.16, followed closely by Diona Nixon in third at 18.63. Miah Rueda (22.05), Kyndra Cardwell (24.30), and Serenity Crisler (28.78) rounded out a strong team showing, gaining valuable experience in a technically demanding event. In the boys’ 110-meter hurdles, Randy Murray secured third in 19.98 while Mariano Ayala posted a solid 21.63. The 300-meter hurdles proved just as productive, with Jayden Crisler earning third in 44.77 and contributions from Ulisses Alvarez, Wesley Cruff, and Joshua Slusher—all clocking in under 51 seconds.
Sprints brought both speed and spirit. In the girls’ 100-meter dash, Rosie Miller took fourth in 13.88, with Diona Nixon close behind in fifth at 13.95. Nala Dalton, Cindal Monahan, and a deep roster of Trojan sprinters including Aliana Zuniga, K’Lynn Butler, Kyndra Cardwell, and Nathalia Arambula demonstrated the program’s commitment to growing its sprint group. On the boys’ side, Ulisses Alvarez (12.23) narrowly edged out Keegan Freeman (12.24) and Angel Ware (12.32) in a fast-paced race where the top five Trojans all clocked sub-13 second times.
The 400-meter dash showcased both explosive and strategic racing. Jules Ondrisko dominated the girls’ race with a 1:03.37 finish to take first, with Payton Weaver and Rosie Miller right behind her in third and fourth. For the boys, senior Ben De Santiago delivered one of the most commanding performances of the meet, crossing the line in 50.68 to win the event. Antonio Veloz was third in 53.11, and Joaquin Flores, Eric Figueroa Renteria, and several others added strong depth to the event.
Mid-distance and distance races revealed the Trojans’ endurance training is paying off. In the girls’ 1600-meter run, Alexis Clouser placed second with a time of 6:38.32, just ahead of teammate Sophie Romero in third (6:40.57). Addi Nelsen, Kaylan Robinson, Alejandra Abarca-Franco, and Keelee Gieni each broke the 7:20 mark, demonstrating strong pack running. The boys’ 1600m followed suit with Hunter Wydick finishing fourth (5:24.94) and Joshua Gent fifth (5:31.93), while teammates like Noah Flores and Ethan Johnson showed continued improvement.
The 800-meter events were equally fruitful. Ondrisko earned her second gold of the meet in 2:42.11, with Clouser placing fourth in 2:55.71. Robinson, Nelsen, and Sarah Brown also contributed solid times. De Santiago pulled off a difficult double by winning the boys’ 800 in 2:13.49, pacing the race with authority. Teammates Eric Figueroa Renteria and Daniel Thompson followed with competitive times under 2:30.
Long-distance strength was on full display in the 3200-meter run. Sophie Romero captured first with a personal record of 14:42.07, and was joined by Alejandra Abarca-Franco, Kaylan Robinson (PR 15:26.79), Savannah Thompson (PR 16:02.60), and Keelee Gieni. On the boys’ side, Joaquin Flores dominated with a time of 11:17.44 to take first, and Joshua Gent secured third in 11:55.48. A total of six Trojans competed in the race, with every runner pushing through the grueling eight-lap event.
In the 200-meter dash, Payton Weaver again led the way for the girls, taking fourth in 28.74. Nearly a dozen of her teammates raced in the event, including consistent contributors like Valery Romero, Cindal Monahan, and Staisha Perry. For the boys, Antonio Veloz (25.33) and Eric Figueroa Renteria (26.41) posted the top times for the Trojans, with several others showing improvement and stamina near the end of the meet.
Field events proved to be a major strength for Pahrump Valley. In shot put, Cailyn Marsh led the girls with a throw of 23’3”, while Hunter Mellinger threw 40’11” to place second in the boys’ competition. Sonny Skinner, Anthony Hunt, and others added depth. In discus, the boys nearly swept the podium with Brenden Thorn and Sonny Skinner taking second and third, respectively, and four more Trojans placing solid marks.
The girls also made a strong showing in discus, with Jemima Chavez finishing third at 56’9” and Nyomi Skinner just behind in fifth. Teammates Cailyn Marsh, Julie Briggs, and others filled out the lineup. In the high jump, Rosie Miller cleared 4’8” to earn third place, followed by Savannah Thompson and Nala Dalton. Aydon Veloz led the boys by placing second with a 5’6” jump, while Joseph Scheer and Wesley Cruff also made the leaderboard.
Pole vault saw two victories for the Trojans, with Kyndra Cardwell earning first for the girls at 6’0”—a new personal record—and Jayden Crisler setting his own PR of 7’6” to win the boys’ event. In the long jump, Savannah Thompson claimed first place at 14’3.5”, while Melanie Carson and Sarah Brown represented the Trojans well. Crisler also took third in the boys’ long jump (18’3.5”), supported by teammates including Brenden Thorn, Daniel Thompson, and Jace Eichner.
Thompson wasn’t done, as she also placed third in the triple jump (30’3”). For the boys, Crisler once again came through with a PR of 41’5” to earn second, with solid efforts from Joseph Scheer, Daniel Thompson, and Jace Eichner rounding out a successful campaign in the jumps.
The meet at Durango High School served as another opportunity for the Trojans to demonstrate the depth and heart of their team. With top finishes, personal records, and full participation from athletes across all event categories, Pahrump Valley’s track and field program continues to grow stronger as the season progresses. Each athlete’s effort contributed to a well-rounded and commendable showing for the Trojans—whether they stood on the podium or pushed toward personal bests. The team now looks ahead to the next meet with momentum and determination.
